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Conservative in-depth Bible teaching from a Hebraic perspective.
— For a list of sermons, click here.
We meet weekly on Shabbat mornings to worship the Lord, to study His word, and to grow closer to God and closer to one another as a family.
Hebrews 4:12 says: "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." We believe that the scriptures, both Tanakh and the B’rit Chadashah, represent the Word of God in entirety and it all points to our Messiah!
We seek to learn the Scriptures from a Hebraic Perspective, since "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2nd Timothy 3:16-7).
Defending the Faith Series - 2004
"Sanctify Messiah as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;" 1st Peter 3:15 (New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update)
Why do we trust that the Bible is the Word of God? What do we mean by the phrase "The Bible is the Inspired Word of God?" How did we receive the scriptures, which were written thousands of years ago? Weren't the Bible prophecies about the Messiah written after His coming? Isn't science incompatible with the Scriptures?
Answers to these questions and more will be addressed in our summer series "Defending the Faith." It will be a time of demonstrating how you can have confidence that God's Word is trustworthy. Watch your faith grow!
Messianic Jewish Worship
The early followers of Yeshua were almost exclusively Jewish. Over the years that followed, however, the presentation and practices of the believing community migrated away from their roots to the point that, today, the Jewish origins of this faith are unrecognizable. We seek to restore the Jewishness of this presentation and these practices for two reasons:
(1) Because many of us are, in fact, Jewish and understand that one does not lose their heritage just because they acknowledge that Yeshua is the Messiah.
(2) So that the world around us, especially the Jewish community, might come to the realization that believing in Him is indeed a very Jewish thing to do.
Davidic Dancing
"Then it happened as the ark of the Lord came into the city of David that Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord" (2nd Samuel 6:14).
"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing; Thou hast loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness; That my soul may sing praise to Thee,and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to Thee forever" (Psalm 30:11-12).
Ben David practices congregational dance worship during Shabbat Services. All are welcome to participate to worship the Lord in the dance.
Dance instruction for all ages is available!
Jewish Holiday Observances
Ben David observes all Biblical Feasts (Leviticus 23):
- Weekly Shabbat Services
- Passover (Pesach) /Feast of Unleavened Bread (Hag HaMatzoth) /Feast of First Fruits (Hag HaBikkurim)
- Feast of Weeks (Shavuot)
- Feast of Trumpets (Rosh HaShanah)
- Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
- Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)
Along with a celebration of:
- Rejoicing in the Torah (Simchat Torah)
- Purim
- Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah)- Day of Remembrance (Yom HaShoah)- Israeli Independence Day (Yom Ha'atzma'ut)
Beginning Hebrew
We are blessed to be able to offer from time to time a Beginning Hebrew. This class will teach students to read and understand basic Hebrew. If your interest is in Biblical Hebrew, this is a good class, because it will give you the fundamentals of Hebrew reading, grammar, and vocabulary.
Classes meet on Shabbat after the Oneg at approximately 1:30 pm. So, come to the service, grab a bite to eat at the Oneg, and then head off to learn Hebrew!
Children are welcome to attend and participate if they can sit through the class (no childcare is provided). All class materials are included in the tuition.
Learning Hebrew will enhance your life. You will be able to read the Torah in Hebrew, which will enhance your Bible study, you will be able to participate in a liturgical service, you will gain an understanding of Hebrew customs, and you will be able to sing along to Hebrew worship songs.
Edifying youth Shabbat School
Children are invited to participate in worship, and have separate instruction during the Message.
Learning is reinforced with:
- Teaching from the Bible with a Messianic curriculum- Scripture memory verses- Active participation in holiday activities- Davidic DanceCalifornia-certified teachers oversee all instruction.
An Active Prayer Ministry
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the believers." Ephesians 6:18.
At Ben David, we recognize the centrality of communication with G-d, therefore we maintain an active and dynamic prayer ministry with weekly updates on all prayer requests as well as mid-week telephone and e-mail connections. We believe that no situation is too big or too small to bring before the Lord and "the earnest prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16.