Congregation Beth Emanuel

Dan David music international

Amazing spirit filled congregation.

Franchesca Diaz

The Rabbi Vazquez is truly a man after Yaweh heart.

Guille Osorio

Love this place...HaShem reveals Himself to you in a real deep and profound way

Stephono Lomax

I cannot recommend this Synagogue enough! In the sect of Messianic Judaism, which has roots in First Century Nazarene Judaism, there are many different beliefs and interpretations. One of those major differences from one Messianic congregation to another is the relationship between Yeshua (Jesus of Nazareth) and the Rabbinic Sages of blessed memory. Some in Messianic Judaism are hostile towards Rabbinic literature, while others are not. On the topic of authority, some believe it's EITHER Yeshua OR the Rabbinic Sages. Others believe it's BOTH Yeshua AND the Rabbinic Sages that are equally authoritative, however Yeshua is at the top of the authoritative "chain". The question is this: is one willing to filter the teachings of the Sages through that of the Master? Rabbi Vasquez is by far an outlier. Not only does he keep Yeshua at the helm of the teachings, but he also incorporates Rabbinic insights from historical Sages, like Rashi, in order to provide more context to the Torah portion of the week. Albeit, this Rabbi, whom I have deep respect for, doesn't overload the sermons with Rabbinic references. He utters what he is told to utter by Hashem, and nothing more. He is a down-to-earth Rabbi who pulls no punches, yet he will teach you Torah with humility and authority. Not with arrogance or theatrics. And yes, he will crack a joke here and there at the appropriate times 😂. The atmosphere of worship is indeed sincere and pure. One doesn't have to worry about exotic behaviors that "raise the eyebrow" or make one skeptical nor uncomfortable. The atmosphere is one of intimacy and adoration to Hashem, and it also is one of celebration as we prepare for the return of the King. The congregation is also a closely knitted family. I could tell when I first walked in as they greeted me with sincerety. I do want to make something abundantly clear. There are two (2) contexts to the word "Christian" (likewise "Christianity"). The first context is the First Century context while the second is the post-First Century context. "Christianity" in the first context was actually a sect that was A PART of Judaism in the Second Temple period of the Early Common Era. In the book of Acts of the Emissaries (Acts of the Apostles) it was called the "Sect of the Nazarenes." Torah was still taught faithfully and it was lived out faithfully as well. In other words, First Century "Christianity" was NOT a separate religion that functioned antithetically to Judaism (like today), on the contrary, it functioned WITHIN Judaism, although there were still crucial disagreements between Nazarene Judaism and its sister sects. In the Post-First Century context, "Christianity" is a separate religion that functions OUTSIDE of Judaism, yet retains SOME Judaic overtones. This varies from one denomination to another. In some, one could say there are no Judaic overtones at all, but again this varies. It was as early as the Second Century of this common Era that "Christianity" broke away from Judaism to set itself up as an independent alternative, once the sect became more Non-Jewish in terms of its converts. Albeit, this is where Messianic Judaism today comes in. What is called "Messianic Judaism" today is the modern rebirth of a valid sect of Judaism that has long been lost. The sect made a very early appearance in the 18th century, but didn't fully blossom until the 1960s and 70s. Today, you will still get some inconsistencies and echoes of contemporary Christianity, albeit the authentic congregations that are looking to restore First-Century Nazarene Judaism are indeed present. Whether or not people view Messianic Judaism as a valid sect of Judaism today isn't germane to its historical validity. The history speaks for itself. Congregation Beth Emanuel is one of those congregations that is looking to restore Authentic Nazarene Judaism. The congregation is not the organization entitled "Jews for Jesus", although they do stand with Israel's promised Messiah, nor are they a collection of frauds. It is one that seeks to restore an authentic sect 🖖🏿✡