Ministries
Shabbat School
Ohev Yisrael’s Shabbat School program aims to provide a strong spiritual foundation in scripture, utilizing Messianic Jewish curricula for children from ages three through eighth grade. We provide a warm, nurturing environment by a staff of caring teachers. Instruction in Jewish culture, tradition, and history, as well as a love for the land of Israel are also part of our program.
In addition, we provide classes in Hebrew, leading to Bar/Bat Mitzvah training.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Training
Bar & Bat Mitzvah training is offered in two parts. Pre-B’nei Mitzvah training begins in Ohev’s Shabbat School where Messianic Jewish education and discipleship are emphasized. When the prospective Bar/Bat Mitzvah approaches the traditional age of adult accountability, private tutoring is provided to prepare the boy or girl for his or her future participatory role in the congregation’s Torah service. This includes reading from the Torah scroll, and delivering a d’rash, expositing the day’s parashah.
Biblical Counseling Institute
Ohev Yisrael is in the process of establishing a Biblical Counseling Center to serve the counseling needs of the Northern Virginia Messianic Jewish and Christian communities. We are currently training Biblical Counselors under the oversight and direction of the Biblical Counseling Institute that is located in the District of Columbia. Our counselors who graduate from this two-year program will be eligible to become certified by both Biblical Counseling Institute, and the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Choir
Ohev Yisrael’s choir sings during services on Jewish holidays and other occasions throughout the year. No audition is required, so all who feel inspired should feel free to join and sing praises to the Most High.
Israeli/Davidic Worship Dance
The Davidic Dance ministry at Ohev Yisrael is composed of men, women, and children who dance as an expression of praise and joy to G_d. The dance is based on Israeli dance steps, as well as the original choreography of Messianic Jewish believers. The dances range from slow and devotional to joyful and exuberant. Davidic Dance is an important part of worship service and special celebrations at Ohev Yisrael.
Adult Education
Ohev’s Bet Midrash program is conducted on Shabbat afternoons, following the oneg. It consists of four distinct components – (1) Messianic Jewish Life; (2) Jewish Concepts & Practices; (3) Hebrew Language; (4) Torah Study.
Women’s Bible Study
Our Women’s Bible Study explores the Holy Scriptures from two perspectives – methodically, book by book, and also thematically. Its purpose is to strengthen and encourage our women to grow in biblical knowledge and increase their walk with the Lord. The Bible Study meets the third Wednesday of the month from 7:30-9pm. This study is open to all women.
Sisterhood
Ohev’s ladies gather semi-annually for relationship building, inspirational events, and fun! We plan one outreach to both the Jewish Community and the Christian Community each meeting.
Intercessory Prayer Team
Ohev’s Intercessory Prayer Team is devoted to praying for the needs of the congregation and to encouraging a full and healthy prayer life among all of the congregation’s members. Although most prayer needs are communicated to team members via e-mail, the team meets for corporate prayer on Wednesday at 1:00pm, to which all congregants are invited.
Nursery
Ohev believes young families need time for refreshment. Babysitters are available during Shabbat Services from 10am-1pm to care for newborns through three years of age. There is a private nursing corner and diaper changing facilities, as well as play area. A good health policy governs a child’s admittance to the facility.
Discipleship/Mentoring
Discipleship is the process of learning the nature of God as exemplified in Yeshua the Messiah, and moving toward becoming more like Him. Ohev members are helped in this pursuit through educational offerings, chavurah (small group) experiences, and private mentoring and counseling.
Oz’rim Service Teams
Oz’rim are helpers. Every member is encouraged to join one of the Oz’rim teams which have the privilege to serve one Shabbat out of every six in setting up and cleaning up, serving, bringing the Oneg Shabbat, and anything else that is needed for that day. He is greatest who is the greatest servant, and we invite all to join in the blessing.
D’var Chayim Bookstore
D’var Chayim (Living Word) is Ohev Yisrael’s combination bookstore and gift shop. While relatively small compared to commercial counterparts, it features items of immediate interest to Messianic Jewish worshipers including a wide assortment of traditional Jewish, Messianic Jewish, and Christian resources that will enhance worship, prayer, and the study of God’s Word. Typical items are recorded messages, recorded music, books, and Judaica.
Outreach Planning Group
Messiah Yeshua exhorts us to be light and salt in the world in which we live. We accomplish this through emphasizing personal sharing in one-on-one situations with family, friends, and others brought into our spheres. We also use various events as a means to share the besorah (Good News) of Yeshua such as Jewish Feasts (e.g. Passover, Chanukah and Purim), musical concerts, youth events, etc.
Chavurot
Ohev currently has ten chavurot, sometimes known as “fellowship groups” or “care groups,” that meet midweek in the homes of various Ohev members. Five of the groups are general, and five are specialized; Shomrim and Gibborim Ehmunim specialty is traditional Jewish life, Ha’Aretz specializes in Israel and Israeli concerns, and HaDerech is Ohev’s youth chavurah. In addition, Meshared Ermoza is a Hispanic chavurah that is seeking to fulfill the needs of Ohev Yisrael’s Hispanic community. All chavurot include worship, prayer, and Scripture studies.
Chalutzim (Pioneers)
Potomac, MD
Lead by David and Sharon Waggoner
Tuesdays at 7pm
Contemporary expression and combined with Ahavat Yeshua
Eshet Chayil (Sisterhood) As scheduled twice a year
Ets Chazim (Tree of Life)
Alexandria, VA
Lead by Bruce and Nita Bakaysa
Tuesdays at 7:30pm
Contemporary expression
Gibborim Ehmunim
Woodbridge, VA
Lead by Art and Judy Cohen
Tuesdays at 7:30pm
HaAretz (The Land)
Burke, VA
Lead by Nancy and Larry Rothstein
Monthly on Sundays Focused on the land of Israel
HaDerech (The Way)
Newington, VA (Ohev)
3 Saturdays per month at 7pm
Youth Group – Contemporary expression
Kadima
Manassas, VA
Lead by Bruce and Rickie Simpson
1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 7:30pm
Contemporary expression
Menoah (Refuge)
Fredericksburg, VA
Lead by Jim and Jill Eadie
Thursdays at 6:00pm
Contemporary expression
Meshared Ermoza
Members’ homes
Lead by Ron and Cheryl Zapien
One Saturday per month at 6:30pm
Mishpachah
Clinton, MD
Lead by Rafael and Sylvia Rodriguezs’
1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 7:30pm
Contemporary expression
Shomrim (Guardians)
Lorton, VA
Lead by Scott and Sherry Moore
Tuesdays at 7:30pm
Traditional expression
