Monday, November 24, 2008

My Community, Beit Hashofar

I am a member of Synagogue Beit Hashofar in Seattle, WA. Our shul is the oldest Messianic Synagogue in the Northwest and is truly paving the way for the future of our movement. Our community formed over forty years ago, originally holding services at 16th and Main here in Seattle. In those days the sign in front of the building read “B’nai Shalom.” The group was comprised of many staunch Zionists and was part of the “Restorationist” movement. It was their belief that the “times of the Gentiles” had ended and that the day had now come for Israel and the Jewish people to reclaim their central position in the world as G-d’s chosen nation and mouthpiece for Mashiach Yeshua.

In 1967 we sold that building to purchase what at that time was an old church building. Today, after so many years and numerous remodeling jobs, the last of which included our new aron kodesh (Torah closet) and bimah (reader’s platform), we have one of the finest small shuls in the area.

Our founder once said that he envisioned a center in the Northwest. That’s exactly what we have become. In addition to our Synagogue’s main structure, we have also recently established The Lichtenstein Memorial Beit Midrash and Guest House located on that the same block. We are currently developing our Youth program and have recently begun providing religious education for children 6yrs-Bar/Bat Mitzvah. We are an open community representing multiple affiliations with diverse attendance. If you’re in the Seattle area, join us for Tuesday Night Torah studies or Shabbat services. To find out more about this amazing place visit www.shofar.org

10 comments:

Rachel Miriam said...

very interesting...........

Rachel Miriam said...

very interesting...........

Tim Layne said...

Thanks for being twice interested Rachel. :)

Miss Serenity said...

That's interesting to hear how Beit Hashofar started. Although I've heard odds and ends, I've never heard the whole story of how the synagogue came to be. Also, it was nice to see something more about yourself posted on your blog. :)

Speaking of you...I noticed you took your 3rd grade picture off your side bar. Oh well, I'm not sure I would keep my 3rd grade picture up either. :)

-Seren

Miss Serenity said...

Hey, I replied back to your comment on the Maidens of Modesty on the Homeschool Comic post.

Thanks!

Rob P said...

Looks great! I will stop by this week :)

sealdairy said...

I WOULD NOT COME BACK TO THIS SYNAGOGUE! REASONS? I CANT EVEN BEGIN TO POST WHAT I THINK,
(LASHON HARA) CANT GO THERE, PLUS THE RABBI DOES NOT EVEN TEACH ABOUT PROPHECY LIKE OUR LORD SAYS TO, I FOUND ANOTHER GREAT SHUL TO SPEND MY SHABBATS.

Roman said...

Thats funny, I found Beit HaShofar to be the dopest shul in the Northwest, I'll get Guerilla and even say the westcoast.
This is a nice Jewish blog, lets keep the comments friendly.
How about those Mariners?

Anonymous said...

I agree this is the dopiest shul around..from the east coast to the west coast...You guys know how to drop some science! Not to mention the people are pretty AWESOME!!!

Unknown said...

There are three messianic synagogues in the Seattle area,I have attended each for one year, and beit hashofar is my favorite . I have been studying Hebrew to deepen my understanding of the Bible . Was invited by a long-term member for a family Pesach and it was the best one of my life. Extensive library and good honest believers. ברחו עליהם