The Olive Tree Messianic Synagogue
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions when they first visit our congregation. We love that! For most of the service, we encourage you to come, sit, observe, and just absorb the culture and experience of our Shacharit (Morning) Service. Whether you come from a church background or are more familiar with a traditional synagogue service, you are likely to find some things that are familiar and other things that are part of a new experience. Either way, you are welcome! Welcome to watch, welcome to join, and welcome to enjoy.
How long is the service?
Doors open at 9:30 AM. We welcome you to familiarize yourself with our congregation before we begin.
The service begins at 10:00 AM. Our service includes a time of musical worship and praise, liturgy, Torah Service, and a teaching.
At 12:30 PM we join together for a potluck lunch (oneg) where we love to get to know our guests.
Our afternoon Bible study (midrash) is held from 1:30-3:30 PM.
You are welcome to attend all or part of the service. When you visit our Messianic Synagogue, feel free to come and go as needed.
What do you believe?
Please see our Statement of Faith.
Is there a class for my kids?
Yes. Children remain with their parents during the service until the time that the message is delivered by our Rabbi or guest speaker (about 11:45-12:30). During the teaching, children will be dismissed for Shabbat School.
In those classes, we use a curriculum that follows the weekly Torah portion. We have classes for children 3-11, and 11 and older. See leadership about Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation (all ages).
We ask that parents please assist their child in using the bathroom before class. Be sure to walk your child to the lesson and, if it is your first time attending, speak with the teacher about filling out a Child Registration Form.
Please note that on certain special occasions, Shabbat School will not be held and children are asked to remain in the sanctuary. When this occurs, special “busy bags” are made available to provide quiet activities to the kids.
May I attend if I’m not Jewish?
Absolutely! We understand that many come from different backgrounds and beliefs. We only encourage you to come and learn what it means to engage with the culture of the Hebrew people. We welcome you to view the section of our Statement of Faith – “Regarding Lineage”. Our God is a God of the whole earth and all nations and tongues may, and will, come to worship before Him.
Is there a dress code?
There is no dress code. You may dress casually or in your “Shabbat Best”, so to speak. We only ask a respectful level of modesty. When you arrive, you may see several attendants with their heads covered. We provide kippot (yarmulkes) and tallits for men as well as scarves for women. You may wear these if you choose, though head coverings are not required.
Are you a church or a synagogue?
Because The Olive Tree Messianic Synagogue is a congregation of believers who worship the God of Israel, we are a church, a synagogue, a congregation, and an assembly, all in one.
The word “church” comes from a Greek word: kyriake, more broadly part of the phrase: kyriakon doma meaning, “The LORD’s House”, with kyrios being “ruler, lord”. It was used to describe houses of Christian worship since 300 AD, though it was less common than using words like “ekklesia” or “basilike”. Each of these are words that describe a gathering place.
Similarly, “synagogue” comes from the Greek words syn, meaning “together” and agein “put in motion, move”. So a synagogue is a “bringing together” – a place to congregate. It is the Greek version of the Hebrew, keneset, meaning “assembly”.
We welcome people from all backgrounds. Our service combines elements of contemporary Christian worship with a traditional Shacharit service.