25 Years of Congregation Sha'arei Shalom: Celebrating God's Covenant Faithfulness

Twenty-five years of Shabbat services

Congregation Sha'arei Shalom marks 25 years since it began holding public Shabbat services as an organized kehillah kedoshah, a spiritual community established for Jewish followers of Yeshua and for Yeshua-followers from diverse backgrounds drawn to Messianic Jewish life. Rabbi Lerman shared the milestone with the congregation in a letter addressed to the community as Mishpacha, family.

Why this Rosh HaShana matters

Rosh HaShana this year launches the community into the Hebrew year 5787, and the timing gives the anniversary extra weight. Two themes carried by the holiday, Zichronot (remembrance) and Shehecheyanu (gratitude for reaching this moment), frame how the congregation is approaching the milestone. Rabbi Lerman put it simply: to know where the community is going, it helps to recall where it has been.

A year-long celebration, not a single day

Rather than mark the 25th anniversary with one event, Sha'arei Shalom has chosen to make it a theme running through the entire year. The congregation will spend the coming months telling the story of God's covenant faithfulness as it begins what Rabbi Lerman calls its next great run.

A refreshed website on the way

A new season calls for a new look, and the congregation is preparing to launch a refreshed website this winter. The updated site will carry a new layout and structure, and it will include a detailed timeline of the congregation's history with its key milestones. It will also feature a tribute to the shepherds and spiritual leaders who have shaped the synagogue from its founding to the present.

Beyond the history, the new site is meant to reflect the congregation's vision and purpose as a Messianic Jewish synagogue in Cary, NC, offering content that speaks to that mission. Rabbi Lerman singled out Jon Horton for his work building the project.

Looking toward the next generation

The congregation frames this anniversary year as more than a look back. Rabbi Lerman closed his letter to the community by pointing forward, describing this season as a chance to set the tone for the next generation and to carry the congregation's vision into its next stage of growth. He signed off, as is customary, with the blessing "Berachot b'Yeshua."