SHABBAT SERVICE · SATURDAYS 10:00 AM
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Sha'arei Shalom logoSHA'AREI SHALOMA Messianic Jewish Synagogue
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Plan Your Visit

We enjoy welcoming first-time visitors into our Shabbat services every week. Whether you're Jewish, married into a Jewish family, or simply curious about Messianic Judaism—you're welcome here, exactly as you are.

Get DirectionsWhat is Messianic Judaism?
The Sha'arei Shalom building exterior
Saturdays
10:00 AM
~2 hours
Oneg follows
Everyone
is welcome
Your First Shabbat

The morning at a glance

Everything we pray and sing is projected in Hebrew, English, and transliteration—follow along and participate regardless of your background or familiarity with Hebrew.

Morning Blessings
Opening prayers of gratitude
Verses of Song
Psalms and songs of praise
Shema
Israel's central declaration of faith
Amidah
The standing prayer
Torah Service
Readings from the weekly parashah. As the scroll is carried past, many touch its mantle, then kiss their Bible or siddur.
Drash
The message—teaching from Scripture
Closing Prayers
Blessings to send us out
Common Questions

Know before you come

In the foyer you'll find flyers for upcoming events, and kippot (head coverings) are available for men—worn as a reminder that G-d is above us. Greeters will meet you in the lobby and help you find your way.

Inside the Sha'arei Shalom sanctuary
The worship band leading music on Shabbat
What should I wear?
Dress is casual, and you'll see plenty of variety in what people wear. Come comfortable—you'll fit right in.
I'm not Jewish. Will I be welcome?
Yes. We're a community of devoted Jews together with families, friends, and allies from the nations. Many who worship with us are not Jewish, and nobody will ask you to be anything other than who you are.
Do I need to know Hebrew?
No. Everything we pray and sing is projected in Hebrew, English, and transliteration, so you can follow along and join in from your first visit.
Will I be put on the spot?
Never. Participate in the singing and prayers at whatever level you're comfortable—there's no pressure to do everything. We stand at several points; the cues are clear, and bowing is traditional but entirely optional.
What about the dancing?
Israeli folk dancing sometimes breaks out during worship—join in if you know the steps, or simply enjoy watching. One request: please leave tambourines and shofars at home; our worship team leads the music.
What is the Mourner's Kaddish?
Near the end of the service we recite the Kaddish together, honoring those we have lost. The prayer never mentions death or sadness; it is packed with words that exalt G-d. Stand with us if you wish, or remain seated.
Can my kids sit with me?
Yes. Children ages 4–11 begin the service with their families, come forward for a short teaching called Parshah Partners, then head to Jr. Shabbat around 11:15 AM. The nursery is open from 9:45 AM for ages 0–3.
How long is the service, and what happens after?
About two hours, from 10:00 AM to around noon. Then we stay for oneg—light refreshments and conversation. It's the easiest way to meet people, and we'd love to meet you.
Can I watch online first?
Yes. The service is livestreamed every Shabbat, and past teachings are archived, so you can get a feel for the morning before you come.
Watch online →
Words You'll Hear

A few Hebrew words come up every Shabbat. See the full glossary.

Shabbat
The Sabbath, Friday sundown to Saturday night
Siddur
The prayer book
Bimah
The platform where the Torah is read
Torah
The first five books of the Bible
Drash
The teaching, or sermon
Oneg
Refreshments and fellowship after the service
Families

Bringing kids?

Nursery · ages 0–3
Open from 9:45 AM for little ones, so parents can worship with peace of mind.

About the Nursery →

Jr. Shabbat · ages 4–11
Children join the main service with their families, come forward for Parshah Partners—a short, interactive look at the week's Torah portion—then are dismissed around 11:15 AM for age-appropriate classes.

About Jr. Shabbat →

Older kids & teens
Dorot, our youth program, carries young people from Jr. Shabbat through B'nai Mitzvah and Confirmation. Children at Sha'arei →
After the Service

Stay for oneg

After the service ends, we gather for oneg (the word means “delight”)—a time to schmooze, enjoy some light refreshments, and get to know people. It's the easiest way to meet the community, and we'd love to meet you. Before you leave, sign up for the weekly eNews to stay in the loop.

Sign up for the eNews →
Celebrating with the Torah during a Shabbat service

New to Messianic Judaism?

We're a community of devoted Jews, together with families, friends, and allies from the nations, living out contemporary Jewish life and following Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah. If that raises questions, good—we've written more to introduce you to Messianic Judaism.

Read: What is Messianic Judaism?Who We Are