Mission
Our mission is to be a Jewish community of Jews and Gentiles growing in discipleship, relationship and sharing Yeshua with the Jewish people.
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 participation in the congregation’s Torah service. This includes reading from the Torah scroll and delivering a d’rash that exposits the week’s parashah.
Worship
Our worship team brings men and women together who have a heart to praise our God and lift up the name of Yeshua through the musical gifts given to them by our heavenly Father. They worship Him in contemporary and traditional liturgical styles of song.
Adult Education
Ohev offers education for adults on Shabbat afternoons, following our oneg (Shabbat lunch). Our Beit Midrash (House of Study) consists of discussing biblical subjects, Messianic Jewish life, and Jewish concepts & practices. We also offer Hebrew language studies and a class dedicated to studying the weekly Torah portion and its complementary readings.
Sisterhood
Ohev’s ladies gather on a monthly basis for a Bible study, and they pray twice per week, every Monday and Friday. They also hold monthly outreaches to bless senior citizens and the homeless. The Sisterhood hosts an annual women’s retreat, and it seeks to bless and comfort people during momentous occasions in their lives.
BROTHERhood
Ohev’s men gather on a monthly basis for breakfast, and weekly for a time of prayer on Wednesday mornings. They host an annual men’s retreat and are working on other service projects to bless our community and those in need.
YOUTH
Ohev’s youth meet every other week after services for fellowship, Bible study, discussion, and prayer. They also gather for events outside of Ohev, participate and serve in projects for the community, and serve in various capacities within the service.
Intercessory Prayer Team
Ohev’s Intercessory Prayer Team is devoted to praying for the needs of the congregation and encouraging a full and healthy prayer life among the congregation’s members. Although most prayer needs are communicated via e-mail and/or text, the team meets for corporate prayer in our building on Monday evenings. One can also participate in the prayer meeting via Zoom.
VISITORS WELCOME
Ohev cares very much for our visitors. Our team is designed to make every one who enters into our building feel welcomed and loved. They make it a point to get to know those who come to our community. For those who express interest, the team will also do follow-up calls to continue conversation, answer any questions, and offer prayer.
Toddler Care
Toddler Care for 18 months to 4 year olds is available during Shabbat services. A good health policy governs a toddler’s admission to the program.
Discipleship/Mentoring
Discipleship is the process of learning the nature of God as exemplified in Yeshua, 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 that serve one Shabbat out of every six. They set up, clean up, serve the Seudat HaAdon (the Lord’s Supper), bring oneg Shabbat food, and do other things that are needed for that day.
d’var chayim Bookstore
D’var Chayim (Word of Life) 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 enhance worship, prayer, and the study of God’s Word. Typical items include books, recorded messages, recorded music, 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 are committed to going out once a month to various places throughout the DC metropolitan area for the purpose of sharing the Besorah (Good News) with Jewish and Gentile passersby, praying for them and handing out Bibles. We also use various events as a means of sharing; typical of these are the Jewish feasts (e.g. Passover, Chanukah and Purim), musical concerts, youth events, etc.