About Us
What is Adat Yeshua?
Adat Yeshua is a Messianic Jewish Synagogue. Our Hebrew name means quite simply that we are a congregation — a community — that follows Yeshua.
Yeshua is the name of the Jewish Messiah who was promised, predicted and anticipated by ancient Judaism in the Torah. As our name suggests, our synagogue community is fully Jewish, and Messianic. That means the Judaism we teach is within the parameters and norms outlined by Yeshua in His own teachings, and by those early followers who bequeathed to us their theology and ideas.
Who or what are Messianic Jews?
The Jewish Scriptures detail that, for definitional purposes, a Jewish person is someone who was either born Jewish or who has converted. A Messianic Jew is therefore someone who was either born Jewish or who has converted (prior to embracing Messiah, or subsequently) and who acknowledges that Yeshua was and is the Messiah of Israel. Membership in Adat Yeshua is open to, and will be considered for, all who qualify under this definition.
What do you mean by 'acknowledging Yeshua to be the Messiah'?
The Jewish Scriptures detail in various places that the Messiah would be born in Israel to Jewish parents, grow up in a Jewish family faithful to the God of Israel and the Torah, and would bring redemption and salvation to Israel, and subsequently to the whole world. This Messiah is described not merely as a human historical figure who would bring physical, political and territorial freedom, but as one who would bring a deeper freedom: from sin itself. This he can only achieve by being sinless himself — a pure and unadulterated sacrifice. Only God is sinless, and thus we hold to Yeshua’s deity. To acknowledge Yeshua is to accept his role and place in Jewish history as outlined above.
Is Messianic Judaism a monotheistic faith?
Yes. Judaism and the Torah are clear on this: God is One, unique, and the only God. He has self-identified as the God of Israel, choosing to covenant Himself with a nation, family and people whom He has called — and is still calling — into existence.
What Scriptures do you use in Adat Yeshua?
Our liturgical Bible — the one used for Shabbat and other services — is the Complete Jewish Bible. We hold the Messianic Writings (Matthew through to Revelation) to be a continuation of the Jewish Scriptures, and authoritative. We are respectful and mindful of the historical Rabbinic Writings, but do not approach them as Scripture.
What Jewish worship services do you offer?
Worship covering Shabbat, all the High Holy Days, the minor festivals and monthly Rosh Chodesh — all live-streamed. We also offer Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Chuppah, Brit Milah under medical supervision, weekly Tefillah, Teaching classes, Children’s ministry, Immersions and Funerals. Adat Yeshua is also a training synagogue for Rabbinic Interns and runs regular conversion classes.
UBMS
Part of the Union of British Messianic Synagogues
The synagogue is a member of the Union of British Messianic Synagogues (UBMS). The Union Beth Din also oversees conversions and the development of liturgy and halacha.
For more information on the work of the UBMS, please get in touch and we’ll be glad to point you to it.
At a glance
- A fully Jewish and Messianic synagogue community
- Led by Rabbi Ben Sheldrake and the Synagogue Leadership Team
- Worship every Shabbat and on all High Holy Days
- A registered charity in the UK (no. 4020541)
- A training synagogue for Rabbinic Interns