How it all started...
Congregation Lion of Judah (CLOJ) was formed in October 1994 and became an independent congregation in 2000 under the umbrella of the American Missionary Fellowship.
In May 2004, COLJ changed its worship meetings from Friday evening to Shabbat morning.
July of 2010, Rabbi Herb Opalek became our Consulting Rabbi. He developed the liturgies we use today. Rabbi Herb was called Home suddenly on April 10, 2011. We treasure the legacy he left us and continue to follow his lead in the expression of Messianic faith.
In 2016, Congregation Lion Judah became a member of the International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues (IAMCS).
In May 2004, COLJ changed its worship meetings from Friday evening to Shabbat morning.
July of 2010, Rabbi Herb Opalek became our Consulting Rabbi. He developed the liturgies we use today. Rabbi Herb was called Home suddenly on April 10, 2011. We treasure the legacy he left us and continue to follow his lead in the expression of Messianic faith.
In 2016, Congregation Lion Judah became a member of the International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues (IAMCS).
History of our torah scroll
Our Congregation's Torah Scroll has an interesting but sketchy history. It originally came from Turkey and is written in Royal Ashkenazi Script dating back to the 1800's.
After being refurbished in New York, CLOJ received the scroll in 1994-5 by way of an orthodox Jew in New York and Fred Rabinowitz, the pastor of CLOJ at the time. It was purchased for $4,500.
After being refurbished in New York, CLOJ received the scroll in 1994-5 by way of an orthodox Jew in New York and Fred Rabinowitz, the pastor of CLOJ at the time. It was purchased for $4,500.
Where we are headed...
Once we realized the Jewish roots of our faith, we embarked on the path of the Messianic movement. At that moment, the texts of the Torah and the prophets became clear and valuable to us.
But the texts of the New Testament also acquired clarity and practical significance. We faced the questions that are discussed in the Epistles of the Apostles. Should a non-Jew be circumcised? Should we cover our heads during prayer? Should we celebrate the holidays of the Bible or continue to adhere to the Christian tradition?
Today, we strive to answer these and other questions. And we invite you to join us on this exciting spiritual journey.
But the texts of the New Testament also acquired clarity and practical significance. We faced the questions that are discussed in the Epistles of the Apostles. Should a non-Jew be circumcised? Should we cover our heads during prayer? Should we celebrate the holidays of the Bible or continue to adhere to the Christian tradition?
Today, we strive to answer these and other questions. And we invite you to join us on this exciting spiritual journey.
