Ahavat Zion Messianic Synagogue

Let me start off by saying that I’m not Jewish, but I have many Jewish friends, and have been to quite a few synagogues in my time. Coming to the Ahavat Zion Messianic Synagogue was by far the worst experience I’ve ever had at any religious gathering. The minute I walked through the door the head Rabbi Stuart Dauermann made it painfully obvious that he was aware of my not being Jewish based on how I looked. The Rabbi made some snobbish remarks to the congregation that reflected on this. As the service progressed a series of rituals took place involving one of the leaders who would walk around the congregation with the holy texts. Each member would touch the scroll with their hands or prayer shawls as he passed by. I had seen this done many times in previous visits to other synagogues; however, in this particular instance the man carrying the scroll blatantly scurried past me several times over the course of 2 hours. This behavior was not shown to the other members and I couldn’t help but feel an extreme sense of intolerance on his part due to my racial background. The service itself seemed to focus less on moral truths and scriptures and seemed to be centered more on certain social events that would be taking place within the upcoming months. Towards the end of the service Stuart approached me and stated that the service was for Jews only and that he was preparing this particular group for something. Many members of the congregation seemed welcoming and friendly and so I don’t blame them for how my experience unfolded, rather I blame the leaders of this organization who instead of spreading messages of peace, acceptance, and love seem to be spreading prejudice, hate, and a lack of acceptance, through their actions. I strongly encourage members of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds to avoid this establishment at all costs, it is an excruciatingly shameful projection of one’s Judeo Christian beliefs and I faced humiliation and hatred the likes of which are so horrendous that they should never be experienced by anyone.

AZS is a great place for Jewish people to come and see that Yeshua is not only their Messiah but that He is Jewish too! Jews can believe in Him and still be Jews! There are not a lot of us true but we have each other !!. If your Jewish and exploring faith issues some and check us out !