Educators

MRav Steven Scherger, Semikhah (Rabbinic Ordination) (Rosh Pinah Messianic Congregation), B.A.-History (Ohio State), M.A.-Higher Education (Ohio State), Post Graduate work (Oxford University), Ph.D-ABD Higher Education (Kent State).

MRav Michael Humphrey II, Semikhah (Rabbinic Ordination) (Rosh Pinah Messianic Congregation), B.A.-International Affairs (Malone University), Washington Internship Institute-Embassy & Diplomatic Scholars Program, International Executive M.B.A. (University of Akron), M.A. Religion, Matriculated (Ashland Theological Seminary).

MRav Michael Humphrey, Semikhah (Rabbinic Ordination) (Rosh Pinah Messianic Congregation), Diploma-Institute of Jewish-Christian Studies, B.S.-Accounting (University of Akron), Master of Taxation (University of Akron), Juris Doctor (University of Akron), Executive Management Program (Yale University), Licensed Attorney.

Course Objective

This Yeshiva has educated the congregation on the interplay between Christianity, Judaism and society over the past 2000 years. We have covered the theologies of Christianity and Judaism; as well as defined the sects and factions within each mainstream faith that have aided in deluding the overall mission and vision of Yeshua for His people. Furthermore, we have spent time discussing and learning about the cultures, societal norms and structure of the two faiths, as they have evolved over the centuries. We have emphasized the importance of understanding and using the tools for biblical research -- learning how to apply them for our own personal studies and with our families. Special emphasis has been given to help the congregation learn and integrate a fundamental Messianic belief set with a Jewish lifestyle through group projects, practical examples from current events, issues and real world applications of our faith. Discussions include current and historical research, in order to reveal how the Messianic lifestyle is rapidly changing our global faith. We have finished a study reading What The Rabbis Know About The Messiah by Rachmiel Frydland. Through examining this book and searching the Word of G-d, we learned how to defend our faith to all of those who question the validity of Yeshua the Messiah.

Study Philosophy

Our goal is to make this study as interesting and enjoyable as possible - though to a great extent what one takes away depends greatly on the time you dedicate. As in the “real world” much of our study is focused on teaming to learn and grow. Teams continuously develop teachings, conduct research, and present to the group based upon factual knowledge found in the Scriptures and within the events around the world. Our hope is that once you start coming to the Yeshiva you stay consistent. When necessary, we will provide the materials needed to prepare for each class and each participant is responsible for coming ready to learn. The content of the study comes from a variety of sources, including materials from texts, periodicals, videos, exercises, and group projects.

…Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed… (Isaiah 40:3-5)

Specific Core Objectives

1. Biblical Knowledge

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16)

Biblical knowledge is not just knowing scriptures by memorization for recitation; it is also the ability to understand and translate how the scripture applies to our lives and the lives of others. One goal of this Yeshiva is that the congregation’s Biblical knowledge would continue to grow through studying the people, events, and social issues that have affected the body of Yeshua over the centuries.

2. Foundation Building

And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the temple. (1Kings 5:17)

How an individual contributes to the advancement of the Kingdom of G-d depends upon the strength of his/her spiritual foundation. Ministering the gospel is the purpose of all believers. To appropriately represent Yeshua and His Kingdom our foundation must be built firmly upon the teachings and words of Yeshua that are provided within His scripture. The Yeshiva attempts to further reinforce the congregation’s current spiritual foundation by providing sound doctrine and Biblical based teaching.

3. Spiritual Stability

Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in on spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel (Philippians 1:27).

We as believers must not waver in our faith. Daily we must set examples for the individuals in our families, at our work place and in our communities. With that fact in mind, we must daily be focusing on the higher call and building up our spirit man, in order to preemptively thwart any potential attack from the enemy. As warriors in the Kingdom of G-d we are charged with staying spiritually healthy and fit. The Yeshiva provides a weekly “boot camp” for your spirit to get in shape and stay fit for the battles ahead.