NORTH VALLEY – Tim Hyslip is the pastor at Baruch HaShem, a Messianic Fellowship on Black Canyon Highway, just north of Happy Valley Road. Because his father’s family is Scotch‑Irish and his mother’s family was assimilated, Hyslip did not grow up in a very traditional Jewish home, but was raised in a family where the Messiah‑ship of Jesus was central to their faith.

Originally from Arizona, Hyslip earned his B.S. in church ministries at Southwestern Assembly of God University in Texas and became a minister with the Assembly of God. After serving five years as a rabbi’s assistant/ associate in a Messianic Jewish congregation in San Antonio, he and his wife Candyce (who is a Jewish believer) came to the Valley to begin Baruch HaSham. The Hyslip’s have three sons: Aaron, Isaac and Josiah.

TDA: What is Messianic Judaism?

TH: It is a biblically based movement of Jews who, after studying the Jewish scriptures, have come to believe that Yeshua is the promised Messiah of Israel. “Yeshua” is the Hebrew name for Jesus and it actually means “salvation.” While we celebrate our faith in Messiah, Jewish believers are encouraged to retain a biblically Jewish identity and Gentile (non‑Jewish) believers partner in a community where the Jewish roots of their faith are deepened and honored.

Christians also believe Jesus is the Messiah. The difference is most of the Christian church is Gentile and seeks to express their faith within that culture, whereas Messianic Jews express their faith with a Jewish frame with Messiah as the center.

TDA: Are there other differences between Messianic and traditional Judaism?

TH: The greatest difference is that we believe that Yeshua (Jesus) is the promised Messiah of Israel, and it is through His atonement that we can have a living, active relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The second greatest difference is that we do not view the Talmud (Rabbinic Jewish oral law) to be an inspired and infallible work that holds thefinal authority for Jewish life.

While these differences are great, our commonalities are even greater. Messianic believers maintain a very Jewish lifestyle. We celebrate and observe the Jewish feasts, Shabbat (Sabbath), and maintain a biblically kosher diet.

TDA: Can you be Jewish and still believe in Jesus?

TH: Absolutely! Believing in the Jewish Messiah of Israel is the most Jewish thing anyone could do. In addition, I would pose this question: What’s not Jewish about believing in Jesus?

Yeshua (Jesus) was raised in Israel by Jewish parents, Yoseph (Joseph) and Miriam (Mary). He lived a completely Jewish lifestyle, attending synagogue and keeping the feasts. He kept Torah (Judaism’s oral and written laws) perfectly and lived a life of service and love.

When looking at biblical evidence, it is impossible to deny the Yeshua as Messiah. The reason that many Jewish people do not see Yeshua as the Messiah today is because of the horrible atrocities that were committed in the name of ‘Christ.’

It is true that there are volumes of stories documenting the persecution of the Jewish people, but if one looks at the teachings of Messiah Yeshua from the Brit Chadashah (New Testament), they will realize that those who committed those heinous crimes were acting with evil intent and not as true followers of Messiah according to the Bible.

TDA: When was your congregation opened?

TH: After having a home group for 11 months, CBH had its grand‑opening service in March 2006.

TDA: How many members are in your congregation?

TH: We usually have around 30 to 45 people in our services. This number fluctuates because we are in the beginning stages of the congregation and we have visiting guests and new families almost every week.

TDA: What is the religious background of your members?

TH: Our members come from various backgrounds. Some were raised in secular, Reformed, Conservative, even Orthodox Jewish homes, while others come from an Evangelical or even Catholic upbringing.

TDA: How fast is the congregation growing?

TH: We are growing at a realistic pace, considering the type of congregation we are. The reason we are growing is because people are seeking to have a closer relationship with their maker. They have come to realize that an individual’s purpose and fullness is not found through religion, but through a personal relationship with God through Messiah Yeshua.

Worldwide, Jewish people are realizing that it’s very biblical to express their faith in Messiah and that, instead of abandoning their Jewishness, their faith in Yeshua is actually the door to fulfilling their destiny as ‘God’s Chosen People.’

TDA: What are your long‑term goals for the congregation?

TH: Our heartfelt vision is to establish networks of city‑wide home fellowship groups called Havurah groups that build the depth of community and discipleship that people so desperately thirst for. We want to continue to build amazing weekly Shabbat services with fabulous worship, an encouraging message and, of course, a time to nosh (eat) and shmooze (fellowship).

TDA: What would you say to people who might be interested in your congregation?

TH: Everyone is welcome to join us. Come and check out a service or special event, enjoy a spiritually uplifting experience, and ask questions. You’ll be welcomed with love, warmth and understanding.

Reach the reporter at barry@thedesertadvocate.com.