A Summary of Our History

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Established:
1982

Founders:
Saul & Carol
Karesh

Congregational Leaders:

Rick Sharp
1982-1984

Sherwin Neeter
1985-1986

Ashley Crane
1986-1988

Gary Shansky
1988-present

Affilliations:

UMJC
since 1985

Tikkun
International
since 1986

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In the heart of the Jewish community and located directly behind the present Jewish Community Center, Quail Hollow Road serves as a geographical dividing line between East Memphis businesses and the surrounding neighborhoods. Situated at its crossroads between communities and high-rises sits a secluded structure on a shady lot, the home of B’rit Hadasha Messianic Jewish Synagogue, a congregation which welcomes many who are at a crossroads of faith. From its inception in 1982, its message has been that of the reconciliation of G-d and man through His Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus of Nazareth). B’rit Hadasha honors the entire Bible as a unified scripture and continues ancient and traditional Hebrew forms of worship and prayer, incorporating them into its unique expression of worship. Jewish believers practice their faith without loss of their Jewish identity or heritage, and believers from other backgrounds gain a deepened understanding within a biblical context of the Jewish roots of their faith.

B’rit Hadasha (Hebrew for “New Covenant”) initially began in 1982 as a fellowship in the home of the late Saul Karesh and his wife, Carol, both Jewish believers in Yeshua. The Kareshs retained their Jewish faith and identity and began welcoming people to Shabbat services on Friday evenings. That small gathering became a vital place of worship and community for Jews whose messianic belief in Yeshua was not recognized as a legitimate Jewish expression within modern Judaism. Believers from other backgrounds, who identified with the group's convictions and goals, also joined the small fellowship as news spread by word-of-mouth and through the “Shalom!” advertisements in the Commercial Appeal newspaper. Visitors from other backgrounds did indeed find a living expression of Jewish identity, and a strengthening of faith in the Messiah Yeshua who was (and yet is!) the hope of Israel and the nations.

God brought blessings to this group, and their expanding numbers required a move to the present Quail Hollow location (then actually part of West Massey Road) in early 1983. B’rit Hadasha purchased the property from First Reformed Presbyterian Church (now River Oaks Presbyterian Church in Germantown) and began holding Friday night Shabbat services, which in time were changed to the present Saturday morning format.

Over the years, the people of B'rit Hadasha have been served by several gifted individuals who have led the congregation through periods of growth and transition. The congregation was first led by Rick Sharp, who was at that time a student at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. Rick and his wife Teresa served during a very formative time for the congregation. Also during that time the group connected with Dan Juster of Beth Messiah Congregation in Rockville, MD. For awhile the congregation even ran a messianic day school, Yaldei HaB’rit (Children of the Covenant).

From March 1985 through March 1986 the late Sherwin Neeter from St. Louis, Missouri led the congregation. Along with his wife Linnie, Sherwin was instrumental in bringing B’rit into relationship with the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC) and the larger Messianic movement. Also, Central Church of Memphis, who had consistently supported B’rit from the beginning, continued to provide invaluable counsel to the young group as it grew. Then Dr. Dan Juster (President of the UMJC at that time), who had close ties with original members, oversaw the interim period after Sherwin Neeter.

1986 was the year that Dr. Juster launched the network Tikkun International, and B'rit Hadasha soon became a member. At that time Tikkun helped to bring in Australian Ashley Crane as B'rit's next congregational leader. Ashley and his wife Debbie served the congregation for two years, and it was during Crane's tenure that the City of Memphis purchased a portion of B’rit’s 3-acre property. This land would be used to construct Quail Hollow Road several years later. That providential purchase allowed B’rit Hadasha to be one of the few existing Messianic Jewish congregations owned outright…and debt-free. God had worked mightily to bring this small group to its current home right in the heart of the Memphis Jewish community.

In 1988 B’rit welcomed the arrival of Gary Shansky as Congregational Leader. Rabbi Gary's dynamic preaching and pastoral giftings help shape B'rit Hadasha as a spiritual family. Besides his service to the congregation, he has also been out in the community as well. He frequently has been asked to be a guest speaker across the Mid-South, and has been the face and voice of B'rit Hadasha throughout the area. Over the years, others have also served in various capacities within the congregation. Anne Leviton, for example, served as secretary for nearly fifteen years. Bill Becraft and Allen Raich have served as Elders for many years. The congregation has steadily grown, now requiring additional space. Plans are being implemented to break ground for larger facilities in the future.

B’rit Hadasha is a family of people with diverse backgrounds who love God and the Jewish people. Weekly services are held on Saturday mornings, the Jewish Sabbath day, and incorporate Jewish liturgy, contemporary praise and worship, traditional Torah reading, and Biblical teaching. Shabbat School classes are provided for children, as well as a nursery, and additional classes are offered regularly. The congregation is presently led and overseen by congregational elders and a team of deacons. B’rit is under the direct oversight of Tikkun International, and more broadly by the UMJC. The congregation also serves the larger Memphis community. Qualified teachers speak in area churches particularly on the significance of Biblical feasts days and topics related to Jewish heritage.

B’rit’s people often serve in community volunteer efforts, and the members’ many talents are utilized in a diverse range of activities. The Davidic dance and worship teams perform at community and church-related events. Hebrew classes are offered periodically and a messianic lending library is maintained. The messianic gift shop is the only one of its kind in the area, featuring Judaica, books, and messianic music for sale. The public is also welcomed to annual feasts and celebrations at Brit, including the Passover Seder, which has at times been accompanied by a theatrical presentation. Featured speakers, teachers and musicians visit year-round, and the congregation supports many different ministries and relief efforts both locally, nationally and internationally, especially in Israel. Over the years members have been able to serve elsewhere in these capacities as well. Brit maintains a strongly pro-Israel stance.

Though Brit Hadasha today hardly resembles the small house fellowship of its origin, its very existence is yet a testimony of God’s intent and providence for those who call it home. As the only existing messianic Jewish synagogue in the Memphis area, it proclaims the good news of the Messiah from His original Hebrew context. This Jewish Messiah was and is a light to all nations. At the crossroads of beliefs and cultures, Brit Hadasha stands today as it did from the beginning as a symbol of reconciliation. As the newspaper ad declared 20 years ago in a single word, Brit welcomes all with a heartfelt Shalom!