Romans 11:17-24 ESV
But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree.
What Does BZMC Do?
We are a ministry that seeks to reach out to the Jewish people by creating an environment that is welcoming and familiar while also encouraging Jews to continue living as Jews. We strive to teach the bible from its original context and deliver the entire word of G_d in our sermons, d’rashes, and teachings.
We seek to create an awareness of the Jewishness of the scriptures and inspire learning, research, and an overall better understanding of scripture. We hold local events and invite others to participate in the biblical feast events with us here at the Verona Community Center and out in the local community.
Our Community
We highly encourage others in our fellowship to actively involve themselves in the congregation. Community is extremely important to us and we feel that everyone should have a part in this congregational family. All of us at Beit Zayit have a love for people and are passionate about serving the needs of the local community and creating an environment that is nurturing while also educational for Jewish and Gentile congregants.
What’s In A Name?
For thousands of years the olive tree has held the biblical meaning of blessings, fruitfulness, and health. The first occurrence is found in Genesis 8:11 when Noah sent out a dove and it brought back an olive leaf symbolizing hope of dry ground.
Later in Exodus 30:22-30, 40:9-11 we see that the L_rd of Host instructed Moses to make the anointing oil, which was made of olive oil and other specific ingredients. This oil was used to anoint the Tent of Meeting and the other Holy objects inside as well as Aaron and his sons, the priests.
Nehemiah 8:14-16 speaks about the Sukkah, a booth, for the biblical Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot and that olive branches, myrtles, and palms were used to construct them. Psalm 52:10 & 128:3 refers to blessings of fruitfulness and being as a leafy olive tree in the House of G_d. Zechariah 4:3,11,14 and Revelation 11:4 speak about the two olive trees who are the two anointed by G_d, prophesying for 1260 days.
Our name, Beit Zayit (‘House of the Olive Tree’ in Hebrew) comes from Romans 11. The cultivated olive tree is symbolic of Israel. Grafted In wild olive branches represent Gentiles. Together, we are now all part of the same olive tree. When Gentiles put their trust in Yeshua, they can now be given salvation through the Messiah of Israel, taking part with his first fruits, the Jewish people. We are all echad (one) in Yeshua.