Two decades ago, Allen Burner and his late wife Jacqueline visited Staunton during a day trip and mentioned that they would really like to live there. Allen's job promotion took them to New Bern, North Carolina for a year. Returning to the Valley in 2005, Allen and Jackie lived in Bridgewater for two years. Jackie then got a lateral move to another bank branch in Staunton.

 

Coincidence? The couple didn't think so. Quickly buying a house and moving in 2008, they have lived in Staunton ever since. Allen says, "We truly believe G_d has a purpose and a plan for us in Staunton and He knew the desires of our hearts.

 

Several years ago we became interested in the Messianic movement. After taking a foundational course called Hayesod, we knew in what direction God was leading us, to continue studying the Jewishness of Yeshua (Jesus). Our desire is to guide and direct others to the important life instructions and relevant to today directions found in the Torah and to unveil the shadows of the Messiah throughout His Holy scriptures."

 

Allen is currently facilitating the BZMC Torah Club and enjoys leading folks into meaningful worship and sharing teaching duties during services with the other elders.

Bruce, his wife Samantha, and their four children live, work, and play in Shenandoah County. Bruce and Samantha are Messianic Gentiles who first heard the call of the Messianic life in 2008 while living in Macon Georgia.

 

“We have moved several times over the years and have been part of large congregations, small congregations, home congregations, and no congregation.  We are so thankful to now be a part of Beit Zayit.  I believe Hashem is doing a great work in each of us individually and as a congregation. Whatever your background, being Messianic is a tough path. Being part of Beit Zayit has renewed our faith, strengthened our resolve and given us hope that the next generation will carry on the faith.”

 

Bruce and the whole Dotson family have a willingness to do what ever it takes to make the ministry successful, from setting up and tearing down chairs, furniture and sound equipment to ministering to needs of congregation members and visitors. Bruce shares teaching responsibilities with the other elders and Samantha is a gifted worshipper on the praise team.

Garrett Snider was born in Waynesboro Virginia and raised by a loving Yeshua-centered family. He has been involved in Messianic Judaism since Passover of 2006, studying the origins of faith, how the Messiah lived, and how the bible perfectly connects from start to finish. He enjoys blessing others by sharing what he has learned while pursuing a life of continued discipleship and study. Garrett also serves as the Lay Cantor for our congregation

Six years before this congregation formed, Hashem placed on Garrett’s heart a strong desire to form, here in the Shenandoah Valley, a place where Jewish people could worship together, while maintaining their Jewish identity.

After a trip to Israel in 2018, his connection and love for the Jewish people deepened. Several months later, his prayers were answered and Hashem lead Garrett to others in the valley who shared this same strong heart for the Jewish people and love of G_d's Word. These meetings at the Burner's house for Torah study were the beginnings of BZMC.

Garrett enjoys studying the Torah and reciting traditional Jewish liturgy. He has compiled a transliterated Siddur for non-Hebrew speakers that we use for services. He also enjoys traditional Jewish dance and Davidic dance, singing, biblical Hebrew, and teaching. His biggest passion is connecting with others in the community and beyond, from the Jewish and the Christian world.

"I want everyone who comes in the door to be changed, meeting with G_d and experiencing His presence, His love, His Word, and His power to transform lives. For the Messiah of Israel and Redeemer of the world, Yeshua, to be known and for Jewish people to see a Jewish expression of worship in our services while being a place they can continue living a fully Jewish life with Yeshua "

Garrett’s wife Esther enjoys teaching Davidic dance to the congregation and has been dancing since childhood. Esther has a real passion for writing and sharing good stories with friends and family. She enjoys spending time with animals and being able to go visit the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains close to their house. Garrett and Esther are blessed to have a daughter, Eliana. She loves joining her friends on Shabbat!