About Us

Copyright Temple Beit Shem Tov, 2007-2009
Torah Discussion
Who We Are

Temple Beit Shem Tov is a spiritual community dedicated to the service of God in this world. Our synagogue is virtual, that is, we meet to worship and study on the Internet, rather than a building made of stone, glass, wood or steel. Our membership is international in scope and includes people from all kinds of social, economic and religious backgrounds. What holds us together is our common belief in the One True God of Israel and our mutual love, respect and support of each other in our worship, study and work.

Our Roots

We are part of the Sabbatian movement, the largest and most profound expression of Jewish Messianism since the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE and the heroic but tragic Bar Kokhbah Revolt of 132-135 CE. In 1665 Shabtai Zvi (Sabbatai Sevi) announced himself as the long awaited Jewish Messiah, the only such claim ever to be accepted by the majority of the Jewish people throughout the world. On September 16, 1666, in what proved to be the most difficult to understand of many ma’asim zarim (mystical strange actions) performed by the Messiah for purposes of tikkun (spiritual repair), Shabtai Zvi converted to Islam during a meeting with the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire in Constantinople. Most of the Jewish people were unable to comprehend this spiritual action (i.e., they were not yet worthy for the Messiah to establish His kingdom on earth), and viewed his apostasy as a profound betrayal of the Jewish people, Judaism and God, Himself. Rabbinic authorities denounced Sabbatians as heretics, and the movement went underground, where it has remained for four hundred years. Even so, it has had an enormous impact in the world, influencing the development of Hasidism and encouraging the emergence of democracy in the United States, Europe, Turkey and other countries. In 2005, Rebbe Yakov Leib HaKohain, the acknowledged leader of the “Neo-Sabbatian” Donmeh in the western hemisphere announced to his disciples that the time had come for the movement to emerge from its exile and to worship and teach openly.

Our History

On June 4, 2006, Rebbe Yakov Leib HaKohain, through the rite of “the laying on of hands,” granted semicha (ordination as a Minister of God) to Yahoshua Nesher ben Yakov Leib (YaNYaL), to preach, teach and heal. At the same time he commissioned Rebbe YaNYaL to found a new congregation dedicated in part to furthering understanding between the Jewish and Native American communities. On October 3, 2006, Rebbe YaNYaL appointed the initial members of the congregation’s Board of Elders. On October 18, 2006, the State of Washington accepted our Articles of Incorporation as a corporation sole, approving Rebbe YaNYaL’s appointment as Overseer and Trustee of the congregation’s assets. On October 26, 2006, Rebbe YaNYaL sent out the first of his email lectures, and on July 1, 2007, this web site went online.

Our Mission

Our mission is to help restore God and His Name to Their pre-creation state of unity by working toward spiritual perfection in ourselves and in the world.

Our Ministry

We carry out our mission through three ministries – worship, learning and doing.

Our Beliefs

Our Values

God says, “Be holy, for I, the LORD your God, am holy.” (Lev. 2) All of our values as a spiritual community are embodied in this commandment. More specifically, the greatest of the commandments is “Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Deut. 6:5) The second, like unto the first, is “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Lev.19:18) We must never forget these commandments and treat others with love and respect at all times. Even our enemy is a reflection of God and has God in his heart, and if he hates us, we must love him the more in order to make up for the deficiency his hatred brings into the world. Our congregation is a spiritual family, and, in accordance with Lev. 19:16 and 25:17, we do not tolerate lashon hara (evil speech) in our congregation. Nor, in accordance with Lev. 19:11 do we appreciate those who come to us under false pretenses or with hidden agendas in their hearts. Those who cannot embrace and live by these values will be asked to look for a congregation that better suits their nature.

Our Founder and Spiritual Leader (coming soon)


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