Formed in November 1974, many in the early congregation came to the Lord during the Jesus movement in the late '60's - early '70's. In January, 1975 Martin Chernoff and his family move to Philadelphia to shepherd the new congregation. The Chernoff family came to Philadelphia in July of 1975. Early history (before the first synagogue): The people of Beth Yeshua were "wandering Jews" meeting for worship at various places. At a community room in a bank, a Jewish War Veterans meeting space, a nursery facility, the Marriott, the Holiday Inn and finally the Ramara Motor Inn (with an "r" - it was definitely not the Ramada Motor Inn), the Lord prepared the members to learn to rough it prior to moving into their present facility in 1982. Early history (after our first synagogue building): Shortly after the congregation moved into a new building (a former seafood restaurant), some neighbors began to spread rumors that Beth Yeshua was buying up businesses in the area to help fund activities. They also said that those who had day care facilities were trying to "convert" the little children. Finally on Sunday, September 30, 1984, a massive demonstration of 900 to 1000 people was held in front of Beth Yeshua. Rather than "protesting back" the congregation held their service outside in the parking lot accompanied with joyful singing and dancing. This action completely diffused the hostility of most of the people and opened to door to genuine sharing of the Messiah! In 1984 Martin Chernoff went to be with the Lord and his son, David, who had be serving as the Assistant Messianic Rabbi, became Rabbi. Recent History: Beth Yeshua has grown to over 350 members. Approximately 75% of the congregation is Jewish. They have been a strong force in the overall Messianic movement. David Chernoff now serves as Senior Messianic Rabbi and Director of Kesher Ministries International, an organization dedicated to outreach to the Jewish people as well as supporting Messianic synagogues in Israel, England and in other parts of the world. He is a popular conference speaker and has shared at the Messianic Jewish Alliance national convention, as well as Promise Keeper rallies including Stand In The Gap in Washington. Beth Yeshua also runs a full-time Messianic day school, Chalutzim (Pioneer) Academy.The synagogue has also been a pioneer in the area of Messianic music and dance. Joel Chernoff, formerly of Lamb, is a prolific song writer and singer with over 14 albums. Kol Simcha (Hebrew for Sound of Joy), a choral singing group, has been together for twenty-five years and has ministered internationally in Russia, Ukraine, Israel, England, Switzerland, France and Holland. T'chiat Ami (Revival of My People) is a polished dance troupe and gives dance workshops and performances in many churches.