Baruch Haba! Welcome! The congregation was planted in November 1981, by our Rabbi Barney Kasdan and his wife Liz with 17 people at the first Shabbat service. Today we have a weekly service of over 200 people consisting of mostly Jews from various backgrounds (orthodox to secular) as well as non-Jews and intermarried families. Everyone is welcome no matter what background you may be from (Jew or Gentile, believer or seeker). Kehilat Ariel is a community where Jewish followers of Yeshua can enjoy their faith with their God-given heritage and non-Jews can learn more about the Jewish roots of their own faith in Yeshua.
Our Mission
Kehilat Ariel (Congregation of the Lion of G-d) is a synagogue of both Jews and Gentiles who believe that Yeshua (Jesus of Nazareth), is the promised Messiah of the Jewish Scriptures. As a Messianic Jewish Synagogue, we also hold to the essential doctrines of all the Scriptures (both Tenach and New Testament) such as mankind’s need for spiritual redemption and the provision of G-d through the life, death, and resurrection of Yeshua as the Messiah (Isaiah 53, Hebrews 9).
What We Believe
What is distinctive about our group is that while we believe in Yeshua, we also believe in maintaining the inherent Jewish roots of the faith. Hence, we celebrate the Biblical Jewish holy days (i.e. Sukkot, Passover, etc.) as well as many of the customs of our rich Jewish heritage. For us, the Messianic Synagogue is a practical way to express the New Covenant faith within the Jewish cultural framework from where it originated. Please join us for one of our inspiring services!
Our Ministry Leaders
Rabbi Barney Kasdan
Rabbi Barney Kasdan, born and raised in Southern California, has been a believer in Yeshua since 1971 and is the founding Rabbi of Kehilat Ariel Messianic Synagogue since 1981. He holds degrees from Biola University (BA History), Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.) and completed one year of graduate studies at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles. Rabbi Kasdan is ordained through Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC) and has served the denomination in various capacities including as its President from 1998-2002. He has written numerous articles and books on Messianic Judaism and the Jewish background of the New Testament. He is a frequent speaker at various venues but locally in Southern California and internationally.
ROME REMIGIO
Elder/Zakeyn
Rome Remigio, born in Italy and a native of New Jersey, has been a believer in Yeshua since he first visited Kehilat Ariel in 1984. He has been an Elder in KA since 1991, where he has held several positions at KA prior to being an Elder including as Treasurer, Men’s Club Coordinator and Board Member. Currently, he is a leader with the Shabbat morning Parashah discussion His heart is for mentoring men and he hosts a men’s weekly early morning prayer group. Rome served in the US Navy from 1977 to 1986. Elder Rome and his wife Deborah (also a Messianic Jew) reside in San Diego and have three grown children.
FRANK ROSAS
Elder/Zakeyn
Frank Rosas was born in the Jewish neighborhood of Boyle Heights and has been involved in Messianic Judaism since 1979. Over the years, Frank and his wife Marianne have led numerous Torah study groups and Havurot. They have been involved is several messianic synagogues in the West as well as assisting in planting several groups in Mexico and Latin America.
RABBI ELLIOT KLAYMAN
Elder/Zakeyn
Elliot Klayman is a past president of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations and is the current Executive Director of Messianic Literature Outreach, also editing its publication, The Messianic Outreach. He directs the Messianic Jewish Theological School of Jewish Studies, and teaches in that Institute as well as in a number of other messianic schools and forums. Rabbi Elliot sits on Jewish Voice Ministry International’s Board of Directors and several other messianic Boards. Elliot taught Business Law for over 30 years at The Ohio State University. He and his wife Joyce (also a Jewish believer) live in San Diego.
TOVIK LIBERMAN
Elder/Zakeyn
Tovik Liberman is a sabra (native-born Israeli) who served in the IDF in both the 6-Day War (1967) and the Yom Kippur War (1973). He worked in the hotel industry for many years and has always been very involved in the local Jewish communities. He has been involved in numerous Boards over the years and also as a synagogue President for a Reform shul. After a long search, Tovik came to the faith of Yeshua as the Messiah in 2004 and has participated at Kehilat Ariel since that time. Tovik is married to Colleen and together they serve in our synagogue.
MARCO MARTINEZ
Elder/Zakeyn
Marco Martinez was born in Colombia, the son of a Jewish doctor. He is married with three daughters and one son-in-law and has been involved in Messianic Jewish ministry for over 25 years. Marco holds a medical degree from Colombia and is a registered Family Nurse Practitioner with his own practice in San Diego. He plays drums for the KA worship team, is a very active member of Kehilat Ariel and has previously served as a Shamash, in addition to other leadership roles. Marco and his wife lead a chavurah in their home and are actively involved with the Kehilat Ariel Youth.