We are a small group of Torah-submissive families in the Central Arkansas area that have been meeting informally in homes for the past five years or so. The common denominator that has brought us together as a community is a common love for Yeshua (Jesus) of Nazareth and the Torah of Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses). We believe in strong family and community relationships, and that the mitzvot (commandments) of both the Torah and the Master (Yeshua) are applicable to our every day lives.

Most of us have had a love for Yeshua since childhood, but only in the last several years come to have a passion for Torah and the life contained therein. It is this newly-found love for Torah that has been the driving force behind our fellowship—hence, our recently acquired name “Simchat Torah of Arkansas.” Simchat Torah means the “Joy of the Torah.” It is this newly found joy of the eternal Torah of G-d that has been a banner under which we have found freedom and security.

The Talmud speaks of the liberty found within the Torah as follows:

R. Elazar said further: It is written [Exod. 32:16]: ‘Engraved upon the tablets…’ Do not read “engraved (Charut) upon the tablets” but “liberty (Cheirut) upon the tablets” (b.Eruvin 54a).

James, the brother of our Master Yeshua confirms this thought by saying,

“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the Torah of Liberty” (James 2:12).

It is this liberty that we have found, and this liberty that further clarifies the work of our Messiah.

Over the years we have been in a constant state of learning, growing, changing, maturing, & building lifelong relationships. Yet we have only scratched the surface of the depth of Torah, and understanding the redemptive work of our Messiah. We have been continually challenged in our understanding and the ways in which we live out our faith.

Through the years we have faced many challenges, joys and disappointments. Through them all we have been held together with the bonds of love and the faithfulness of Hashem (G-d).

Some of our core values are as follows:

• The Torah is the foundation for all truth and subsequent revelation from our Creator.
• Yeshua is the Messiah the Hebrew Scriptures, Preserver of Israel, Defender of Judah, Banner for the Nations, and through him we (as non-Jews) have been invited to participate in the covenants given exclusively to the family of Israel.
• We have a great need to build strong families capable of transferring the values of Messiah & Torah to the next generation.
• We glean from rabbinic tradition & insights to shed light on the practical application of Scripture.

Our typical service is scheduled something like this:

9:30a - Prayer (from the Siddur)
10:30a - Torah Reading (as well as the Prophets & Gospels)
12:30p* - Potluck Lunch**
1:30p* - Praise, Prayer Requests & Music
2:15p* - Children’s story/discussion
2:30p* - Drash (teaching)

*All times after the Torah reading are approximate and will be based on when the reading is complete.
**Please review our food guidelines if you have any questions about food.

Be sure to study this week’s Torah Portion to enjoy participation in discussion & help your children be prepared to answer questions for rewards.

Usually, we wrap up around 3:30 or so. In the winter months we start later and wrap up around 5:30 or 6:00pm and hang around to fellowship or do Havdalah together.

If you have specific questions about our services, please contact us.