Our synagogue first began as a home fellowship gathering for an Erev Shabbat Torah study in January of 1997. With just three couples meeting, they began asking the God of Israel for guidance in creating a Messianic Community in Pueblo, a place where both Jews and Gentiles could worship together as one.

 

By September of 1997, this fellowship group had grown to more than a dozen families and could no long be held in a home. The Church of the Risen King opened their building to Shammash Ariel for use on Saturdays, so on the first Shabbat of September we began meeting on Saturday mornings for worship and teaching.

 

In late 1997, Shammash Ariel obtained a Torah Scroll and with a minion present, held its first Torah services. At this time it became apparent that the congregation was lacking Hebrew language skills so Hebrew classes soon began. Within the following year, more than 30 people had graduated from various levels of Hebrew studies. In addition, the first Bar/Bat mitzvah’s were celebrated.

 

In February of 1998, Church of the Risen King dissolved as a church; however, one of their last acts of kindness to Shammash Ariel was to give us their building (and their mortgage). Now this young congregation had its first real home. The congregation continued to grow and after just three years at the West 15th St. location, it was decided that the little church building was too small for the congregation, which had grown to 80 people. It then was decided in February of 2000 to sell the little building and construct a new complex. By August of 2000, Shammash Ariel purchased an empty three-acre lot located at 2612 South Prairie Ave. After facing many obstacles and delays and a fifteen-month stay in a rented facility, construction on the new facility was finally completed in October of 2002.

 

Over the last twenty one years Shammash Ariel has continued to grow in many amazing ways! We have live services and Shabbat school on Saturdays, in-person weekly Torah Study classes on Thursdays, on-going Hebrew Classes, and many other opportunities to learn and grow in our faith. Every Thursday night at 6pm  is a live "Wake Up!" broadcast, and every weekday morning Rabbi Marks shares insights during his "Torah Moments" live-stream including a Q&A every Friday. Rabbi Rittenhouse's podcast "Torah Time with Reb Jimmy" discusses many relevant spiritual topics.

 

On Saturday, September 16th, during Rosh HaShannah, Rabbi Marks transferred the mantle of his spiritual authority as lead Rabbi to Rabbi Rittenhouse. They both also received their second ordination (Semikhah) from Rabbi Ken MacNeil, the President of the UMJA (United Messianic Jewish Assemblies), with whom we are now chartered.  We are now poised to enter into the second generation of our faith community. Many exciting changes are on the horizon as Hashem guides us forward into new opportunities. We invite you to join us on this amazing adventure of spiritual growth, discipleship, and fellowship! Shalom in Yeshua!