From staff reports
Six years ago, a small group of students desiring to pursue a deep Bible study began by choosing to study the Torah from a Jewish perspective.
The group, which is called Building Foundations in Torah, is led by local residents Keith and Heather Mohnkern. BFIT began to study the first five books of the Bible (the Torah) verse by verse, entertaining deep discussions as they went along.
The group, which still meets regularly, will soon complete its third book, Leviticus.
Torah Club is a ministry of First Fruits of Zion. The mission of First Fruits of Zion is Messianic Jewish teaching for Christians and Jews. They specialize in the study of teaching of Scripture from its historical, linguistic and cultural context. Using the latest scholarship, ancient Jewish sources and extra-biblical literature, they present a Messianic Jewish reading of the Bible and early Jewish Christianity.
Current area Torah Clubs have grown to eight groups that meet in homes, churches and the BFIT facility located in Franklin.
BFIT serves as a local 501(c3) umbrella organization that oversees the Messianic community of all the clubs of approximately 50-plus students and offers educational events such as gatherings to celebrate Jewish festivals with dinners and fellowship gatherings.
Groups are available in Oil City, Franklin, Dempseytown, Emlenton, Fertigs, and Meadville.
Students wishing to join can find a club near them by entering their ZIP code at www.torahclub.ffoz.org.
Students join with a yearly membership fee and prepare for a two-hour weekly class with provided curriculum. Students are not required to convert to Judaism but instead to appreciate the Jewishness of the Messiah Jesus Christ and the richness of the Scriptures.
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