Leadership at Beit Immanuel Congregation
Aleksey Raikhstadt
Senior Pastor
My wife and I were repatriated to Israel from Yakutiya in the far eastern regions of Siberia. We joined the Beit Immanuel community of Messianic Jews in Jaffa-Tel Aviv in 2000. A few years later, I was fully involved in the ministry, serving as an associate pastor with David Lazarus till 2019, when David retired. We have three children born in Israel. I have a Bachelor's and a Master's in Biblical Studies from Israel College of the Bible and a Doctoral degree in Expository preaching from The Master's Seminary LA.
Youth Directors
Youth Ministry
Our youth directors bring a dynamic and fresh approach to leading the youth ministry, offering inspiring and relevant guidance to our Messianic Jewish teens, ages 13-18. With a passion for seeing young people grow in their faith, they provide personal mentoring and spiritual life coaching that is deeply rooted in the Messianic faith. Their commitment to nurturing the spiritual development of our youth has resulted in a strong, faithful community where teens continue to follow Yeshua through the challenges of adolescence.
In addition to regular gatherings for Bible studies and fellowship, the youth directors open their home, creating a welcoming environment for building relationships and deepening faith. They emphasize the importance of giving young people responsibility, encouraging active participation in congregational activities. This hands-on involvement fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens their spiritual growth, equipping them to live out their faith with confidence and purpose.
Children's Director
Children's Ministry
Our children's director leads our children's ministry with a wealth of experience and a heart for nurturing the spiritual growth of our youngest members. Her leadership ensures that our children are raised with a solid foundation in Messianic faith, providing a nurturing and engaging environment for learning about Yeshua. The children's ministry is a place where every child can thrive, grow in their faith, and experience the love and care of a supportive community.
Faith and Life Counseling
Care and Counselling
Our Care and Counseling services are led by a dedicated and skilled team with extensive experience in biblical counseling and family support. With advanced training in counseling and decades of experience working with special needs children, our leadership provides compassionate guidance to individuals and families within the congregation. They also train teachers, parents, and families to work with children on the autism spectrum, creating a supportive community for those with special needs.
Alongside our pastoral team, the leaders of this ministry offer regular prayer support and counseling to widows, single-parent families, and anyone facing life’s challenges. Additionally, they prepare young Messianic couples for marriage, parenthood, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, and other significant life events, fostering a strong foundation for every stage of life.
Home Group Leaders
Community Home Groups
Home Groups are a vital part of life at Beit Immanuel Congregation, providing a place for deeper connection, spiritual growth, and mutual support. These small, intimate gatherings foster an environment where individuals and families can come together to study the Word, pray, and share life experiences in a more personal setting. They are essential in building a sense of community and belonging, offering opportunities for discipleship, accountability, and encouragement.
In Home Groups, participants experience the richness of fellowship as they walk alongside one another in their faith journey. These groups play a key role in strengthening relationships within the congregation, offering a space for individuals to build lasting friendships, support one another through life’s challenges, and celebrate the victories of faith. Home Groups also serve as an important outreach tool, creating a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers to connect with the congregation and experience the love of Yeshua in a small group setting.
By engaging in Home Groups, our members can grow in their relationship with God and each other, living out the teachings of Scripture in a practical, meaningful way. Through these gatherings, we reflect the unity and love that are at the heart of our Messianic faith, strengthening the bonds that hold our community together.
Worship Director
Congregational Worship
Our Worship Director has been an integral part of the worship team at Beit Immanuel Congregation for over 20 years, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep passion for leading the congregation in reverent worship. With a background in singing with music groups prior to coming to faith, she possesses a unique blend of musical expertise and spiritual sensitivity that enriches our worship services.
With a heart to guide others into the presence of God, our Worship Director leads the congregation in dynamic worship that blends contemporary and traditional elements, reflecting our Messianic faith. Our worship team is focused on creating an atmosphere where all can engage in intimate worship, responding to God’s goodness with reverence and joy. With dedication and vision, our Worship Director helps to cultivate an environment where the congregation can experience the power of God's presence and grow in their love for Yeshua.
Prayer Group Leaders
Weekly and Monthly Prayer Meetings
Our prayer group leaders are dedicated individuals who serve with humility, passion, and a heart for God’s people. They guide our men’s, women’s, Hebrew, and Russian prayer meetings, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, heard, and spiritually uplifted. With a deep commitment to intercession, they help focus our prayers on personal needs, congregational concerns, and global issues, fostering a spirit of unity and faith. These leaders encourage and mentor others, inspiring growth in prayer and trust in God’s promises. Through their faithful leadership, they play a vital role in strengthening the spiritual foundation of our community at Beit Immanuel.
