Leadership

Israel Nelson is a second-generation Messianic congregational leader. His parents pioneered the first Messianic congregation in Michigan in 1976 and helped lead a congregation in Long Island (Beth Emanuel) and in Queens, NY (Beth Tefilah) before moving to Israel in 1990. The Nelson family was an active part of the Peniel congregation in Tiberias for many years. Israel was a youth leader, worship leader and translator in the congregation. In 2007, he and his wife, Cindy, and their five children moved to Chandler, Arizona, where they were blessed with another four children (for a total of nine blessings!). Israel and his family became members of Bethel Church in Chandler and Israel served as the executive pastor there for six years before they were asked to help lead Beth Emanuel Messianic Congregation in 2013 where he has served as the Lead Rabbi/Pastor for the last twelve years.

Rick is a pastor at Beth Emanuel, where he focuses on teaching, counseling, and overseeing Kesher Groups, Affinity Groups, and community ministries. He is driven by a lifelong passion for God's Word and a desire to help others grow in their relationship with Yeshua. With over 30 years of pastoral and executive leadership experience, Rick is committed to promoting unity, raising up leaders, and supporting spiritual growth. He and his wife Pam (the most awesome wife in the history of the world ) have been married for 33 years, have four children, nine grandchildren, and a shared love for travel.

Titus serves as one of the elders at Beth Emanuel, where he occasionally shares the Word on Shabbat.
Born and raised in India, Titus came to faith in 2006 and moved to the United States the following year. He earned his master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Syracuse University, where he was actively involved in campus ministry and discipled by a faculty member.
With a heart for the Church, Titus has served in prayer ministry for over 10 years.
He is married to Vijaya, and they are grateful parents to two energetic boys. 

Walter has completed nine years of service at Beth Emanuel, and we are grateful for his dedication and contributions to our congregation. Having pastored in the Vineyard movement for many years, Walter has spent 25 years exploring Messianic Judaism, with a deep passion for biblical studies and Church/Judaism history.
Raised in a pastor’s home, Walter attended Christian schools from second grade through Bible college.  An outspoken Zionist, Walter is passionate about Israel, the Jewish people, and Faithful Remnant Israel.
Walter has taught at three Christian universities, served as academic dean and vice president at two Christian universities, and currently teaches doctoral students at Liberty University in Virginia. During his time at Beth Emanuel, he devoted himself to teaching and discipling believers and supporting Rabbi Israel in ministry.
We sincerely thank Walter for his nine years of faithful service and pray God’s blessings over his future endeavors.