About Us
Baruch Hashem. My name is Emmanuel Tarohocker, the Congregational Leader of Beth Machaseh, which translates to “House of Refuge." We are a Sephardic family serving the Messianic Jewish Community of Southern New Jersey. For those who have never heard of it, Messianic Judaism is a movement of Jews along with righteous non-Jew,s who are Torah-observant, practicing Biblical Judaism. We believe Yeshua (the Hebrew name for Jesus) is the promised Messiah for Israel and the sole path of spiritual salvation for all people. There are estimated to be 350,000* Jews worldwide practicing Messianic Judaism, and with the addition of Gentile believers, the movement is accelerating globally. Now, just as our name suggests, we pride ourselves on being a place of refuge for all people, Jew and Gentile alike. To us, our name is not just a name but our calling, our identity, and our responsibility. We strongly believe in creating a safe, comfortable community to fellowship, worship, and express our faith. We are only able to accomplish this by passionately following two basic (but not exclusive) principles. To Love and to be Transparent. The Torah and Messiah Yeshua both teach that our purpose is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love others as ourselves, and in turn, we can be and will be loved. To achieve this standard, we must be transparent, open, and honest. Since the essence of God is Love, when the community implements these qualities. I believe we truly become a House of Refuge.
-Rabbi Emmanuel Tarohocker
*Kosher Jesus: Messianic Jews in the Holy Land: Sarah Posner
Ministry Leaders
Our leaders are equipped to provide spiritual guidance and direction
through their Jewish heritage, Yeshiva education, Messianic worldview, and experience within modern "worship" culture. Our diverse congregation welcomes people of all backgrounds seeking to follow Torah and Yeshua's instructions.
Congregational Leader
Emmanuel Tarohocker
Rabbi Emmanuel along with his family founded BMMC over 13 years ago. The Rabbi embraces his Sephardic Puerto Rican heritage and presents a bilingual service in Spanish and English. He also enjoys serving on worship team with his musical gifting.
Rebbetzin
Claudia Tarohocker
Claudia was faithful to obey the call of the Spirit in founding BMMC along with her husband. The Rebbetzin successfully oversees ministry groups and provides guidance to the Women's Sisterhood. She throws the ultimate Hanukkah party extravaganza!
Board Member
Debra Richardson Cruse
As an elder, Debra serves in prayer and discipleship ministry for the congregation. A therapist by trade, she provides wise counsel to congregants and leads with compassion. She is currently enrolled in Yeshiva and uses her knowledge to lead the youth and young adults.
Board Member
Ariana Davis
As a member of the Board, Ariana leads a worship ministry and youth education. Her passion for singing and worshiping Hashem in spirit and in truth is one of her many beautiful giftings to bless the congregation.
Board Member
Phil Cuthbertson
Brother Pill is a valued leadership team member, and he dedicates his time as a men's ministry educator. He brings a sense of purpose and drive in encouraging the men of our congregation to seek the will of Hashem.
Board Member
Dennis Jiménez
Brother Dennis leads with strong faith and dedication to service in many key areas, including the bi-weekly Community Outreach Prayer Table, various feast day event decorations, and the beautification of the sanctuary for Hashem.
Ministries
This is your Team section. It's a great place to introduce your team and talk about what makes it special, such as your culture or work philosophy. Don't be afraid to illustrate personality and character to help users connect with your team.
Children's Director
Andrea Bullock
Sister Andrea brings her Special Ed and School Teaching experience to our congregation engaging our little ones in the ways of Torah.
Dance Ministry
Nnena Richardson
Inspiried by Israeli folk dancing as well as Messianic music from across the globe, Nnena infuses joy within the choreography which blesses our services.
Worship Leader
Ariana Davis
Ariana has a passion for singing and worshiping Hashem in spirit and in truth and uses her many giftings to bless the congregation.
Men's Ministry
Phil Cuthbertson
Brother Phil is new to our leadership team and brings a sense of purpose and drive in encouraging the men of our congregation to seek the will of Hashem.
Bar Mitzvah Education
Adoniyah Tarohocker
Apart of The Young Messianic Jewish Alliance, Nai has been leading youth in conferences and is now helping Bnei Mitzvah students reach this milestone!
Intercessory Prayer
Kat and Mal Hofler
As the heads of our Prayer MInistry, sister Kat and brother Mal not only help facilitate the prayer team at BMMC but also hosts a weekly prayer call outside of Shul.
Oneg Ministry
Sarita Prout
Sister Sarita heads our Oneg team with precision and grace. She also helps facilitate the Women's Bible Study and hosts bi-weekly community outreach on Sundays.