Chester, Ohio, to Get Area’s First Messianic Jewish Synagogue

Chester will soon host the area’s first Messianic Jewish synagogue, marking a significant milestone for the community. The congregation, known as Tikvat Israel, has been without a permanent place of worship for four decades. The group, which follows Jewish traditions while worshiping Jesus as the Messiah, has long relied on rented facilities in Lyndhurst. Their new home will be the former Prince of Peace Church, now repurposed as their spiritual center.

The congregation, one of approximately 400 Messianic Jewish groups globally, is the only such group on the east side of Cleveland. Members come from Parma, Akron, and as far as Pennsylvania. Services are conducted in English with some Hebrew liturgy, and both the Old and New Testaments are used in worship. Rabbi Eric David Lakatos will lead the congregation as they move their Torah to the newly constructed Ark at the new location.

Tikvat Israel is part of the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America. The synagogue’s new building, located at 9319 Mayfield Road, was originally a Methodist church and has served multiple purposes over the years, including as a senior center. The building fell into disrepair before being purchased by Prince of Peace Church in 1991. The church invested around $150,000 in repairs and upgrades, including new siding, a roof, flooring, kitchen, and HVAC system.

Prince of Peace Pastor Kevin Sowers said his congregation, which is part of an outreach from the Prince of Peace Church in Mentor, has been experiencing declining numbers. The church reached out to several other congregations meeting in schools and other spaces and found Tikvat Israel. The partnership allows Prince of Peace to continue worshipping on Sundays while Tikvat Israel holds services on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.

The move represents a new chapter for both congregations. For Tikvat Israel, it means a permanent home after decades of temporary arrangements. For Prince of Peace, it offers a way to continue their ministry while supporting a community with shared values. The building’s history reflects the evolving needs of the local faith communities, and its new role as a place of worship for Messianic Jews underscores the diverse spiritual landscape in the region.

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