Our History

Not since the first century have such a large number of Jewish people embraced Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah and Lord. For many Jewish believers, however, a traditional “church” environment proved to be too foreign or simply unable to nurture and sustain their identity as Jews. To serve the unique needs of these Jewish believers, the Lord saw fit to establish what have become known as “Messianic congregations” (sometimes referred to as “Messianic Jewish congregations”). Beth Ariel serves as a spiritual home for Jewish and Gentile believers who share a common faith in Messiah Yeshua. Founded in 1981 by Louis Lapides under the auspices of Ariel Ministries, Beth Ariel started out as a small group of believers committed to one another for the purpose of forming a Messianic congregation in the greater Los Angeles area. Beth Ariel grew over the years — first in West LA and then in Sherman Oaks, but we were able to experience significant growth when we settled in at our current location in Canoga Park. After the resignation of our founding Congregational Leader in 2007 and during the transition into our new building, we were greatly blessed by Messianic Rabbi Larry Feldman of Shuvah Yisrael in Irvine, CA. For three years Larry served as interim Congregational Leader, schlepping up to Canoga Park each week to preach, teach and help the Beth Ariel elders guide the ship. In September of  2010, after an extensive search and an amazing confluence of circumstances, the Lord called Gary Derechinsky (all the way from Maryland) to be Beth Ariel’s permanent shepherd and Congregational Leader.  Gary brings a wealth of biblical and historical scholarship with him and possesses a true shepherd’s heart. He is married to Marilou, his wife of 37 years and they have a son, Joel, who is a graduate of Gordon College. We rejoice in the Lord’s abundant provision in bringing to us such a mature and godly shepherd along with his wonderful partner and helpmate, Marilou. Full speed ahead!