Joshua Lessard Interview

Praise the Lord for finding another person to interview!  Rabbi Joshua Lessard was born and raised in the Messianic Jewish movement. After serving as a cantor in two Messianic synagogues, he transitioned to a role as a messianic rabbi in 2011 after founding Tree of Life Messianic Fellowship (at the time, Tikvat Ami Messianic Synagogue) in Tallahassee, FL. He holds two degrees in music and a Master's of Divinity in Messianic Jewish Studies from The King's University. In addition to his role as congregational leader, he serves as the president of Tree of Life's K-12 private school and teaches guitar at a school for the arts. He has a passion for teaching and pursuing life in the Spirit. He resides in Tallahassee, FL with his wife and children.

Rabbi Eric Walker Interview

Rabbi Eric Walker serves as Senior Rabbi of Messianic Congregation Beth Hallel in Birmingham, Alabama.  After years of working as a corporate executive Rabbi Eric felt called to become a rabbi and after completing his Yeshiva education he received smicha (ordination) by the International Association of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues (IAMCS).  He started Jewish education at Rodef Shalom in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Temple B'Nai Israel in McKeesport, Pennsylvania.  Before stepping into full time service Rabbi Eric and Lora, his wife, had held various teaching and leadership positions at Messianic Congregation Beth Hallel in Roswell, Georgia. Messianic Congregation Beth Hallel was planted in February of 2007 and quickly grew to become one of the fastest growing and largest synagogues in the USA. Rabbi Eric also is an Honorary Executive of the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America (MJAA), and sits on the Board of Advisors of the Messianic Jewish Israel Fund (MJIF).  Rabbi Walker also authored "Etz Chaim: Lessons from the Tree of Life."   Featuring music of Ted Pearce, Elana Watson, Liberated Wailing Wall and Barry & Batya Segal.  Happy Purim!