Shabbat and community life
We gather for Shabbat to pray, worship and study Scripture. These gatherings help people grow in faith, find friends and become part of the community.
Jewish Culture Bern · Messianic community
Together, we’re building a spiritual home in Bern
Jewish Culture Bern brings together Jews, Ukrainians, Swiss people and friends from other nations around faith in Messiah Yeshua and Jewish culture. We pray, study Scripture, celebrate the holidays and care for one another.
Be part of life at Jewish Culture Bern — support our ministry through prayer, volunteering or a donation.
A community grew from small gatherings
In 2022, Oleksandr Ivanenko and his wife Yulia began serving in Bern. People gathered around them seeking spiritual support, friendship and practical help, including refugees from Ukraine, Jewish families and local residents.
Shared prayer and meetings gradually became community life. Ministry teams and opportunities to learn and serve took shape. In cooperation with Vineyard Bern, Jewish Culture Bern developed as a Ukrainian-Jewish Messianic community connecting people across cultures and building relationships with Swiss churches.
More about our community
Oleksandr and Yulia — here from the first gatherings
Oleksandr Ivanenko is the pastor and rabbi of Jewish Culture Bern. He has served in the Messianic movement since 2002, spent more than fifteen years working with teenagers and young people, and helped train youth and prayer leaders.
Since 2022, Oleksandr, Yulia and a team of ministers have been developing the community in Bern. Their shared ministry is rooted in caring for people, prayer and building community life.
How we serve people
Learning and young people
Through the “Path with a Mission” school, youth gatherings and ministry teams, we help people grow in faith and learn to serve others.
Jewish holidays and open gatherings
Music, dance, workshops and celebrations introduce people in Bern to Jewish culture and offer a first opportunity to meet the community.
Prayer and care
We hold prayer gatherings and worship evenings, praying for Switzerland, Israel and Ukraine. Friendship and practical help are part of our life together.
Your involvement helps the ministry continue
Every gathering takes preparation, the time of our ministers and the work of a team. Regular care and resources help the community meet, develop learning opportunities and welcome new people.
Support the life and ministry of the community
A one-time gift or regular support can help us plan the community’s work and continue serving people.
Pray with us
Pray for the people in our community, Oleksandr and Yulia, the ministry team and our work in Bern. Pray for families, young people and those looking for support and a place to belong in a new country.
We also pray for Switzerland, Israel and Ukraine. Get in touch to learn about current prayer needs and ways to join us.
Support through prayerYour time and skills can help the community
If you would like to help, tell us a little about yourself, what you enjoy doing and how much time you can offer. Together we can discuss where your help would be most useful.
VolunteerJoin the ministry of Jewish Culture Bern
Thank you for getting to know our community. If this work speaks to you, choose a way to take part. We would be glad to meet you and continue serving people together.