Many Jewish people with spiritual questions will never step foot in a Christian church. The reasons vary from cultural barriers to historical wounds to simply the fear of being misunderstood. That’s why we’ve created spaces like Café Nachmani in Tel Aviv, where seekers like Avraham,* a young man from an Orthodox background, can explore faith in a welcoming setting that honors their Jewish identity.

The café is one of many third spaces we’ve opened up around the world. Third spaces are welcoming public spaces outside of home (first space) and work (second space) that foster community. We create ministry houses, art galleries, and coffee shops to serve as optimal spaces to nurture Jewish identity and build relationships with local seekers. These are safe spaces to explore spiritual topics that feel off-limits in most Jewish contexts. What’s more, these neutral spaces serve as ideal locations for new church plants to meet.

When Avraham first stepped into Café Nachmani, he felt something was different, and it wasn’t just the excellent coffee or the friendly staff. He couldn’t explain it, but he kept coming back.

Day after day, the café became his sanctuary. He studied, worked, met friends, and lingered. Slowly, deeper conversations began to unfold with the staff. He noticed something unique about them and asked, “Why are you all so different?”

A barista replied, “It’s because we believe in Yeshua.”

Avraham was surprised. But instead of pulling away, he leaned in. He returned with more questions, and our staff welcomed his curiosity.

One day, I sat near Avraham to write. I noticed he was studying psychology. We chatted and discovered we had both attended the same university. When he asked me what I was working on, I replied that I was writing sermons for our Saturday gatherings of Jewish believers in Messiah. He asked if he could read one of them. As he read it, he was captivated. After that, he wanted to read them all. Each message centered on the gospel, and he was struck by how they spoke into life’s deepest questions.

I invited him to Café Bakibbutz, another one of our third spaces in Tel Aviv. When Avraham arrived, he felt that same atmosphere again. I then encouraged him to come out to the Saturday meeting. He resisted, saying he couldn’t possibly enter a Christian church. I smiled and said, “You’re already in the church. This is where we meet.”

It was at that moment, something opened in Avraham’s heart.

Now, he regularly attends community gatherings, engages with other young believers, and has even helped launch study evenings exploring Scripture and Jewish philosophy. He’s begun praying to Yeshua, and his heart is open.

Please pray for Avraham, that he will fully commit his life to Yeshua. And pray for other seekers like him, that in these third spaces, they will not only find community but will also find Messiah.

*Name has been changed to protect privacy.