Does Tikvat Israel practice Baptism and Communion?
Yes, but in a Jewish context. Both practices owe their origins to early Jewish tradition. Baptism by immersion is called mikveh and is usually done in a living body of water, such as a stream or river. We have congregational mikvehs at our annual picnic. Communion originates from the Jewish practice of blessing the wine and bread. This is more fully expressed at the Passover Seder. Communions are encouraged to be part of a family’s Shabbat meal on Friday nights. They are occasionally partaken in home groups, and always received as part of the congregation’s Passover Seder in the Spring.
