Roy Schwarcz

Roy Schwarcz was born and raised in New York City. His mother and her family escaped Berlin during the rise of Nazi persecution, and Roy grew up deeply connected to his Jewish heritage. At the age of thirteen, he celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in the Orthodox tradition.

While traveling across the United States as a young man, Roy encountered Christians whose genuine love and compassion reflected the character of the God of Israel. Through their witness, he was introduced to the message that Jesus, Yeshua, is the promised Messiah of Israel. As they opened the Jewish Scriptures with him, Roy came to see how the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings point to the Messiah. Through prayer and thoughtful conversation, he placed his trust in Yeshua as his Messiah.

Since coming to faith, Roy has devoted his life to Jewish ministry and gospel outreach. He has served on college campuses, led home Bible studies, and helped plant Messianic congregations in the Chicago area and in Toronto, Ontario. Today, his primary ministry focus is in the Chicago region, where he leads Beth Sar Shalom, a monthly Messianic Jewish fellowship that meets at Moody Church. Through teaching, worship, and outreach, Beth Sar Shalom seeks to proclaim the Messiah to the Jewish community and to equip believers with a deeper understanding of the Jewish roots of the faith.

Roy also works in close partnership with the Olive Tree Congregation in the Chicago suburbs, the first congregation he planted with Chosen People Ministries and through which he was ordained. This partnership reflects his ongoing commitment to strengthening congregational life, mentoring leaders, and fostering healthy expressions of Messianic community.

Roy also is leading a team to establish a work in the Bay area beginning in the City of San Francisco.

Roy leads a weekly interactive zoom class every Wednesday evening in Isaiah for any interested in learning how Old and New Covenants fit together.  The notes for Isaiah and other studies are available at Royschwarcz.org.