What began as a 1970s living-room Bible study grew into an enduring home for Jewish and Gentile believers.
In 1974 in Fullerton, a Jewish believer separately shared the Good News with Mike Davis and Corey Sylvester, then introduced them after each believed. Mike’s parents and his 83-year-old grandmother soon believed as well. A non-Jewish family living two doors from Mike’s family on Flatbush Avenue in Norwalk lovingly discipled them through informal Friday-night Bible studies. The study opened to others and grew.
On February 24, the open Bible study formally became Temple Aviv Judea, one of the early Messianic Jewish congregations in the United States and the world. Mike Davis became its founding Messianic Rabbi, and Corey Sylvester became its cantor. Their first aim was to obtain a kosher Torah and an ark; the congregation was blessed with two Torah scrolls.
During its first 35 years, the congregation moved from Norwalk to La Mirada, La Palma, Orange, Yorba Linda, and then back to Orange. In 1979, Corey and Hilary were married at TAJ. Through every move, the community continued to celebrate weddings, b’nei mitzvah, funerals, feasts, and weekly Shabbat together.
After Rabbi Mike Davis went home to the Lord in August 2004, Corey Sylvester was licensed and ordained as Messianic Rabbi. The mission continued: reach the lost sheep of Israel, open the doors to Jewish people and the Nations, and embody a community where dividing walls are broken down.
On October 1, after 36 years of moving from place to place, TAJ purchased and moved into a permanent home on busy Commonwealth Avenue near downtown Fullerton. Even obtaining the loan was considered a miracle: the congregation, including its rabbi, was entirely volunteer-led and paid no salaries. It began this chapter with a $1.2 million outstanding loan and a visible home for its mission of love—building a bridge between the Jewish people and the Nations.
After standing in faith for six years, the congregation paid off the building loan in August, during the pandemic. TAJ remembers this milestone as a testimony to G-d’s provision and the faithfulness of the community that sustained its lasting home.
Rabbi Corey is known for teaching with clarity, offering grounded spiritual guidance, and bringing warmth and humor to community life.
Together with his wife, Hilary, he has served Temple Aviv Judea with a deep love for the Lord and for the congregation’s mishpachah.
Connect with Rabbi CoreyTemple Aviv Judea is served by its Messianic Rabbi, elders, shamashim, and deacons.
TAJ’s vision is a thriving Messianic Jewish community center: a place for Torah learning, dialogue about Yeshua, Shabbat dinners, creative arts, and open doors.
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