Introduction / History

The Jews of Europe arrived on the continent at least 2,000 years ago during the early days of the Roman Empire. Since then, they have been a significant influence in the history and culture of Europe. Much of what is considered "Jewish" today finds its roots among the European Jews.


Luxembourg is a tiny country adjacent to Germany. Jews started arriving there in the 1200s. They were often blamed and even killed because of the devastating Bubonic Plague that took a huge toll on human life that century. Jews didn't build their first synagogue in Luxembourg until 1894. That building was destroyed by the Nazis during WWII but re-built along with another synagogue in the early 1950s.


Most German-speaking Jews live in Luxembourg City. There is a smaller community in Esch-sur-Alzette.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Teaching the very young is a high Jewish priority, so they have a kindergarten. There is also a Jewish youth movement. Though their population is small, there are more Jews in Luxembourg than there were before the Holocaust. The Jewish community is thriving in the 21st century.


There are also synagogues and freedom of religious beliefs in Luxembourg. Their synagogue in Luxembourg City is Orthodox, and the one in Esch-sur-Alzette teaches reformed Judaism.

What Are Their Beliefs?

For religious Jews, God is the Supreme Being, the Creator of the universe, and the ultimate judge of human affairs. Beyond this, the religious beliefs of the Jewish communities vary greatly. Orthodox Jews generally follow the traditional religious beliefs and practices found in the Jewish literature that interprets Scripture regarding ethical, religious, civil, and criminal matters.


Reform Jews do not believe that the Jewish Law is divinely revealed. They are not restricted to kosher foods. They neither wear the skullcap (yarmulke) when praying nor use Hebrew in prayer. All religious Jews believe in the coming of a Messianic Age, but only the Orthodox Jews look for a personal Messiah.


Many Jewish people today retain cultural Judaism, but they have rejected the spiritual elements taught in the Old Testament. They might participate in cultural events and even religious ceremonies, but they are either secular or New Age in their spiritual lives.

What Are Their Needs?

Jewish people have a wonderful understanding of their connection with the Abrahamic Covenant. However, they also have a history of rejecting Jesus Christ as Messiah, the one who has fulfilled that covenant. They tend to view Christianity as the religion of their oppressors rather than the fulfillment of what God promised all of humanity through Abraham centuries ago.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to give the Jewish people in Luxembourg hearts that will want to please him. May they look to the Lord for guidance and truth, and not be satisfied with cultural traditions.


Pray for Jewish people in Luxembourg to begin a movement to Jesus Christ, finding ways to exalt him while honoring their culture.


Pray for the Lord to move among Jewish leaders in Luxembourg to open the doors to Christ's ambassadors.

Scripture Prayers for the Jewish, German in Luxembourg.