Jewish, Marathi-speaking in United States

Introduction / History

Bene Israel is a Jewish community that has thrived in Maharashtra in western India. Their ancestors were the Kohanim, a priestly order that traces their origin back to Aaron. Most learned Marathi, the common language of Maharashtra. Their population in India has been dwindling for decades. Most have migrated to the United States, but others are now in Israel, Mauritius or Zimbabwe.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In the United States, the Marathi-speaking Jewish population maintains positive social ties not only with other Jewish communities, but also with other South Asians. Some Jewish and Hindu South Asians have had interfaith dialogues and joint holiday celebrations. Hindus and Jewish South Asians in the U.S. tend to vote the same way and they share the same social concerns, which adds even more comradery.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Jewish people are a diverse population and can be classified into at least four major groups. The strictest branch of Judaism is the Orthodox. They believe the Law and Prophets, what Christians call the Old Testament, is the literal, inspired Word of God and still completely binding on their lives today. This branch of Judaism includes the ultra-Orthodox Hasidim, or "pious ones."

The liberal or progressive branch of Judaism is called Reformed. They do not believe in the miracles of the Torah and that Judaism must be fully integrated into the modern scientific world. The Conservative Jews try to find a moderate, middle path between Orthodoxy and Reformed Judaism.

The two main holy days of the Jews are the Passover which celebrates the Jews leaving Egypt under the leadership of Moses and the Day of Atonement in which Jews fast, pray and confess their sins. The Jewish Shabbat runs from Friday at sunset until sunset on Saturday. Religious Jews use the time to attend synagogue and to spend time with their families. Jews are known for their philanthropic work and helping the less fortunate.

What Are Their Needs?

There is a strong Bible-believing church in the United States, and many have a heart for Jewish people. These Christ followers can share their faith with their Jewish neighbors who don’t understand how essential the Messiah is to their lives.

Prayer Points

Pray the Jewish followers of Christ in the United States will exhibit the fruit of the Holy Spirit in their lives and draw Marathi-speaking Jewish people to the only Savior.
Pray for the Lord to give them receptive minds to understand and embrace their need for the only Messiah.
Pray that soon many Jewish disciples will make more disciples in the United States.

Text Source:   Joshua Project