Jewish, Spanish-speaking in Venezuela
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| People Name: | Jewish, Spanish-speaking |
| Country: | Venezuela |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 4,700 |
| World Population: | 274,900 |
| Primary Language: | Spanish |
| Primary Religion: | Ethnic Religions |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.50 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.10 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Jewish |
| Affinity Bloc: | Jewish |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Jews in Venezuela date back to the 17th century with a Jewish community established by the middle of the 19th century. However, tension arose between the government under Hugo Chavez and the Jewish population in the late 20th century. Large numbers of Jews emigrated due to both the pressure and the country's economic crisis, and today the majority of Venezuelan Jews live in Israel.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Most of Venezuela's Jews are members of the middle and upper classes. Jews are prominent in many fields including medicine, academia, commerce and industry. Venezuela's Jewish community is known for its intense closeness. Everyone is part of one extended family often referred to as the "kehilla," the Hebrew word for community. However, the country's hyperinflation, rampant violence, hunger and deepening poverty have forced many into a new diaspora. Nearly all these Venezuelan Jewish immigrants have settled in the United States, Israel, Mexico or Panama. Those who remain generally live in Caracas, sometimes depending on each other for survival.
What Are Their Beliefs?
For religious Jews, God is the Supreme Being, the Creator of the universe, and the ultimate judge of human affairs. Most Jews in Venezuela are predominantly Orthodox, and many consider themselves staunch Zionists. Orthodox Jews look for a personal Messiah. The traditional religious beliefs and practices in Jewish literature that interpret Scripture affect ethical, religious, civil, and criminal matters. Jews in Venezuela can practice their traditions openly. Special food permits allow for the import and manufacture of kosher products.
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. This is especially true for those in the Spanish-speaking world whose ancestors fled the Inquisition. The Jews in Venezuela need to meet the person of Jesus Christ, embrace him as Messiah and center their lives around him and his teachings.
Prayer Points
Pray for Jewish people in Venezuela to begin a movement to Jesus Christ, finding ways to exalt him while honoring their culture.
Pray that they look to the Lord for guidance and truth and not be satisfied with cultural traditions.
Pray for the Lord to raise up loving, patient ambassadors to go to the Spanish-speaking Jews in Venezuela.