Jewish, Persian (Mashadi) in Israel

Introduction / History

The Mashadi Jewish community originates from the city of Mashhad in northeastern Iran. Jews have lived in Persia (modern-day Iran) for over 2,500 years, dating back to the Babylonian exile. The Jewish presence in Mashhad itself is believed to have begun in the 18th century, when Jews migrated from other parts of Persia, especially from Herat (now in Afghanistan) and other Iranian cities. By the early 19th century, Mashhad had a significant Jewish population, known for their involvement in trade, crafts, and commerce.

The most defining event in Mashadi Jewish history is the Allahdad ("God's Justice") incident of 1839. Following a false accusation of ritual murder, the entire Jewish community of Mashhad—about 2,400 people—was forced to convert to Islam under threat of death. Despite outwardly practicing Islam, the Mashadi Jews secretly maintained their Jewish faith and traditions for nearly a century. They became known as "Jadid al-Islam" (New Muslims) but continued to observe Jewish customs in secret, similar to the "Marranos" of Spain and Portugal.

In the early 20th century, with the weakening of religious persecution and the rise of the Pahlavi dynasty, Mashadi Jews began to openly return to Judaism and emigrate. Many left Mashhad for Tehran, Israel, the United States (especially New York), and Europe. The largest Mashadi Jewish communities outside Iran are now in Great Neck, New York, and Israel. They have established synagogues, schools, and cultural organizations to preserve their unique heritage.

Those in Europe live in the United Kingdom, Germany, or Italy. Their biggest population is in Israel. They speak Hebrew, Israel's national language, and most live in or near Jerusalem.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In Israel, most Mashadi Jews have become fully integrated into Israeli society while retaining elements of their Persian heritage. Hebrew is their primary language, although older generations may also know Persian.

Work occupies an important place in Mashadi culture. Historically, the Jews of Mashhad developed strong commercial skills because restrictions often limited the occupations available to them. Many became merchants and traders, building extensive business networks across Iran and beyond. After immigrating to Israel, Mashadi families entered a wide variety of professions. Many work in commerce, retail, real estate, finance, manufacturing, and other business-related fields, reflecting the entrepreneurial traditions that characterized the community for generations. Like other Israelis, younger Mashadis are also found in professional careers such as law, medicine, education, technology, and government service.

Family life is often the center of Mashadi social identity. Extended families tend to maintain close relationships, and family gatherings for Sabbath meals, religious holidays, weddings, and other celebrations are highly valued. Respect for parents and grandparents is important, and older family members are often regarded as guardians of tradition and communal memory. The experience of preserving Judaism under persecution made the family the primary institution through which religious customs, values, and identity were transmitted from one generation to the next.

Marriage and family unity have traditionally been very important within the community. Historically, Mashadi Jews were known for strong endogamy—marrying within the community—as a way of preserving their distinctive heritage and religious identity. While modern Israeli society has brought greater interaction with other Jewish groups, many Mashadi families still place a high value on maintaining communal connections and passing their traditions to their children.

Religious observance remains a significant part of life for many Mashadi Jews. As Jews whose ancestors risked their lives to keep their faith, they often possess a deep appreciation for Jewish customs, synagogue life, and holiday observances. Family celebrations of Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and other Jewish festivals help reinforce both their Jewish and Mashadi identities.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Many religious customs, prayers, and songs have Persian influences and are unique to the community. Like all Jews, Mashadi Jews believe in one, indivisible God, the Creator of the universe, as expressed in the Shema: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one" Deuteronomy 6:4 They uphold the authority of the Torah (the Five Books of Moses) and the observance of mitzvot (commandments), including Sabbath, dietary laws (kashrut), and Jewish festivals. Regular prayer, especially communal prayer in the synagogue, is central to their faith. Like other Jewish communities, Mashadi Jews maintain hope in the coming of the Messiah and the ultimate redemption of Israel, a theme that was especially meaningful during times of hardship.

Ironically, learning to deal with being forced to convert to Islam has left them with a recognition of the need for a heart devoted to God. Their theology emphasizes perseverance, faithfulness, and the preservation of Jewish identity under persecution, echoing biblical stories like Daniel and Esther.

Today, the Mashadi community practices Judaism openly and fully, following Orthodox traditions. Their synagogues and schools teach standard Jewish theology, but with a special appreciation for the themes of perseverance, hidden faith, and communal solidarity.

What Are Their Needs?

There are few if any Mashadi Jewish people who have put their faith in the only messiah. It will take someone who can win the chance to befriend them and tell them about their best friend. This will be difficult; Jewish communities tend to stay socially isolated.

Prayer Points

Pray for many of them to find that Jesus is key for their spiritual lives.
Pray for power encounters that will show them that they need spiritual change.
Pray for Mashadi Jews in Israel to become open to hearing about Jesus and allowing him to transform their families and communities.

Text Source:   Joshua Project