Portuguese-speaking Jewish in Portugal
POR-choo-ghees joo

The word Sephard was the name used by Jews in medieval times for the Iberian Peninsula. Sephardim Jews, then, are the descendants of the Jews who lived in Spain or Portugal prior to expulsion in 1492 by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Sephardim also have a distinctive language called Ladino, or Judeo-Spanish, which is a dialect of Castilian Spanish with Hebrew and Turkish elements. Most Jewish people in Portugal today speak Portuguese.

Ministry Obstacles
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. Whoever reaches out to the Jewish people in Portugal will need to understand this religious diversity.

Outreach Ideas
Jewish people everywhere, including Portugal, have a strong ethnic identity. Those who reach out to them can use this as a way to highlight their connection with the Jewish Messiah.

Scripture Focus
"And all the people saw him walking and praising God."  Acts 3:9

Scripture Prayer
Pray for the Lord to do signs and wonders among today’s people group. Pray they trust in God and give Him the glory.

Prayer Focus
Pray that the Jewish people would understand that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah. Pray that God would grant Jewish believers favor as they share their faith in Christ with people in Portugal. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send forth loving Christians to work among the Jewish communities. Pray for a movement to Christ among Portuguese Jews.



Presented by Joshua Project
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