Jews represent the oldest monotheistic religion of modern times. Because of the uniqueness of their history and culture, all Jews have a strong sense of identity. Persecution of and discrimination against the Jews have been the historical reasons for their migrations and settlements around the world. 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.
One of the unique features among European Jews is the distinction between the Ashkenazic Jews and the Sephardic Jews. The word Ashkenaz is derived from a biblical word for the larger Germanic region of Europe. Therefore, Ashkenazim Jews are those whose ancestry is linked to that area. This group traditionally speaks the Yiddish language, which is a German dialect that has Hebrew and Slavic elements. Russian Jews are among the Ashkenazim. They live mainly in Russia, Israel, Canada and the United States, but smaller populations live in Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan.
There are very few Russian Jews, or any Jews for that matter, in Azerbaijan. The few who live there tend to move to Israel. They are not being persecuted; their religious beliefs are of little concern to the Muslim majority. Yet those who can prefer to go where the economy is stronger.
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. European Jews are extremely diverse in religious practice. The Jews in Azerbaijan tend towards secularism. With such a small population they do not have their own synagogues. Jewish people in Azerbaijan worship in the home where they also perform Jewish traditions and rituals.
The Jews 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. Pray that as the gospel is shared, it will not be viewed as anti-Semitic, but rather as the fulfillment of what God promised through Abraham centuries ago.
Pray for a spiritual hunger among Russian Jews that will lead them to the cross. Pray that God will grant Jewish believers favor as they share their faith in Christ with Jewish people. Pray that strong local churches will be raised up in each Jewish community, particularly those in Azerbaijan.
Scripture Prayers for the Jewish, Russian in Azerbaijan.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
