Jewish, French in France

Introduction / History

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.

French Jews were often merchants who worked on behalf of Frankish (French) kings, especially during the Carolingian Period in the 700s and 800s. Through the centuries, Jewish people in France faced persecution from time to time, especially through the Middle Ages. They were freed from slavery after the French Revolution in the late 1700s.

In the 1700s and 1800s, Jewish people were active in France’s economic and political life though they sometimes faced antisemitism.

Jewish people in Europe sometimes speak either Ladino or Yiddish. However, they are more likely to speak the language of the country where they live. The Jewish people in France commonly speak French as their heart language.

Though thousands migrated to Israel through the previous decades, France is home to the world’s third largest Jewish population after Israel and the United States. There are 230 Jewish communities in urban France, especially in Paris.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Jewish and Muslim communities are near one another, and there have been conflicts flaring up since the 1980s. Much to the dismay of the French majority, there have been a number of attacks on Jewish individuals and synagogues. These usually come from a small number of recently arrived people from the Arab world.

French Jews have contributed greatly to this powerful country through the arts, the media, academics, science, sports and business. They have greatly contributed to the prosperity of France. In many ways, French Jews are well integrated into French society. However, they have their own clubs for Jewish youth to keep them connected with their Jewish heritage. The French speaking Jewish people have established many schools and community organizations. There are Jewish media outlets that span from radio to newspapers and others.

What Are Their Beliefs?

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 Orthodox are better known, but they are outnumbered by secularized Jewish individuals. Orthodox, conservative and reformed Jewish people can all find their places of worship in France. They live in a secularized country, so that kind of thinking affects most of France’s Jewish population.

In general, French Jews get along well with the Roman Catholics. This provides a possible inroad for introducing them to Jesus.

What Are Their Needs?

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. Unfortunately, centuries of “Christian” persecution of Jewish people has left them with a hostility towards the gospel. Few are willing to listen to someone tell of the Messiah their ancestors rejected 2,000 years ago.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord of the harvest to send forth loving Christians to work among France’s Jewish communities.
Ask the Holy Spirit to grant wisdom and favor to the mission agencies that are focusing on the French Jewish population.
Pray that French Jewish people will understand that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah.
Pray that God will grant Jewish believers favor as they share their faith in Christ with their own people in France.
Pray that strong local churches will be raised up in each Jewish community in France.

Text Source:   Joshua Project