Jewish, Hungarian-speaking in Hungary

People Name:	Jewish, Hungarian-speaking
Country:	Hungary
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	47,000
World Population:	72,000
Primary Language:	Hungarian
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	0.10 %
Evangelicals:	0.05 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Jewish
Affinity Bloc:	Jewish
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

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. Though some speak Yiddish, most Jewish people in Eastern Europe primarily speak the local language. For example, those in Hungary speak Hungarian. Most Jewish people in Hungary live in Budapest, the capital city, but there are smaller groups in other parts of the country.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Jewish life has been revitalized in Hungary and other countries. Synagogues are functioning and kosher (traditional, acceptable) food is once again available. Since communism fell in 1991, Hungary has elected two prime ministers of partial Jewish heritage.
Hungarian speaking Jewish people have many of their own educational institutions, from Kindergarten through the university level. Jewish people publish several magazines and other publications which feature news for a Jewish audience. They started an annual summer festival in 1998 which features dance, music, food and movies. Their summer camp attracts Jewish children from all over Eastern Europe. Hungarian-speaking Jewish have two homes for the aged, one of which is for Orthodox Jews. There is also the Charity Jewish Hospital.
More than half of Hungary’s Novel Prize winners have been Jewish.

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 Ashkenazic Jews are the most prevalent, representing the Orthodox, ultra-Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform movements. While most European Jews are religiously affiliated, there is a significant minority which is not religious.

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. 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.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord of the harvest to send forth loving Christians to work among the Jewish communities.
Ask the Holy Spirit to grant wisdom and favor to the missions agencies that are focusing on the European Jews.
Pray that the Jewish people will understand that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah.
Ask the Lord to soften the hearts of the Jews towards Christians so that they might hear and receive the message of salvation.
Pray that God will grant Jewish believers favor as they share their faith in Christ with their own people.
Pray that strong local churches will be raised up in each Jewish community.