Jewish, Judeo-Persian in Iran

People Name:	Jewish, Judeo-Persian
Country:	Iran
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	10,000
World Population:	137,000
Primary Language:	Dzhidi
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	No
People Cluster:	Jewish
Affinity Bloc:	Jewish
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

There have been Jewish people in Iran ever since the days of the Persian Empire. They were in good standing with Persian kings such as King Cyrus, who allowed Jewish people to return to Israel. Since that time their numbers in Iran have dwindled.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Jewish people are not popular with the Iranian government. They must stay quiet if they have any sympathy to Israel. A high percentage of them have migrated either to the United States or Israel.

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. All Jews are emotionally attached to Judaism since it is an important part of their identity as a people, but they hold different opinions as to how to approach Jehovah God. There are Orthodox Jews, conservative Jews, and Reformed Jews. The Orthodox stress the importance of following the Torah and the laws. Conservative Jews believe the Old Testament prophets. Reformed Jews are secular; they participate in Jewish holidays and traditions, but they don’t take the Scriptures as literally as the other two branches.

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.
Pray that the Jewish people in Iran 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.