Jewish, Persian in United States

People Name:	Jewish, Persian
Country:	United States
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	67,000
World Population:	137,000
Primary Language:	Persian, Iranian
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Jewish
Affinity Bloc:	Jewish
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Jewish people have a long history in Persia, today known as Iran. We can read about the experiences of Jewish people like Daniel who lived under Persian rule at the height of their power. After the Babylonian Captivity, many Jewish people remained in what became the Persian Empire. They have a deep and strong connection to Iran. For various reasons, some have migrated to the United States. Many live in Beverly Hills, a wealthy part of Los Angeles. Others live in New York’s Long Island or Queens. They speak Farsi and Hebrew as their heart languages.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Persian Jews in the United States tend to be wealthy and secular.

They have their own music and dance forms. These dance forms feature intricate hand motions and fast footwork. They have their own cuisine, though many of their dishes are also enjoyed by other Jewish communities.

Persian Jews in Los Angeles live among non-Jewish Persians. They share the same Farsi movies, restaurants and some of the same cultural events.

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. The unusual and adamantly traditional Hasidic movement was born in Poland and has gained a strong following in the United States and Israel. The Sephardic denomination is like the Orthodox Ashkenazic but is more permissive on dietary rules and some religious practices. Each Jewish denomination maintains synagogues and celebrates the traditional Jewish holiday calendar. 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.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord of the harvest to send forth loving Christians to work among Persian Jewish communities in the United States.
Ask the Holy Spirit to grant wisdom and favor to the mission agencies that are focusing on the Persian Jewish people.
Pray that the 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 the Persian Jewish community.