Jewish, Persian (Mashadi) in United States

Introduction / History

The Mashadi Jewish community originates from the city of Mashhad in northeastern Iran. Jews have lived in Persia (modern-day Iran) for over 2,500 years, dating back to the Babylonian exile. The Jewish presence in Mashhad itself is believed to have begun in the 18th century, when Jews migrated from other parts of Persia, especially from Herat (now in Afghanistan) and other Iranian cities. By the early 19th century, Mashhad had a significant Jewish population, known for their involvement in trade, crafts, and commerce.

The most defining event in Mashadi Jewish history is the Allahdad ("God's Justice") incident of 1839. Following a false accusation of ritual murder, the entire Jewish community of Mashhad—about 2,400 people—was forced to convert to Islam under threat of death. Despite outwardly practicing Islam, the Mashadi Jews secretly maintained their Jewish faith and traditions for nearly a century. They became known as "Jadid al-Islam" (New Muslims) but continued to observe Jewish customs in secret, similar to the "Marranos" of Spain and Portugal.

In the early 20th century, with the weakening of religious persecution and the rise of the Pahlavi dynasty, Mashadi Jews began to openly return to Judaism and emigrate. Many left Mashhad for Tehran, Israel, the United States (especially New York), and Europe. The largest Mashadi Jewish communities outside Iran are now in Great Neck, New York, and Israel. They have established synagogues, schools, and cultural organizations to preserve their unique heritage.

Those in Europe live in the United Kingdom, Germany, or Italy. Their biggest population is in Israel, but they have a significant presence in the United States.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Work and business have long been central aspects of Mashadi life. Historically, the community became heavily involved in trade and commerce, developing extensive business relationships while living in Iran. Those traditions carried over to the United States, where many Mashadi families established themselves in fields such as retail, wholesale trade, real estate, finance, jewelry, manufacturing, and other entrepreneurial ventures. Family-owned businesses are common, and younger generations often learn business skills from parents and relatives at an early age. Success in business is frequently viewed not only as a personal achievement but also as a means of strengthening family stability and supporting communal institutions.

Family life is at the heart of the Mashadi community. Extended families commonly maintain close relationships across multiple generations, with grandparents, parents, children, aunts, uncles, and cousins playing active roles in one another's lives. Major life events—including weddings, religious celebrations, holiday gatherings, and family milestones—often involve large numbers of relatives and reinforce a strong sense of belonging. Respect for elders remains important, and older family members are often regarded as keepers of tradition and communal history.

Marriage has traditionally been viewed as both a family and community matter. For generations, Mashadi Jews tended to marry within the community to preserve their distinctive heritage, religious customs, and social bonds. While younger generations live and work in the broader American society and have greater interaction with other Jewish groups, many Mashadi families still place significant importance on maintaining their communal identity and transmitting their traditions to their children.

Religious observance is another important feature of family life. The memory of ancestors who secretly preserved Judaism under persecution has helped cultivate a strong appreciation for Jewish traditions, synagogue participation, Sabbath observance, and holiday celebrations. Parents often see it as their responsibility to pass on both Jewish faith and Mashadi heritage to the next generation. Community organizations and synagogues in areas such as New York provide important centers for worship, education, charity, and social life.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Many religious customs, prayers, and songs have Persian influences and are unique to the community. Like all Jews, Mashadi Jews believe in one, indivisible God, the Creator of the universe, as expressed in the Shema: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one" Deuteronomy 6:4 They uphold the authority of the Torah (the Five Books of Moses) and the observance of mitzvot (commandments), including Sabbath, dietary laws (kashrut), and Jewish festivals. Regular prayer, especially communal prayer in the synagogue, is central to their faith. Like other Jewish communities, Mashadi Jews maintain hope in the coming of the Messiah and the ultimate redemption of Israel, a theme that was especially meaningful during times of hardship.

Ironically, learning to deal with being forced to convert to Islam has left them with a recognition of the need for a heart devoted to God. Their theology emphasizes perseverance, faithfulness, and the preservation of Jewish identity under persecution, echoing biblical stories like Daniel and Esther.

Today, the Mashadi community practices Judaism openly and fully, following Orthodox traditions. Their synagogues and schools teach standard Jewish theology, but with a special appreciation for the themes of perseverance, hidden faith, and communal solidarity.

What Are Their Needs?

There are few if any Mashadi Jewish people who have put their faith in the only messiah. It will take someone who can win the chance to befriend them and tell them about their best friend. This will be difficult; Jewish communities tend to stay socially isolated.

Prayer Points

Pray for many of them to find that Jesus is key for their spiritual lives.
Pray for power encounters that will show them that they need spiritual change.
Pray for Mashadi Jews in the United States to become open to hearing about Jesus and allowing him to transform their families and communities.

Text Source:   Joshua Project