Cochin Jewish in Israel
ko-CHIN joo

Did you know there are Jewish people in Israel who speak a south Indian language, Malayalam? Today the Cochin Jews have been incorporated into the Israeli population. Many retain their Malayalam language and spicy cuisine, and in Israel, the Cochin Jews are most famous for bringing a delicious hybrid cuisine that incorporates spicy Indian food. Their lifestyles are no different from other Jewish people in Israel. Through past generations, these Cochin Jews have become lighter-skinned than their forefathers in southern India.

Ministry Obstacles
The Cochin Jewish population has had bad experiences with so-called Christians in the past, especially when the Portuguese controlled their part of western India. Israel, to them, is a refuge from hostile outsiders.

Outreach Ideas
Believers will need to find persons of peace in the Cochin community to gain their trust, so they can share the spiritual riches of Jesus Christ.

Scripture Focus
"And Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." And the people did not answer him a word."  1 Kings 18:21

Scripture Prayer
Pray that today’s people group will indeed see the vast difference between the Lord and any other deity. Pray that they will follow Him.

Prayer Focus
Pray for Jesus movements to bless extended Cochin Jewish families so the gospel will spread rapidly among this people group. Pray for the spiritual lives of the Cochin people to become fruitful as they follow Christ. Pray for the lives and culture of the Cochin people to evidence the rule and reign of the Kingdom of God as they open up to the gospel, and for the beauty of Jesus to be seen in them. Pray that the spiritual eyes of the Cochin Jews would be opened to see their Messiah.

Presented by Joshua Project
www.joshuaproject.net