Jewish, Marathi-speaking in Zimbabwe

Introduction / History

Bene Israel is a Jewish community that has thrived in Maharashtra in western India. Their ancestors were the Kohanim, a priestly order that traces their origin back to Aaron. They arrived from Israel and prospered in their new South Asian homeland. Most learned Marathi, the common language of Maharashtra. One of them was elected mayor of Mumbai. Their population in India has been dwindling for decades. Most have migrated to the United States, but others are now in Israel, Mauritius or Zimbabwe.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Zimbabwe, a former British colony, has attracted thousands of the business-minded Marathi-speaking Jews. This process has been going on since colonial days when Zimbabwe was still called Rhodesia. That country has a strong economy by African standards, and it has attracted many business-minded Jewish communities, including those from India.

The Jewish communities in Zimbabwe take their children to two separate elementary schools. They have a youth organization. Their one synagogue is Orthodox.

What Are Their Beliefs?

In Zimbabwe, they have one Orthodox synagogue. These traditional Jews see Abraham as the father of their faith and Moses as the great lawgiver. The Law or Torah, the Prophets and the Writings make up the Jewish holy scriptures. One obtains favor with God by obeying the laws found in the Scriptures. The writings of the Rabbis, the Talmud, are seen as an essential guide to knowing and following the commands of God.

Jewish people are a diverse population and can be classified into at least four major groups. The strictest branch of Judaism is the Orthodox. They believe the Law and Prophets, what Christians call the Old Testament, is the literal, inspired Word of God and still completely binding on their lives today. This branch of Judaism includes the ultra-Orthodox Hasidim, or "pious ones."

The two main holy days of the Jews are the Passover which celebrates the Jews leaving Egypt under the leadership of Moses and the Day of Atonement in which Jews fast, pray and confess their sins. The Jewish Shabbat runs from Friday at sunset until sunset on Saturday. Religious Jews use the time to attend synagogue and to spend time with their families. Jews are known for their philanthropic work and helping the less fortunate.

What Are Their Needs?

There is a strong Bible-believing church in Zimbabwe, and many have a heart for Jewish people. These Christ-followers can share their faith with their Jewish neighbors who don’t know they need the only Messiah.

Prayer Points

Pray that the few Jewish followers of Christ in Zimbabwe would exhibit the fruit of the Holy Spirit in their lives and draw others to the only Savior.
Pray for the Lord to give Marathi-speaking Jewish people in Zimbabwe receptive minds to understand and embrace their need for their Messiah.
Pray that soon many Jewish disciples will make more disciples in Zimbabwe.

Text Source:   Joshua Project