Introduction / History

The Jews of Europe arrived on the continent at least 2,000 years ago during the early days of the Roman Empire. Since then, they have been a significant influence in the history and culture of Europe. Much of what is considered "Jewish" today finds its roots among the European Jews.


One of the unique features among European Jews is the distinction between the Ashkenazic Jews and the Sephardic Jews. The word Ashkenaz is derived from a Biblical word for the larger Germanic region of Europe. Therefore, Ashkenazim Jews are those whose ancestry is linked to that area. This group traditionally speaks the Yiddish language, which is a German dialect with Hebrew and Slavic elements. The word Sephard was the name used by Jews in medieval times for the Iberian Peninsula. Sephardim Jews, then, are the descendants of the Jews who lived in Spain or Portugal prior to expulsion in 1492 by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Sephardim also have a distinctive language called Ladino, or Judeo-Spanish. This is a dialect of Castilian Spanish with Hebrew and Turkish elements.


Both groups had to flee at various times, usually because of persecution. The Netherlands provided shelter in many cases. Both major Jewish communities lived side by side but remained separate for the most part. There was some intermarriage.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Though the language of Jewish people in Europe was traditionally either Yiddish or Ladino, most of them have adapted to the local language. The Jews of the Netherlands are no different. Most now speak Dutch, the language of the Netherlands.


Some Jewish people in the Netherlands report that they are afraid to reveal their Jewish ancestry to the general public. They fear persecution. There are others who believe that the Netherlands is a safe place for Jewish people.

Because of the uniqueness of thir history and culture, all Jews have a strong sense of identity.

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. Orthodox Jews follow the traditional religious beliefs and practices found in the Jewish literature that interpret Scripture regarding ethical, religious, civil, and criminal matters.


Reform Jews do not believe that the Jewish Law comes from God. They are not restricted to kosher foods. They neither wear the skullcap (yarmulke) when praying nor use Hebrew in prayer. All religious Jews believe in the coming of a Messianic Age, but only the Orthodox Jews look for a personal Messiah.


Many Jewish people today keep cultural Judaism, but they have rejected the spiritual elements taught in the Old Testament. They might take part in cultural events and even religious ceremonies, but they are secular or New Age in their spiritual lives.

What Are Their Needs?

Jewish people 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. They tend to view Christianity as the religion of their oppressors rather than the fulfillment of what God promised all of humanity through Abraham centuries ago.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to give the Jewish people in the Netherlands hearts that will want to please him. May they look to the Lord for guidance and truth, and not be satisfied with cultural traditions.


Pray for Jewish people in the Netherlands to begin a movement to Jesus Christ, finding ways to exalt him while honoring their culture.


Pray for the Lord to move among Jewish leaders in the Netherlands to open the doors to Christ's ambassadors.

Scripture Prayers for the Jewish, Dutch in Netherlands.