Introduction / History

There are two Jewish people groups in the Crimean Tatar region; the Krymchaks and the Ashkenazi Jews. The Krymchaks are probably at least partially descended from Jews that settle near the Black Sea during the Greek Empire. Jewish people often lived among the Greeks in Greek colonies. Hundreds of years later, when Crimea belonged to the Greek-oriented Byzantine Empire, Jewish merchants moved into the area.

Where Are they Located?

These Jewish people live in Crimea, a peninsula in southern Ukraine. Members of these communities have also migrated to Georgia, Russia, Uzbekistan, Israel, or the United States.

What Are Their Lives Like?

These people have faced persecution off and on through the centuries. A couple of years ago, someone painted a swastika on their synagogue. In terms of what they do for a living, there is little that we know.

There are two Jewish people groups in the Crimean Tatar region: the Crimean Karaites and Jews from Ashkenazi background. The

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most of the Krymchaks are Orthodox, which means that they take the Old Testament scriptures very seriously. It can also give them reason to try to stay away from people of other faiths. Yet, if believers can break through this wall, they can discuss the meaning of the OT prophets who pointed the way to Jesus.

What Are Their Needs?

These Jewish people need acceptance from God. The only way they can be accepted by God is to go through the Son of Man, Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for workers to go to the Krymchak people, and for their hearts to be ready to receive their Savior.
Pray for families of believers loving and serving others to grow reproducing churches.
Pray for a chain reaction of families reaching families that results in thousands of new believers who share their faith with others.
Pray for grace and truth expanding into their entire society as all believers learn to love others.

Scripture Prayers for the Krymchaks in Ukraine.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krymchaks
https://www.economist.com/eastern-approaches/2011/02/10/shut-out
https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/.premium-crimea-jews-apprehensive-1.5331285