Jewish, Marathi-speaking in Mauritius

Introduction / History

Even though the Marathis have both an oral and written history that dates back 2000 years, they only gained attention as a prominent people group in the 1600s. At that time a man named Shivaji and his warriors established the Maratha Empire. India's western state of Maharashtra is named after this people group. Technically Marathi is a language, though language often defines a people group. Marathi speakers have a strong tradition of practicing Hinduism, but some are Jewish. There are still some in Mauritius, but not many.

Most Marathi speaking Jews live in India's state of Maharashtra and other states in India, but there is also a diaspora in other countries including the US, Kenya, Mauritius, Zimbabwe and Israel.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Some of them retain the Indian culture and language, while the younger generation is more likely to dress like the Africans and speak a local language. This is often the pattern for groups that move to other countries. The older generation tries to keep the culture of the old country, one which the youngest generation has little or no connection. Often there is a generation between the two that is not entirely at home in either culture.

What Are Their Beliefs?

These people are Jewish, though some are more orthodox in their beliefs than others. Some take the Torah and the prophets very seriously, and they believe these came directly from God. Others believe that Judaism changes to fit the needs of modern man. Still others doubt the existence of God, but they remain part of the Jewish culture.

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. Like other Jewish people, the Marathi Jews in Mauritius need spiritual hunger that will drive them to seek and find the abundant life offered by Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for gospel workers to catch a vision for reaching Jewish people in Mauritius for Jesus and that in God's sovereign timing their hearts would be open and ready to follow him.
Pray for Jesus movements to bless extended Jewish Marathi families so the gospel will spread rapidly.
Pray for the spiritual lives of the Marathi people to become fruitful as they follow Christ.
Pray for the lives and culture of the Marathi people to evidence the rule and reign of the Kingdom of God as they open to the gospel, and for the beauty of Jesus to be seen in them.

Text Source:   Joshua Project