Unreached, Unengaged:
The Ultra-Orthodox in Brooklyn
Walking along the Brooklyn sidewalk, Adam recognizes a Gentile man distributing slips of paper to passersby. Adam once accepted one of those papers, skimming it until he realized it told the Christian story of Jesus.
This time, Adam refuses the tract as he walks by. “Thank you,” he says politely. “But your faith is not for me. I have my own religion.”
It’s true that before, Adam only skimmed the tract before throwing it away. He’s never stayed long enough to hear what the Christian man calls “the gospel.” But after all, who is this man to interpret the Scriptures without a rabbi’s guidance? Besides, Adam is pretty sure Christians don’t even accept the Talmud as authoritative!
The rabbis tell me everything I need to know, Adam reasons as he continues home. I go to synagogue, I study Talmud every day, I pray, I keep kosher. These things connect me to God. What need do I have for Jesus?
Will you help us reach people like Adam who need the gospel?
Understanding the
Ultra-Orthodox
Adam represents hundreds of thousands of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) Jewish people living in the US. Most have never heard the gospel or even spoken with a believer.
Despite representing about 14% of American Jews, the ultra-Orthodox are almost entirely unreached. Even within Jewish ministry, very few believers are actively engaging with the Haredi community. Those who are involved face many barriers. From the Haredi religious perspectives, following the commandments renders Jesus irrelevant. Faith in Jesus is perceived as something that takes Jewish people away from a Torah-observant life and is even considered idolatry. On top of this, any ultra-Orthodox who do come to faith risk losing their families and communities if others find out.
The need is pressing for this rapidly growing Jewish community. More believers are needed to share life with the Haredi: building relationships, learning to understand them, and finding natural opportunities for spiritual conversations. Haredi Jews who do come to faith need support and discipleship from other believers.
There is no easy way to reach the ultra-Orthodox. Life in Messiah and other Jewish ministries are still learning the best approaches. But one thing is certain: believers must be actively reaching out to this community if they are ever to hear the gospel.
Watch this video to hear some Haredi perspectives on Jesus and faith in Him.
“How Can I Help Reach the Haredi?”
First, you can pray. Ask God to soften Haredi hearts and fill them with curiosity about Jesus, opening their eyes to the insufficiency of mere religious observance. Ask Him to strengthen and bless with wisdom the believers who are reaching out to the Haredi.
Second, you can give. Your generosity supports Life in Messiah’s ministry as we send staff to the field and educate the church about the spiritual needs of the ultra-Orthodox and other Jewish communities.