The Haredi (ultra‑Orthodox Jewish) community remains one of the people groups most unreached by the gospel in the world. They are known for their devotion, discipline, and deep reverence for Torah. Yet for some, like Tara,* that very devotion became the beginning of a deeper spiritual search.

We first introduced you to Tara in our January 2023 newsletter, shortly after she reached out through our website’s LiveChat. Tara wrote in desperation, “My world has been turned upside down. I was challenged to read the Christian Scriptures, and now I believe that Jesus is Messiah…. I still identify as Jewish; I cannot be a Christian. I do not know how to be anything but what I am. What do I do?”

Recognizing the sensitivity of her situation, our team connected her with veteran missionary Rob Wertheim. They explored the Scriptures together over Zoom. As Tara encountered the words of Yeshua (Jesus) for herself, she was overcome by the truth she saw. Soon after, she prayed to receive him, confessing her sin and asking for forgiveness.

Though she often felt lonely, the wonder of her faith in Jesus was undeniable.

Her coming to faith escalated the very real tensions she faced. Tara was deeply immersed in Haredi life and intended to remain within her community, but she also described feeling like Abraham when he was being called away from the familiar. Though she often felt lonely, the wonder of her faith in Jesus was undeniable. “No one understands this awesome truth that’s been right in front of us the whole time,” she told us.

Like many Haredim (plural for Haredi) who come to faith in Jesus, Tara wrestled with the tug‑of‑war between long-standing rabbinic expectations and the spiritual freedom she was beginning to experience. During these internal struggles, our staff encouraged her through Scripture, reminding her that spiritual maturity takes time and that Yeshua is patient with those learning to walk with him. After one particularly difficult struggle, she texted joyfully that she was “breaking away from the rabbinic regulations and into the freedom Yeshua came to give.”

Because of the delicate nature of her circumstances, much of Tara’s discipleship took place online and through phone calls and text messages. Week after week, for more than three years, Tara remained in close contact with Rob and two members of our Haredi ministry team. These missionaries walked with her through questions, fears, setbacks, and moments of growth. One of those missionaries was Karol Joseph, who ministers among Haredi women and played a vital role in Tara’s ongoing discipleship.

‘I feel free to follow Yeshua wholeheartedly and fully.’

Karol was present at Tara’s baptism this past summer. This was something Tara had long considered but hesitated to pursue because of concerns about modesty and tradition. Choosing a lake rather than a traditional mikvah (ceremonial bath), Tara stepped forward in faith to be baptized. “She is very different as a result,” Karol shared. “Even her countenance has completely changed.” Tara testified, “I feel free to follow Yeshua wholeheartedly and fully.”

Today, Tara is a member of a vibrant church yet also continues to attend synagogue. Though she is discreet about her faith within her Haredi environment, she is unashamed of the gospel. She has shared her faith with several people both inside and outside her community, and even recently led someone to the Lord who “wanted what Tara had.” Amazingly, she has also discovered other secret believers in her community and meets with them.

Tara remains deeply connected to her people, choosing to honor the Torah out of joy and love rather than fear and obligation. She prays that her loved ones will also recognize the Messiah she has found. Through her journey, she has discovered that following Jesus didn’t erase her Jewish identity; it enriched it, fulfilling her deepest longings as a daughter of Abraham.

Thank you for making stories like Tara’s possible. Your prayers and support enable us to walk with seekers, even in the most hidden corners of the Haredi world. Please pray for Tara’s spiritual growth, for wisdom as she navigates community pressures, and for the many underground believers who are quietly living out their faith. And please continue to pray for the many Haredi seekers who long for Messiah but must explore him in secret.

*Name has been changed to protect privacy.