Due to the strict nature of their closed society, the Haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews) remain one of the most unreached people groups in the world. Nevertheless, the Lord has been moving mightily among them, and in recent months, record numbers of Haredim have been reaching out to us!

Chayyim* (pronounced Hai-eem) is a Haredi man in Europe who reached out to us through our website. He wrote, “I have recently become convinced that Jesus could be Moshiach (Messiah). I am deeply conflicted because of what the Orthodox rabbis taught me about believing in Jesus. Please help me, I really want to believe!”

Jews for Jesus European Ambassador Avi Snyder reached out to Chayyim via email to suggest that they meet over Zoom, and he quickly agreed. Chayyim even showed up early for the Zoom call! He told Avi that he was afraid of what the rabbis would say if he believed. “It comes down to a question of who we need to believe,” Avi said. “You don’t need to believe me, and you don’t need to believe the rabbis. You just need to believe the Scriptures.”

‘It has to be Yeshua. It can’t be anyone else!’

Chayyim told Avi that he’d read Isaiah 53 on his own, and despite what the rabbis taught, he couldn’t help but see Yeshua (Jesus) in those verses. Avi invited him to read Isaiah 53 again out loud. After reading it, Chayyim exclaimed, “It has to be Yeshua. It can’t be anyone else!”

Avi asked him if he would like to pray to acknowledge Yeshua as Messiah. Chayyim didn’t need any time to think about it. They prayed together, and Chayyim gave his life to the Lord. Hallelujah!

The name Haredi comes from the Hebrew word hared, which means “to tremble.” As their name implies, Haredim are God-fearers. They are characterized by their distinctive clothing, strict observance of Jewish law, and their self-isolation from modern society. They mostly live in major cities with hubs in Israel, New York City, Montreal, and London. The Haredim strive to remain insulated from the culture around them. Haredi communities will often censor news media, smartphones, televisions, computers, and the internet in an effort to remain “untainted” by the outside world.

The Haredim are among the fastest-growing populations in the world, and it’s estimated that by 2040, Haredim will make up to 25 percent of the total Jewish population. Younger Haredim are more prone to questioning their way of life and are more likely to seek interaction with the outside world. We’ve developed a number of resources to reach Haredi seekers, and thanks to the prayers of our partners and the Lord’s work, many Haredim like Chayyim are becoming open to the gospel.

Chayyim found himself disillusioned and seeking answers to spiritual questions.

Chayyim had spent many years in Israel deeply involved in the anti-missionary movement in Jerusalem. However, due to some financial challenges, he was forced to leave Israel and return to his home country in Europe. Upon his return, Chayyim found himself disillusioned and seeking answers to spiritual questions. During this period, Chayyim heard the gospel for the first time, prompting him to investigate the claims of Christianity, and to eventually reach out to us.

Canada Branch Leader Aden Friedman comes from a similar Orthodox background, and since Chayyim’s profession of faith, they have been meeting weekly for Bible study and discipleship. Aden says, “I’ve found that many of Chayyim’s questions and experiences resonate with my own. Chayyim seems eager to learn more, and despite his new faith, he remains deeply connected to his Jewish heritage. Recently, he was asked to give a Torah reading at his local synagogue. He described feeling special as a believer in that moment, navigating the complexities of his Jewish identity and his newfound faith in Jesus. There is still much to work through, but the early signs suggest this could be the beginning of a meaningful and transformative chapter in Chayyim’s life. We continue to walk together in faith, with hope for what God may do ifasn and through him.”

Please remember to pray for Chayyim, that the roots of his faith in Messiah would grow deep and strong and that the Lord will use him powerfully to reach other Haredim. We know so many of you have been praying, and your prayers are being answered! Keep praying for the Haredi people around the world, that the Lord would open their eyes to the truth about Messiah Yeshua, and for a great harvest among them!

*Name has been changed to protect privacy.

Join us in prayer for the salvation of the Haredim! Learn more about the most unreached people group in the world through our prayer guide Praying for the Haredim, now available in nine languages. Get the Prayer Guide