I have found Jewish ancestry I was unaware of, am I Jewish?

Show all answers

Super Jew

Depends on where the ancestry comes from. While specific tribal affiliations are traced through the father, to actually be Jewish, one needs to either convert according to Jewish law, or to be born to a Jewish mother. In other words, if this ancestry includes your Mom, then yes, you are Jewish. Theoretically, you could go back through your maternal line indefinitely, and if you found out for certain that your mother's mother's mother's mother was Jewish, that would make you Jewish. But usually, after many generations, it becomes difficult to confirm Jewish ancestry beyond a shadow of a doubt, and conversion is required.

So, to answer your question: maybe.

I hope this helps.

Harry

The KKK would call you a jew, i guess, sorry bout this but not enuff info >_>

Barbara

no. Judaism is not genetic its a religion. the only genetic thing that might be associated with Jews is that they're from the middle east. which would include the other people from the middle east or Semitics. if you look up Semitic in the dictionary you will find it includes Jews, Arabs, Assyrians, and Phoenicians.

UltraN

You ask a really general question. You need to dig deeper.
If say, your grandmother (dad's mom) was Jewish, it means your dad is Jewish, but if he married your mom (assuming she's not Jewish), you are not Jewish.
It all depends on the mother. If the mother is Jewish, the child is Jewish.

joe the man

according to halacha, only if you can trace a direct matrilinial line to that jewish ancestor. otherwise... no, you're not jewish.

AnLoDeah

Judiasm goes according to the mother's ancestry. If your mother is Jewish (meaning her mother is Jewish and so on) then you too are Jewish. If your father is Jewish and your mother is not then you aren't.
BTW, Judiasm isn't only religion like some people above me said. It is also a nation, so you can't be Jewish unless you have Jewish ancestry or unless you converted to Judiasm.

If your mother is Jewish and her mother and so on then yes you are Jewish.

diana

a person is a Jew if his mother is a Jew. so if your ancestor is from your mother side than you might be a Jew.

Tequila

It would be helpful to know more details regarding the exact "ancestry".

In Judaism, one's heritage is based on matrilineal descent. If you just discovered that a great great great grandparent on your father's side was Jewish, this would NOT make you Jewish.

On the other hand, if (for example) it turns out that your mother's mother's great grandmother was Jewish (assuming that all of you are directly related by blood, not adoption), this would indicate that you are Jewish. In such a case, it helps to consult with an expert in Jewish law who will be able to assist you in discovering the truth!

If you have more details, let us know.
Good luck.

funkymunky1119

it depends. according to Jewish law, if your mother is Jewish then you are. So if your mom, or mom's mom, or mom's mom's mom, or mom's mom's mom's mom, etc. was Jewish, then technically, you are too.

saralita66

It depends on where the ancestory is coming from. My husband is Jewish 100% and we live in Israel. I am coming from Christianity, although currently converting to Judaism and our son is not consider Jewish, even though we are raising him in a Jewish home and his father is completely Jewish. So, if the ancestory if coming from a woman, it can be complicated, and how far up the line is this ancestory...

Mimi-×ž×™×ž×™- Ù…ÙŠÙ…ÙŠ

You are Jewish only if your mother is Jewish. We all know that Jews, Christians, and Muslims are the decendants of prophet Abraham (PBUH). Jews believe that Prophet Abrahab was Jewish, does this mean that Christians and Muslims are Jews? Or does it mean that Christians are Jews because Jesus was Jewish? It doesn't make sense. So, being a specfic religion doesn't depend on what your ancestors were. Judaism is like some other answerers said is not genetics it is a religion and it only depends on what religion your parents are (in case of Judaism it is the religion of the mother that decides).

Proud Grandma

NO I have to agree with Rabbi Akiva on this one.

Hatikvah JPA

I agree with dapperdan, but in addition to that, I hope you will look into Judaism. You may not want to convert, but you have a very rich heritage!
.

paperback writer

Ignore the answer by 'Rabbi Akiva'. He's not Jewish and is a berk.

The technical definition of Jewish is

a) If your mother is Jewish
b) You have converted to Judaism

But, if the Jewish heritage is on your father's side, then by Orthodox criteria, you would not be Jewish, although a Reform, or Progressive synagogue would probably say that you are.... Sorry if this sounds a bit complicated!

If you have a local synagogue, I would advise you to seek advice from the Rabbi. You will find it very interesting, I would think, to explore your Jewish heritage; best of luck with it!

I have found Turkish ancestry I was unaware of, am I turkish?

vansemmanuel

To tell you the truth if you had no idea that you were jewish.Chances are your mother isnt jewish.You have to have a jewish mother to be a jew.But in reform judaism you are considered reform.

tamarindwalk

You are what you think you should be!

Harith Rahman

i hope not... Jewish isn't genetic, it's instilled through teaching. If you weren't jewish before you found out, youre not now either. BUT you could possibly get more presents, and days off or school/work if you were Jewish so keep the options open

midnitrondavu

perhaps partially

RHYS!

I'm sure many people would say yes, but I don't think people are Jewish just because of ancestry. I'd say you are Jewish if you believe in it, otherwise no.