Only Jewish if your mom is?

Question

I'm interested to know the history and information on this (that you are considered Jewish if your mom is even if your dad isn't, where as, if your dad's Jewish and mom isn't you aren't considered Jewish). Also, is this an official opinion in the Jewish community or just for some ? If your dad is the only Jewish parent are you considered Jewish too ( aka Ben Stiller, etc.)? Thanks!

Answer 1

The "Halacha" (complex of religious rules in Judaism) states that the religion of the mother is the one that matters. All Jews agree on that, orthodox or Reform, etc.
You can convert to Judaism as well, and then you'll be a Jewish person in all senses.

The problem with Judaism is that the definition of a Jewish man is a bit more complex than, let's say Christianity, or Islam, since Judaism is not only a religion, but nation as well.
You can read some more of it in here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_is_a_Jew%3F

Answer 2

Ok, if your mother is Jewish, the Jewish community considers you to be Jewish. But, you can become Jewish by the process of conversion, something I am in the process of looking into. As a rabbi said last night, "if your mother is jewish, we consider you jewish, even if you have been baptised. If you have been baptised, the christians consider you a christian."

Answer 3

Jewish people believe that to be born Jewish you must be born of a Jewish mother.

Answer 4

You're right. Jewishness comes from one's mother.

Answer 5

Judaism is a matriarchal religion in that the lineage is passed down on the mother's side.

If your mother is Jewish, so are you regardless of your father's faith.