Am I a Jew?

Question

My father was born 100% Jewish and has always been a practicing Jew. My mother was raised Christian but converted to Judaism before I was born. Before my parents separated (when I was much younger), I celebrated all Jewish holidays. Now, my mom does not practice any religion. I still get involved in Jewish festivities every now and then, but I would not say that I am "religious". Am I still Jewish?

Answer 1

Hi Jenni

The answer is not that simplistc. Why? It depends on what kind of Jew you wish to be recognised as.

If you want to be recognised as a reform/reconstructionist Jew- then the fact that your father is Jewish is recognised as being sufficient for you to be Jewish.

If you want to be recognised as a Conservative Jew, then your mother's conversion needs to have been done as a conservative Jew, a reform/reconstructionist conversion would not be recognised and therefore by the Conservative yardstick you were never Jewish.

If you want to be recognised as an Orthodox/Ultra-orthodox/Hareidi/Chassidic Jew- your mother's conversion must have been via an Orthodox Beit Din (Rabbinical Court). Orthodox does not recognise the conversions of any of the other streams of Judaism since they do not wholly subscribe to jewish law and a requirement of conversion in the Orthodox framework is an acceptance of the entirety of Jewish law. On the other hand, all the other branches of Judaism recognise Orthodox conversions.

Your mother no longer being practisinf is not an issue. Once a person has converted to Judaism, their children are born as Jews, regardless of whether they are observant of Jewish laws or not. Additionally, Judaism does not see people as being able to convert away from it- so a Jew practising another faith (even if they have formally converted to it), is still seen as Jewish though they are limited from community participation until such time as they return to Judaism.

Answer 2

if your mom was Jewish (through conversion) when you were born than you are a Jew and she is still a Jew even if neither one of you ever practices Judaism again

once a Jew always a Jew

but....the question then becomes

was her conversion a true conversion, or....WAS she really a Jew?

there are many that would say that if she didn't convert through an Orthodox conversion than she is not a Jew and thus you aren't

the Orthodox and the Conservative movement use only the mother as the basis to decide if you were born Jewish or not

but there are those in the Reform movement that feel that if at least one parent IS Jewish and if you were raised Jewish that that then means you are a Jew

and...

to clear up some mistaken beliefs some of the others have posted, people who are obviously NOT Jewish

if you were not born to a Jewish mother the only way that you can become a Jew is through conversion, unless you are in the Reform movement in which case they will allow the father to be Jewish to count....but even with them...if neither of your parents are Jewish than you must actually convert to be considered a jew...you can't just say you are one just because you believe in the Torah

and in EVERY branch of Judaism a convert is welcomed
it is against Jewish law to reject or deny a convert

BUT.....as I said, the matter than becomes deciding WHO has had a real and proper conversion, and THAT is where the arguments come in

Answer 3

Judaism comes from the mother - if your mother is Jewish then you are too - father doesn't count for this.

If you mother officially converted to Judaism then yes, you are. The only question would be if she officially converted to a different religion since - for while she may not be practising now, she is still considered Jewish until it is changed with the faith officially.

In any case, I would say that if she was officially Jewish (formally converted through official channels) at the time of your birth, then you are Jewish no matter what she does. Your Rabbi could confirm it for you.

Peace!

Answer 4

Do you have a Seder dinner each year.

Do you put the little dangle on your doorway post.

Do you light celebrat Chunukah

Do you go to the temple as least now and then

Were you Bat Mitzvah'd

Are you somewhat pro Israel

Every Jewish person I ever knew at least went through the motions with Rosh Hashanna, Pesach and Chunukkah.

It's like Americans with Christmas, EAster, 4th of July, Flatg Day and Thanksgiving. We at least go through the motions.

If the answer is even a modest yes, then you are modern, ultra reformist Jewish.

If the answer is maybe or no to at least 75% then you are just going through the routine, like a lot of husbands married to devote Christians wives do.

From a blood perseptive if you have even a little Semite blood you are a Semite.

Answer 5

jewish ness is usuely past through the mum but as your mum had convert I supose you were. but now you are of an age to chose for yourself following a few festivals does not make you a jew just as celebrating easter and christmas does not make you a christian there is a lot more to being a true jew. I sugest you start by reading the torah or bible.

Answer 6

If your mother was a Jew at the time of your birth, you are officially considered a Jew. Otherwise, you could consider yourself a convert, a pervert, or whatever suits you right.

Answer 7

You are jewish if you totally identify yourself in Judaism and nothing else, you find it to be the only truth, want to implement its practices and beliefs in your life. If yes, you are a Jew, if no then I advice that you search yourself real deep and find the true path to God. For that you need to question your logic, your principles, your needs, your thoughts and read about the 3 main monotheistic religion (if you believe there is only ONE God).
Personally I started reading about God, independent of religions, who is He, what does He ask of us, etc.. I found the truth in Islam.
I wish you find the peace in your heart.

Peace to you.

Answer 8

Yes. Some ultra-orthodox Jews may say no because your mother was a convert and not born Jewish - but I'd say based on what you have said that you would be welcome in 99% of the synagogues I know.

Answer 9

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS & THE
CONFIRMATION IN THE QURAN


The Ten Commandments
(Exodus 12: 1-17 & Deuteronomy 5: 6-21) Confirmation in the Quran
(Chapter: Verse)
1. Thou shall not take any
God except one God. 1. There is no God except
one God (47:19)
2. Thou shall make no
image of God. 2. There is nothing whatsoever
like unto Him (42:11)
3. Thou shall not use
God's name in vain. 3. Make not God's name an
excuse to your oaths (2:224)
4. Thou shall honor thy
mother and father. 4. Be kind to your parents if one
or both of them attain old age in thy
life, say not a word of contempt nor
repel them but address them in
terms of honor. (17:23)
5. Thou shall not steal. 5. As for the thief, male or female, cut off
his or her hands, but those who repent
After a crime and reform shall be
forgiven by God for God is forgiving
and kind. (5:38 - 39)
6. Thou shall not lie or give
false testimony. 6. They invoke a curse of God if
they lie. (24:7) Hide not the
testimony (2:283)
7. Thou shall not kill. 7. If anyone has killed one person it is as
if he had killed the whole mankind (5:32)
8. Thou shall not commit adultery. 8. Do not come near adultery. It is an
indecent deed and a way for other
evils. (17:32)
9. Thou shall not covet thy neighbors
wife or possessions. 9, Do good to your parents, relatives and
neighbors. (4:36) Saying of the Prophet
Muhammad (P) "One of the greatest sins
is to have illicit sex with your neighbors wife".
10. Thou shall keep the Sabbath holy. 10. When the call for the Friday Prayer is
made, hasten to the remembrance of
God and leave off your business. (62:9)

Answer 10

being Jewish or Christian is a mind set of Faith.....It's what you believe in your heart that determines which Faith you will follow.....maybe somewhere in lifes journey you will come to believe in a mixture of both religions.....Ponder what is truly important to you about religion....and go from there....wheather you are Jewish or Christian only you can say. Both religions have admirable traits, and both have beliefs that are not so admirable.....What does you heart say?