What is the ethnicity of a Jew?

Question

They originated from the Isrealites, so are Jews Isreali? When you ask a person whose background is Isreali and who is a Jew what ethnicity they are, would they say, "I'm Isreali". For some reason, I have a feeling they would say, "I'm Jewish". But Judaism is a religion, and there are people of other ethnicities who are Jewish, too. So do people call Jews Isreali?

My other question is.. are all people from Isreal Jewish? I mean people born in Isreal. Can they be of other religions?

What about Isreali people born in the US, Briton, Australia, etc who are like 3rd, 4th, 5th generation Isreali-Americans etc? Can they be of other religions?

Answer 1

Well Abraham was a convert and so was Ruth. Now those were very early key figures. I would say it is mixed as if you do DNA research there are multiple haplo groups not including the lost tribes. Plus considering there are black Jews, maybe Japanese and the re hair always made me wonder as well. Now I have debated about DNA versus a calling of Judaism. As back than and in modern times I am a firm believer that it is not right for everyone. Judaism is very different and requires things that you must want to do not just do it. I argue that even if your mother was Jewish which is need to be Jewish as in the Talmud it states, what about secular Jews. Well most will say they are still Jews but on what level? Next I can't help but think of the Rebbetizin of Lublin about asking the Jewish playboy not observing the sabbath for two coins for candles and than she blesses him and he than sees the light of Shabbos and seeks to observe the sabbath versus his original intent of going to party or whatever. I am sure that story has variants.

That being said, if one has or seeks to experience on the level that person starts to become a Jew. That person wants the covenant and understands it. If a person has not seen nor sought it out than that person has no real desire to value the laws. Now a good question would be should all Jews be provoked to see such things? Well that is a debate that could potentially get very heated.

Now yes to answer you later question, if you are born a Jew, raised a Jew than you are considered a Jew. Even if said person doesn't observe they are still a Jew. They maybe looked at another way to a certain extent but yes still considered a Jew. As I said above Talmud law is maternal.

Now if you are Jewish by DNA but raised without knowing you would have to still convert and be under one of the 50 Rabbis (USA) to be technically called a Jew.. I understand and respect the hardness of the Rabbis in Israel of requiring a lot as many people in this world go on whims or are not really after what Judaism is about. There is a deep beautiful ever learning core of Judaism and all the laws most be understood and a want to be observed.

Answer 2

Well I don't think all Jewish people are Isreali. My best friend is a Hungarian Jew. She might be Isreali but it would have been way way way back in her family.

As for that other question I'm not sure. But I would think alot of people from Isreal would at least come from a Jewish Family. (I say this because they could move somewhere and become buddist or something._

Answer 3

It's just a religion in my view. Please understand the meaning of Religion when I use it - as a Culture. It is a group of peoples believing a certain set of rules, beliefs, ways of life, etc. Just like anyone else. Culture is a different word for Religion. I call Jewish people "Jewish" not Israeli. I am simply called white, when in fact I have a culture and religious beliefs myself. I am American not white. People should be respected for their uniqueness not judged or torn down for it. God made us different for a reason.
So I may not have answered your question the way you'd have liked but that's what I believe. You can be jewish and just jewish alone. I don't worry too much about what I am, I know that I am many things but I am a person first and foremost.

Answer 4

You are confusing ethnicity with nationality.

An Israeli is a citizen of the State of Israel. Thus, many Jews are not Israelis. The people of the Bible are called ISRAELITES.

As is the case, most Jews today are descendants of the tribe of Judah, Benjamin, and Levi. There have always been converts but that does not account for the bulk of the Jewish people.

Thus, the ethnicity of most Jewish people is "Jewish".

And most people from Israel are Jewish, but there are also Muslims, Christians, and others who are Israelis as well.

Answer 5

This is a tricky question. You could be an Israeli but not necessarily a Jew. Also, you can have the Jewish faith/religion, but your ETHINCITY could be something else (Russian, Polish, etc.) I hope this helps.