Is being Jewish a race, nationality or religious identity?

Question

Because I know people that say they are "half jewish" and I always thought that being a "jew" meant being a member of a religion.

Answer 1

Not a race.

This page explains it best from the point of view of actual Jews.

http://www.jewfaq.org/judaism.htm

Peace

Answer 2

"Jewish" is not a race. In fact, many races make up world Jewry. There are European Jews (Ashkenazi and Sephardi), there are African Jews, there are Middle Eastern Jews, there are even Chinese and Indian Jews. "Jewish" is a religious-cultural identity. EDIT: Poke Smot, that is patently false. All sects of Judaism accept sincere converts and treat them equally to "born" Jews. I should know. I wasn't born Jewish, but they have accepted me and treat me no differently than anyone else. EDIT: To the Asker: A person is considered to be "born" Jewish if their Mother is Jewish. They may choose to keep or abandon this identity as they wish. If they keep it, thy're Jewish. If they abandon it, they're an Apostate. It most assuredly is not a race, though. Have you ever heard of someone becoming a different race? Because anyone can choose to become a Jew. EDIT: Poke Smot, again that is incorrect. People convert to Judaism in Israel all the time. They are granted equally status as Jews under the law.

Answer 3

Is Being Jewish A Religion

Answer 4

As a Jew I see it as a nationality.

a race/ethnicity is not enough because their is more than one Jewish ethnic group as well as converts.

religious identity is also not enough because a person can practice parts of Judaism and will not be considered Jewish, while someone who is an atheist will be considered to be Jewish.

A nationality works, with Judaism being a critical part of that national culture.

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Is being Jewish a race, nationality or religious identity?
Because I know people that say they are "half jewish" and I always thought that being a "jew" meant being a member of a religion.

Answer 6

Kind of all. First and foremost it is a religion of peoples. As far as ethnicity there are a few haplogroups (DNA). As far as the mix of DNA well we see Abraham was a convert and so was Ruth making King David half of one thing and half of the other. Not considering the lost tribes, there could be much more. Naphtali was descendant of Abraham as well maternal descendant of a Armenian .

As far as Nationality, I suppose that matters based on your definition. If you view it as the ethnicity of a nation, than you would have to bring in other races to be Jewish.

Answer 7

It is an ethnicity (I think what you mean by "race") and a religion. It is not a nationality. (If you're thinking of people in Israel, they are known as Israelis for their nationality) It is the ethnic understanding that leads to comments of being "half jewish."

Answer 8

It's cultural and includes all you mentioned but also a state of mind and a philosophy

Answer 9

Yes

Answer 10

I just know it as RYE, and taste good with ham and swiss cheese.