Jewish Question?

Question

I recently (a couple of years ago) learned that my mother's paternal line had Jewish. Since then, even though they say I'm not Jewish, I've claimed it as part of my background/heritage, is it wrong to claim a Jewish backgroung/ancestry?

Answer 1

I see nothing wrong with it. It's just like claiming you are a descendant of native Americans or anything of the sort.

Answer 2

What you are claiming is absolutely correct, well assuming the information you have is correct. Whether it be Jewish (the religion) or Jewish as often applied to people of Hebrew/Semitic background or both, it's correct. And so there is nothing wrong with saying that. You DO have Jewish background/ancestry.

Since you said your mother's paternal line, I would assume (and only an assumption) that the most recent generation you know of that has this tie is your great-grandparents. I only assume that because I believe you would have said your mother or grandfather if that were the case - but could be wrong.

But if that is the most recent tie, then from that point forward, you have 14 direct blood ancestors - go one more generation and you have 30. So that's 14 (or 30) distinct claims you could make. Maybe one was a Mormon, you have a Mormon in your background/ancestry. Maybe one was Germanic...you have a Germanic person in your background/ancestry. All are valid. All quite descriptive of reality and all are cool things to know.

The only thing you really couldn't use this information for is acquiring citizenship in Israel. Because it was your mother's PATERNAL line. But that's it really.

Answer 3

This is a tricky question. You certainly have a Jewish background and ancestry. As to whether you yourself are Jewish, that depends upon which stream of Judaism you're talking to. Since traditionally Judaism is passed strictly through the mother, then unless your mother's *mother* were Jewish, you would not be considered Jewish. More liberal branches would say that if either parent is Jewish then so are you. However, if you've never practiced Judaism then most likely even liberal Rabbis will want you to go through a formal conversion process.

Answer 4

You can for sure claim some Jewish ancestry, so long as you make that distinction and don't go around telling people that you're Jewish, because that would be a lie (assuming your mother's mother wasn't Jewish on account of your omission of that detail). That being said, partial Jewish ancestry doesn't really mean anything in Jewish culture, because Jewishness isn't a matter of blood. It's a state of the soul that can be imparted either by a Jewish mother, or by conversion to Judaism in accordance with Torah Law. A person is made equally Jewish by either of these. Having partial Jewish ancestry or a Jewish dad, when your mom isn't Jewish, doesn't make you "half-Jewish" (regardless of the growing popularity of that expression), or a quarter Jewish, or one sixteenth Jewish. The only people who held by "Jewish blood" like that were the Nazis with their Nuremberg Laws. We evaluate Jewishness by G-d's standard, not by Hitler's.

The only thing I can think of that sets a gentile with a Jewish father apart from a gentile with no Jewish ancestry is that such a person is not discouraged from converting as per tradition, should they express an interest in doing so.

So you can technically claim some Jewish ancestry, sure, knock yourself out. But it doesn't really mean anything in terms of Jewish culture, and though you have some Jewish background, that doesn't make you Jewish. I dunno, maybe you can put it on your resume? ;)

EDIT to Plushy: No offense, man, but that's TERRIBLE advice. Claim what you want - it's your life! You're basically saying it's okay to lie if you believe the lie, and if it makes you feel good. Heck, I'm the President of the United States! Granted, those people with the black suits and the sunglasses didn't seem too happy when I tried to walk into the Oval Office. One of them even pulled a gun on me! Can you believe the nerve of these people? My own Secret Service detail, threatening to shoot me, the President of the United States of America!

(Hey, it's MY life, and I'll claim whatever I doggone well wish! What business does the federal government have telling me I'm not the president?)

(Children, that's called a "metaphor". Can you say "metaphor"? Say it with me: Met-a-for.)

Answer 5

Judaism is a religion. Being Jewish means you are of the Jewish religion. Jews are not physically a separate race. So, it is not wrong to claim a Jewish background/ancestry, even if you, yourself, are not Jewish. It just like claiming Catholic (if your great-grandmother was Catholic) background/ancestry, even if you are Lutheran.
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Answer 6

Technically, if your mother was Jewish then you are as well; Judaism is matrilineal. However, the religion is coming from her paternal line, so there may be issues.
On a more pragmatic note, just claim what you doggone well wish! It's YOUR life, no?

Good luck!

Answer 7

no Judaism is a very interesting religion.... I'm sure they'll except you with open arms. You know reading up on the religion will help you appreciate and help you get more in touch with your ancestors