I found out Im Jewish a year ago?

Question

My grandmother died and we found out do you think its messed up she lied . I would of like to more about this side of me.

yes my mothers, mother was jewish

Answer 1

good for you i grew up in a subburb surrounded by jews,i always thought i was a jew ,untill i was told i was not,but a slave of christianity.

Answer 2

******************** Firstly, please be aware that in his answer SCHNEB has linked to a CHRISTIAN MINISTRY, and you will not get any Jewish perspective there whatsoever.

Now for your question:

That must be pretty confusing :)

Was it your mother's mother? If so, then yes, according to Jewish religious law, you are Jewish.

If it was your father's mother then it all gets a bit muddly I'm afraid. According to Reform Judaism, you are still Jewish but the stricter sects within Judaism don't agree.

If you would like to learn more about Judaism there are several things you can do. Personally, I would suggest taking it slowly; I know you must be really curious but it's a lot to take in :)

Check out these websites; they give you the core beliefs of Judaism and they compare them with Christianity, which makes for interesting reading: http://www.whatjewsbelieve.org/

There are also many books worth reading, in particular I recommend: 'This Is My G-d' by Herman Wouk.

And if you want to get inside the Jewish 'mind set' a bit more, then the wonderful novel 'Exodus' by Leon Uris is a fabulous read, and talks about Israel and recent episodes in Jewish history. While it is fiction, you will find a lot of fact in the novel.

You might also like to speak with a Rabbi; find out if there are any synagogues in your area and then phone up. I'm sure any Rabbi will be most supportive and will help you a lot.

Also, you might find this helpful: http://www.askmoses.com

Hope this helps a bit - do feel free to post any more questions :)

EDIT TO SHADOW

- hey, leave her alone, she asked about Judaism, not Islam, you have real chutzpah!! And Islam is not 'Judaism's natural successor'. Bloody cheek! :)

Answer 3

I am glad to see that your interested in this side of you.

You might want to try buying some books on basic Judaism and Jewish history to get a better understanding if this is a part of you that you wish to embrace.

You can also try the site below.
http://www.jewfaq.org/index.htm
Best of luck.

Answer 4

Many people of that generation, particularly if they were from Europe, were hesitant to admit they were Jewish. Don't think poorly of her. This is a new opportunity for you to find out more about your ancestors! There are tons of Jewish organizations that can help you.

Answer 5

Mazel-tov.

It does not matter that you grandmother lied. What is important is what you know now. There is quite a bit to learn. But if you want the real meat and potatoes, read the Bible this coming year. Or, learn the Bible in 24 hours by listening here...
http://khouse.org/sphider/search.php?query=24+hours&search=1

Answer 6

Finding out your racial heritage doesn't make you more or less a person. Your gran probably did it to protect you from idiots who think it does matter. I don't know about what your current religious leanings are but it wouldn't hurt to have a look, and make sure you read the Torah before you commit to anything (coming from a Muslim, also check out Islam, Judaisms' natural successor).

Answer 7

Start with the history ...
http://www.aish.com/literacy/jewishhistory/

Answer 8

you choose your own religion , you do not have to stay with the one your family chooses, however if you feel happy with it
read up on it.