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Question
Dear Rabbi,
I realize my mom is Jewish, and out of fear
all of the records were lost and destroyed after
her dad died in an accident in 1947. Sadly, my
mom's grandmother either lost, or could not find
any paperwork to prove her Jewish lineage. I feel
I need to convert, but worried, if I did convert
to Reform or Conserv, I may not be accepted in
Eretz Yisrael. Do I need Orthodox Conversion,
to be accepted in Israel? I live near Ft Hood,
and I realize there are not many shul's in the
Central Texas area that can do conversions.
Please help?
Micha'el D. Lucas
7653`
Dear Michael
Thanks for writing.
What makes you concerned that your Mother or Grandmother might not be consdered Jewish in anyone's eyes such that you need proof.
Did anyone in your family belong to a congregation where a Rabbi or Cantor or the synagogue records could authenticate long-time affiliation?
What about the cemeteries in which deceased members of your family have been buried? Take pictures of the headstones which record names, dates and very often Hebrew names - including the name, address of the cemetery.
Please let me know why you are concerned? Planning on aliyah to Israel?
Best wishes
Rabbi Dov
Related Articles
- Ask the Orthodox Rabbi - Proof of Jewish Identity or Conversion to Judaism - Convert if not raised Jewish
- Ask the Orthodox Rabbi - How do I convert to Judaism - Will I be considered Jewish or a convert after conversion
- Ask the Reform Rabbi - Will Reform conversion be accepted in Israel?
- Ask the Rabbi - Does Reform Judaism recommend Conversion for Children of Non-Jewish mother and Jewish Father
- Ask the Reform Rabbi - Is it enough to feel Jewish, or does one need to convert?
Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner
Expertise
Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history, philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.
Experience
I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)
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