Expert: Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner - 4/16/2007

Question
"Hi, I am very confused over the distinction between being an ethnic Jew as
opposed to an active participant of Judaism. My Father and Mother are both
"Ethnically" Jewish, however my mother's family converted to Catholicism and my
father has his own religious views. I would like to start attending a Conservative
Temple, so my question is will I need to convert or am I already considered a
Jew even though I know virtually nothing about Judaism the "religion".
thanks you"


Answer
Dear Mark,

Thanks for writing.

First of all, if you have a particular congregation in mind, make a call to the Rabbi and set up an appointment. Since he will be your Rabbi, it is his [ or her] opinion that will be binding upon you as a member of that congregation.

From the standpoint of information, within tradition there is no such notion of "status" as an ethnic Jew. One is either born to a Jewish mother from an unbroken  matrilineal heritage or one converts - and in either case both are authentic.

If your mother's mother converted out of Judaism, there are those who feel that one can never "leave" Judaism. My own opinion is that if we acknowledge the choice of someone to leave another religion for Judaism then we should recognize that right of choice for someone born a Jew.

In either case a substantive Jewish education is necessary, which is parallel to a conversionary education - assuring you that you will be able to participate in any home or community religious experience.

If your mother did not or does not consider herself Jewish or if her family prepared her for Christianity, then I would urge you to think seriously about a formal conversion to Judaism. The answer depends truly on your family's history, intentions and practices.

Best wishes in all your religious searching.

Rabbi Dov

PS if you need assistance in finding a Rabbi, contact me at bdlerner1@comcast.net