Expert: Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner - 4/21/2006

Question
I am 26 yr old male from the U.K

AM I jewish?

I have not been bought up as jewish but maybe want to be, I am not circumsised or had any jewish upbringing however..

All My mothers side of my family were jewish(inc. my mother, her mother and father, her mothers mother and father)- but my mum now no longer classes herself as jewish and more of a christian.  

My family were never religious.  However my mothers mum and dad were jewish both there parents were jewish one side from poland and one from russia, my uncles and aunties from all my mothers side were jewish.  DOES THAT MAKE ME JEWISH?, my fathers side are not relegious and were just really baptists and christians.  Please help me resolve who I am and my spirtual identity. I WANT TO FIND OUT WHO I really am, and embrace some faith as I am so confused, please help me. Thank you so much

Look forward to your response ASAP

Regards

Sam  

Answer
Dear Sam,

Thanks for writing.

First of all, I would urge you to speak with a local Rabbi who should be able to assist you more personally.

Secondly, in terms of Jewish tradition of Jewish identity by birth, if one's mother was Jewish by birth, then the child of that mother is Jewish.

Even if one no longer practices Judaism or even converts out of Judaism, there are those who presume the person - your mother - to still be a Jew and her child also a Jew.

Thirdly, I strongly feel that Judaism is a religion, sustained by personal study, conviction and faith born out of practice and participation in the Jewish community.

For that reason, while I would agree with tradition, you should speak with a local Rabbi to completely become part of the Jewish People - if you wish to be.

Circumcision is an expected ritual for every Jewish male, and adulthood is not an obstacle to achieving this state.

Best wishes, and if confusion continues, you might even speak with a mental health professional to sort out the complicated emotions of the family as you describe.

Rabbi Dov