Expert: Rabbi Yechezkel Fox - 11/3/2009

Question
My nephew had recently gone to ancestry.com and found our background.  My Grandmother maiden name on my fathers side was Catt.  The ancestry showed it was Cat upon entering the United States and before coming and from Germany was Katz.  Would I hold any Jewish ancestry?

Best regards,

Ric W.

Answer
Hi Richard,
          Katz is a very Jewish surname, usually indicating a family from the priestly line, similar to the surname Cohen. However, to be considered Jewish yourself it is critical to trace your mother's family, as Jewish ancestry  follows the maternal line.
All the best,
Rabbi Yechezkel Fox