Am I a Jew?

November 26, 2016 at 8:27 AM
Michelle asked 7 years ago
I found out I have a small percentage Jewish DNA, but no known family background of Judaism. Does G-d consider me to be Jewish and does he expect me to fully observe all the commandments? I only want to live my life in a way that is pleasing to Him.
2 Answers
Rabbi Alon Anava answered 7 years ago
Shalom, In the Jewish faith, we track our Jewish background and lineage through the mother. If one can check and prove his/her mother was Jewish and her mother was Jewish etc., that is how we track the Jewish background. Since for so many years Jews wondered around and with so many intermarriages it is almost impossible to find out 4 or 5 generations ago what really happened, than in a situation like yours it is very difficult to really know if you are Jewish or not and we can defiantly can't know what G-od knows. If you feel closeness to G-d and find interest in Judaism and the Torah, I suggest you learn more about Judaism and the Torah and once you find that this is the path you want to go on, then you can to a conversion that is called a 'just in case' conversion and that way you know you are 100% on the right path. I would suggest to start with learning a lot of Torah and performing some Mitzvot (That our also permitted to non Jews to do) and see what your soul is 'saying' to you. Our soul 'talks' to us when we 'feed' it... Please let me know if I can further help you on your new path Wishing you great success, Alon Anava
Rabbi Alon Anava answered 7 years ago
Shalom, In the Jewish faith, we track our Jewish background and lineage through the mother. If one can check and prove his/her mother was Jewish and her mother was Jewish etc., that is how we track the Jewish lineage. Since for so many years, Jews wandered around and with so many intermarriages it is almost impossible to find out 4 or 5 generations ago what really happened, therefore, in a situation like yours it is very difficult to really know if you are Jewish or not and we definitely can't know what G-od knows. If you feel closeness to G-d and find interest in Judaism and the Torah, I suggest you learn more about Judaism and the Torah and once you find that this is the path you want to choose, then you can pursue conversion that is called a 'just in case' conversion, and that way you know you are 100% on the right path. I would suggest to start with learning a lot of Torah and performing some Mitzvot (That are also permitted for non Jews to do) and listen what your soul is 'saying' to you. Our soul 'talks' to us when we 'feed' it... Please let me know if I can further help you on your new path Wishing you great success, Alon Anava