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Taryn: Are Jews of the Jewish faith really a unique race? For many centuries there was intermarriage and conversion. How sure are you of your blood line?
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: we don't consider ourselves a race whatsoever
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: Jews are a People, and Judaism is the religion of that People
Taryn: I'm from a split family father Spainsh & mother Jewish. I'm now taking a comparative religion class. I'm trying to sort this all out. I asked my question, because intermarriage seems to be a big deal. Is it?
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: it is.
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: when we say Judaism is not a race, that means we aren't all one type of people in skin color or place of origin etc. In other words, superficially we are not all the same
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: On the other hand we are not just indiviuals who follow a certain religion, because even non religious Jews are still Jewish
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: what we are is a "People". That is our essence. Jew. And each Jew is obligated to fulfill the religion of Judaism, but whether he does or doesn't that can't take away from him being a Jew by essence
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: In order for one to have that Essence as Jew they need to either be born to a Jewish mother, or convert properly into the Jewish people, and then they attain a new soul, and a new essence
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: therefore intermarriage is a big thing in Judaism, because 1) if one is born to a Jewish father but not Jewish mother, they are not Jewish, and 2) more importantly, since we are talking about an Essence, it is not possible for two different Essences (jew and non Jew) to have the ultimate union a marriage could and should provide
Taryn: So if two non jews convert and marry they are Jewish and of the chosen people?
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: if they convert properly, that is absolutely correct
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: the same would be with one non jew who converts, who marries a jew by birth
Taryn: Would they have all rights or are there limitations? Could a convert become a rabbi?
Taryn: My Jewish professor mentioned that there would be limitations for converts. You mentioned there could be certain restrictions. What would they be? Can a convert marry a Rabbi?
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: a convert can marry a rabbi. A Kohen cannot marry a convert, and a convert cannot be a king
Taryn: I separated from my family at a young age and was in an environment that was not conducive to much thought about faith. I have not practiced Christianity or Judaism. My mother was a Jew and practiced the Judaism. Since I have not, them I guess I’m not a Jewish???? Would I have to convert?
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: No. Since your mother is Jewish, so are you!
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: You just need to learn about your rich heritage so can begin taking advantage of it :-)
Taryn: I will! It is still a bit confusing. Since I know virtually nothing about Judaism it’s hard for me to understand that I’m Jewish. I appreciate your answers. I still have many questions, but unfortunately I have to go. If it is ok, I’ll be back with more questions.
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: it would be our pleasure
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: also, where do you live?
Taryn: I live just outside of xxxxxx. I’m sorry to say that I have tried contacting a couple of congregations, by email and phone and nobody has ever responded.
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: try the closest Chabad center. Look for them on www.chabad.org/centers, and tell the rabbi I sent you from askmoses.com
Taryn: Thank you, I will. Take care
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: all the best
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Editor's Comment
If your family is originally from Europe, there were some countries (like Holland) which had people's religion entered in their passports or identity cards before WWII (that was a cultural thing at the time). Those details of that time will still be held at a country's historical database.
If all of this doesn't bring anything up, maybe consider converting as you are obviously interested in being Jewish :). Not that I'm advocating for conversions though, it's hard work! My grandmother was Jewish (on mother's side), however, my family kept denying it. I opted for a conversion as I really wanted to be Jewish. Best decision I have ever made.
Jewish Identity » ConversionBest of AskMoses » Jewish Identity
