My dad is Jewish. My mom isn't

11

Happy hanukkah!
So my mom is Chinese and my dad is Russian (jewish)
And based on Jewish law, it could only be passed on from the mother?
Am I still Jewish?
I'm not like- extremely religious but I celebrate Hanukkah

Reply 1

J2OClips

9

While I'm no expert on Judaism myself, I'd imagine it depends on what denomination you align yourself to. I'm quite confident that a reform jew would classify you as Jewish but one who's ultra orthodox might not. Ultimately if you consider yourself Jewish then call yourself that - nobody has the right to strip your faith from you.

Reply 2

Amb/conf

19

In Jewish law - no. Your Mum must be Jewish for you to be considered Jew.

(edited 2 years ago)

Reply 3

londonmyst

19

It depends on the sect and definition of jewish.
Is your father practicing judaism and if so what type & sect?
Did your parents marry in a religious premises or within Israel?
Are you male or female?

Orthodox rabbinical judaism & conservative halacha based judaism will usually only recognise someone who is non-practicing as jewish if they have a jewish maternal grandmother.
Karaites and some non-practicing jews will recognise based on patrilineal ancestry or self-affiliation accompanied by some personal observance compatible with their own favourite traditions.

Reply 4

r_ae113

7

Original post

by uggbootswithbows

Happy hanukkah!
So my mom is Chinese and my dad is Russian (jewish)
And based on Jewish law, it could only be passed on from the mother?
Am I still Jewish?
I'm not like- extremely religious but I celebrate Hanukkah

In Judaism culture, (I'm Jewish I would know) it depends on what your dad is. Because you have his stronger blood. So if your dad's Jewish then you would be. Read the Torah and find out. But that's what happens with a lot of Jewish families, they'll choose whatever the dad is because in Jewish culture, the dad has the strongest bloodline.

Reply 5

shmuel88

9

Original post

by uggbootswithbows

Happy hanukkah!
So my mom is Chinese and my dad is Russian (jewish)
And based on Jewish law, it could only be passed on from the mother?
Am I still Jewish?
I'm not like- extremely religious but I celebrate Hanukkah

as an orthodox jew i can confirm that according to orthodox and maybe even conservative judaism u would not be considered jewish. in some reform and progressive communities u prob would be if ur mother underwent a reform conversion (which orthodox jews wouldn't consider a proper conversion). some reform communities might consider u jewish even if ur mother didnt convert, depends how progressive they are. in terms of halacha, (traditional jewish religious law) u definitely arent tho sorry.

Reply 6

shmuel88

9

Original post

by r_ae113

In Judaism culture, (I'm Jewish I would know) it depends on what your dad is. Because you have his stronger blood. So if your dad's Jewish then you would be. Read the Torah and find out. But that's what happens with a lot of Jewish families, they'll choose whatever the dad is because in Jewish culture, the dad has the strongest bloodline.

whats "jewish culture"? in terms of halacha ur mother must be jewish to be considered a jew

My dad is Jewish. My mom isn't

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