Question: I was raised in a Christian home but never had much of a connection with my faith. I recently participated in 23 and Me, and my results came back indicating that I am at least partially Jewish. I have always been intrigued by Judaism but never felt like I could participate because I wasn’t authentically a Jew. Does this mean I can now be part of the Jewish community?
Answer:
First of all, congratulations on this new development! It is always cool to get a deeper understanding of where you come from and how that fits into your larger identity.
The core of your question gets to one of the most complicated parts of Jewish identity: is Judaism a race, a religion, or a culture? If Judaism were exclusively a race, then sure, by all means, having Jewish DNA would mean you are a Jew! Alas, things aren’t quite that simple.
From a religious perspective, there is a long and powerful process for converting to Judaism. Anyone, regardless of their genetic identity or background, is allowed to begin that process in partnership with a rabbi. If that is something that interests you, I would encourage you to investigate further. It is common for people to struggle with the idea of authenticity around their faith, and Judaism is one of the more warm and inclusive traditions.
That being said, conversion to Judaism is intentionally a laborious process, not because we try to make it hard for others (although clearing the “hurdles” of conversion certainly demonstrates someone’s conviction), but because the process allows a new Jew to better understand the cultural heritage that they are taking on as their own. Anyone can be a Jew as long as that person is willing to invest the time and learning into becoming part of the tribe.
Meanwhile, being Jewish is not a prerequisite for participating in Jewish traditions and rituals. Almost every congregation on the planet would be happy to welcome you to services if you want to test out the style of prayer and see if it is a fit for you. The library has a plethora of resources that can help you identify what it is about Judaism that you find compelling and help you deepen your connection to the parts that you find resonate with you on a spiritual level.
One of the changes brought about by the 21st century is the relationship to authority. And while to be “officially” Jewish requires a conversion process and a teaching guide, there is absolutely nothing wrong with respectfully and thoughtfully testing out or “trying on” different Jewish practices to see if they resonate with you. There is such a wide spectrum of Jewish experience for those born into Judaism, so how much more so is it acceptable that people outside of the traditional boundaries of our faith find their way to a meaningful connection?
As long as you go about your investigation of your connection to Judaism with sincerity, curiosity, and respect for the other people you encounter, you are welcome to find the relationship to Judaism that is right for you.
Identity formation is as fraught today as it ever has been. Programs like 23 and Me are incredibly instructive, but in many ways, they work to confuse as much as clarify. Finding Jewish roots from your ancestral past can feel exhilarating, exhausting, or intimidating (perhaps all three). Having Jewish ancestry does not inherently “make you a Jew,” but if this is the permission you needed to investigate something that has intrigued you in the past, then aren’t we lucky you have this invitation to engage? And, of course, all you have to do is ask. My experience is that any rabbi worth their title would be happy to help you navigate what Judaism means to you and how you can find the right place for the tradition in your life.
If you have a question, send it to cincyeditor@jewfolk.com
Austin Zoot is the Rabbi Educator at Valley Temple in Wyoming, Ohio
