Question:
I grew up in a Jewish family, grew up in a synagogue, and had a Bat Mitzvah. I was active in praising my university, and my Jewish identity is very important to me. I’m almost 22 years old, and I just found out that my maternal grandmother wasn’t Jewish (even though her husband, my grandfather, was Jewish). My mother and her family are from the Soviet Union, and she grew up with all the stigma and struggle associated with being Jewish (as well as Jewish cultural customs). My mother always identified herself as Jewish, but I never thought to ask about our family history. I’m not really sure what to do – I know it means I’m not Jewish, but my identity and how people see me hasn’t changed. I know Judaism is matriarchial, so I’m going to have to convert to Judaism for my children to be considered Jewish, but what would the conversion process look like to me? Will it be different from the standard process in any way?
Answer:
Hello and greeting,
A smart question is a half answer.
You analyzed the situation correctly, on the one hand your life is full of Jewish identity, and on the other hand, to the extent that your maternal grandmother is not Jewish, this means that you are not Jewish either, according to Jewish law.
Therefore, if you do want to be Jewish according to Jewish law, you must undergo a conversion procedure as the religion of Moses and Israel. If you know Jewish law and observe the commandments, for you conversion will not be difficult at all.
What is required in conversion to woman is baptism and acceptance to observe the commandments of the Torah. If you are already observant, you do not need to learn as much as any conversion all the rules of the commandments, but you will turn to the Orthodox Court for conversion nearest to your area of residence, and they will receive you immediately for conversion, which includes baptism and acceptance of the burden of the commandments that you already know and maintain.
With the blessing of success wherever you turn.
Sources and reasons
