Question:
I recently discovered that I am a Jew in origin do I need to convert or can I jump right in with proof of Judaism.
Thank you.
Answer:
Peace and Blessings
You did not tell me in your question how you found out that you are Jewish by origin, whether the clarification is 100% certain and proven and can be proven before “dayanim”, so I will answer you in general.
A person who turns out to be a Jew does not need conversion, but is a Jew since time immemorial, because a Jew never ceases to be a Jew.
However, anyone who has not been held to be a Jew, and suddenly discovers Jewish roots, must make a clarification of Judaism, in order to prove that he is indeed Jewish. A person cannot decide for himself that he is a Jew, but must turn to the competent place to find out and determine it.
The clarification is carried out by a competent Orthodox court that ascertains the identity of the applicant and checks whether the mothers of the applicant were Jewish, because according to Jewish law, Judaism is determined by the mother.
Therefore, any person who has not held himself as a Jew, and finds Jewish roots, should apply to the Orthodox Court for the Clarification of Judaism. The court will already guide you and tell you whether you are defined as a Jew according to Jewish law.
I strongly recommend that you seek clarification in order for you to know your identity and be at peace with yourself.
Wishing you success
Rabbi David Ohayon
Jerusalem, the Holy City
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