NationStates Jolt Archive

Is there a specific race called the Jews or is it just a religion? Can you tell someone is Jewish from DNA tests? I ask because the anti-semetic non-sense continues in no less than two threads.

I believe the term Jewish refers to both people following the religion of Judaism, and people descending from a certain ancient race. I don't understand it very well though, so I might be wrong.

Judaism is a religion. Anyone can be Jewish -- black, white, Russian, Puerto Rican, etc.

Is there a specific race called the Jews or is it just a religion? Can you tell someone is Jewish from DNA tests? I ask because the anti-semetic non-sense continues in no less than two threads.

Religious community - traditionally all those born to a Jewish mother are Jewish, however it is possible to convert to Judaism, and thus there are those who are not related by blood. Similarly, it is possible to be a born Jew but to leave the faith, either by ones own choice, or by lack of acceptance by the Jewish community...

Is there a specific race called the Jews or is it just a religion? Can you tell someone is Jewish from DNA tests? I ask because the anti-semetic non-sense continues in no less than two threads.

"Jewish" is a culture. A major component of that culture is the religion Judaism. Supposedly, many Jews have common ancestry, however the extent to which this is true continues to be debated.

You cannot TELL that someone is Jewish from DNA tests, as there is no such thing as "Jewish DNA". What they have found is that many Jews called "Cohanim" (descendants of Moses' brother Aaron) share many DNA markers, indicating a common ancestor. This would seem to indicate a common heritage for at least that one segment in each of these disparate Jewish communities.

Even People in Isreal make the distinction between Ethnic Jews and Converts.
Anti-semitism refers to the religion. Anti-semties insist that the jews themselves are an inferior race and all that.

Even People in Isreal make the distinction between Ethnic Jews and Converts.

Could you elaborate on this?

Most of the intelligent world see judism as a religion. White supremists, jewish-conspiracy theorists and other assorted wack jobs insist that it is a race though and that a line of decent that includes a jewish person makes you a jew. Jews don't see themselves as a race if that makes any difference.

"Jewish" is a culture. A major component of that culture is the religion Judaism. Supposedly, many Jews have common ancestry, however the extent to which this is true continues to be debated.

You cannot TELL that someone is Jewish from DNA tests, as there is no such thing as "Jewish DNA". What they have found is that many Jews called "Cohanim" (descendants of Moses' brother Aaron) share many DNA markers, indicating a common ancestor. This would seem to indicate a common heritage for at least that one segment in each of these disparate Jewish communities.

Ah, but if we are going to use biblical text, then would we not have to conclude we are all related to each other any way?

Ah, but if we are going to use biblical text, then would we not have to conclude we are all related to each other any way?

Only if you insist on a mind-numbingly literalist approach. If anything the existence of the mitochondrial Eve plays that role anyway.

Some great studies have been done ... http://www.khazaria.com/genetics/abstracts.html

Jews can be born Jews or they can convert. It has always been said that a convert is merely a Jewish soul who was born into a Gentile body, hence, converts are always seen as just as Jewish as anyone born Jewish.

I tend to see "Jewish" as a cultural identity, rather than a race. Sammy Davis Jr. and Woody Allen have more in common than ya'll might think. There is a certain amount of brotherhood when two Jews meet. Example, I was getting a nice bottle of Jack Daniels from my local liquor store and engaged in conversation with the owner - an older lady who seemed nice. Now, the going assumption where I live is that when you see a white face and blue eyes, you can almost bet the farm that they're WASP.

Somewhere in the conversation, the JCC was brought up and she asked if I was Jewish and I said "You betcha" .... then everything changed. Instant friendship, exchanging stories, Yiddish phrases flying all over the place, smiles, laughter, invites to dinners and parties ... instant knowledge that no matter how different we may be in social status, financial status, political affiliation, and even religious beliefs that through our veins runs the same blood that was at Sinai.

It's a brotherhood that most non-Jews can't really understand. Whether or not it is genetic, I have no idea, nor do I care. It is something tangible that goes far deeper than any scientific proof. If they do ever prove that all Jews are genetically linked to a common ancestor, then they will only prove what Jews have already known for centuries.

Ah, but if we are going to use biblical text, then would we not have to conclude we are all related to each other any way?

Who's using biblical text? All I was doing was explaining what the "Cohanim" caste is. The studies were done AMONG Cohanim. Totally relevant, no?

Only if you insist on a mind-numbingly literalist approach. If anything the existence of the mitochondrial Eve plays that role anyway.

Well, I'm an atheist any way (which you've probably read at some point) so, to me, people are just people. I don't care what their religion or culture or beliefs are, every one is equal in my eyes.

Well, I'm an atheist any way (which you've probably read at some point) so, to me, people are just people. I don't care what their religion or culture or beliefs are, every one is equal in my eyes.

How is this relevant to the discussion?

How is this relevant to the discussion?

I suppose it's not. Just bothers me how we "group" people into categories like cattle. That and I'm very tired. Carry on...