NationStates Jolt Archive

I have a question for the Jewish Community here, and I've been wondering about it for awhile, so I'd thought I'd ask you guys. If I get any part of the OP wrong, please correct me, thank you.

As I understand it, if your mother is Jewish, then you are a Jew. However, if your dad is a Jew, and your mother is not, then you're not Jewish. Do I have that correct? If the previous statement is correct, then why does the Jewish bloodline go through the mother and not the father? j/w.

Thank you for your reply. :)

Also, can you give some of you're media powers (we all know the Jews own all media outlet) to the Pagans? Pretty please? j/k

Well, since I'm atheist and didn't really get into the whole religious thing, but still considered Jewish by some, I can definitely say this.

If your father is a Jew and your mother is not, you could still be considered Jewish (depending on who you ask) and certainly still Jewish by faith.

And if your father is or isn't Jewish and your mother is, then you need to eat more. You're looking so thin these days.

Well, since I'm atheist and didn't really get into the whole religious thing, but still considered Jewish by some, I can definitely say this.

If your father is a Jew and your mother is not, you could still be considered Jewish (depending on who you ask) and certainly still Jewish by faith.

And if your father is or isn't Jewish and your mother is, then you need to eat more. You're looking so thin these days.

Ahh, see it was my understanding that it depends on whether or not your mother was a Jew.

Now about letting us (the pagans) having a piece of that media pie....

I'm not Jewish, but I can answer the question. Judaism is what may be called a matrilineal patriarchy - i.e. the religious affiliation is passed throught the mother. If a child of a Jewish man and Gentile mother wishes to be Jewish, he/she has to convert to Judaism. This probably goes back to prehistory and happened for one of two reasons 1. There was a time when the male contribution to reproduction was not known - mom was the only recognizable parent. 2. Even after the male contribution was recognized, it was still a matter of uncertainty who the father was, but you always knew who the mother was.

I'm not Jewish, but I can answer the question. Judaism is what may be called a matrilineal patriarchy - i.e. the religious affiliation is passed throught the mother. If a child of a Jewish man and Gentile mother wishes to be Jewish, he/she has to convert to Judaism. This probably goes back to prehistory and happened for one of two reasons 1. There was a time when the male contribution to reproduction was not known - mom was the only recognizable parent. 2. Even after the male contribution was recognized, it was still a matter of uncertainty who the father was, but you always knew who the mother was.

Ahh, that explains alot, thanks. :)

I can't tell you from the religious side, but the cultural anthropology side says that you know who the mother of a child is, not the father. My dad may not be my father, whereas my mother is fairly certain.

I can't tell you from the religious side, but the cultural anthropology side says that you know who the mother of a child is, not the father. My dad may not be my father, whereas my mother is fairly certain.

I hate to tell you this... but your whole life is a lie! You were adopted... I am your father... join with me and together we will rule the galaxy!

My mother converted to Judaism when I was little. I describe myself as half Jewish though I have never had a bar-mitzvah and rarely enter a synagogue.
I've had Jewish lovers but my family isn't Jewish.
Yet I identify with Jews. A few years ago I taught at a high powered Jewish school. I have this deep ambivalence about my Jewishness. It's there. It's part of me but it's certainly not all of me.
I guess the half-Jewish label is appropriate for me.
I also find a lot of Jewish women so-o-o sexy. They are smart and sassy - the way I like my gals to be.

I hate to tell you this... but your whole life is a lie! You were adopted... I am your father... join with me and together we will rule the galaxy!

Your mother's basement does not count as the galaxy, silly.

Mazltov for helping to Swing Colorado over to to the light of "the force" Kyronea!
The dark Bush empire had ruled it for far too long!

I can't tell you from the religious side, but the cultural anthropology side says that you know who the mother of a child is, not the father. My dad may not be my father, whereas my mother is fairly certain.

Do you remember being expelled from her? :p

Do you remember being expelled from her? :p

No, I was very young at the time.

sorry

I'm not Jewish, but I can answer the question. Judaism is what may be called a matrilineal patriarchy - i.e. the religious affiliation is passed throught the mother. If a child of a Jewish man and Gentile mother wishes to be Jewish, he/she has to convert to Judaism. This probably goes back to prehistory and happened for one of two reasons 1. There was a time when the male contribution to reproduction was not known - mom was the only recognizable parent. 2. Even after the male contribution was recognized, it was still a matter of uncertainty who the father was, but you always knew who the mother was.

it's the sort of thing that might arise during generational servitude, as well (say, being enslaved by the Pharoah), and has a historical precedent in America, of all places. During Slavery, many "Masters" took mistresses/raped slaves and produced offspring. Legally, the offspring were born slaves, not free, due to the mother's background completely overcoming the father. One outgrowth of matrilineal descent patterns is that it helps reinforce cultural identity far more than patrilineal descent patterns in a subject people-and for their oppressors.

Cultures that don't thrive on "Identity" politics tend to dispose of this-Britain's peoples absorbed Romans, Angles, Jutes, Saxons, Norsemen, etc. etc., whereas more "Identity" focused cultures retained their specific distinctions even in much, much, larger and more diverse settings (Jews in Europe, Ethiopia, Japan and China, for instance, also the Middle East prior to the fall of the Ottoman Empire.)

The most easily traced lineage is Maternal (mitochondrial DNA tracing shows this, recently demonstrating that there is no ethnic semitic blood in the Native American cultures and thus scientifically debunking the Book of Mormon's claim of a "Lost tribe of Israel" in N. America).

it's the sort of thing that might arise during generational servitude, as well (say, being enslaved by the Pharoah)

Of which there is no evidence...

Hamilay - How do you know she is your biological mother then?

[QUOTE=Sudova;14171134]it's the sort of thing that might arise during generational servitude, as well (say, being enslaved by the Pharoah)[QUOTE]

Of which there is no evidence...

Hamilay - How do you know she is your biological mother then?
the Egyptian empire enslaved a LOT of people, there's also the Babylonians who enslaved a LOT of people. In fact, up until the Horse-Collar, agriculture for food, and large construction (say, the Pyramids) needed Slavery to work, because you needed that "Horsepower" and a rope around the animal's neck wouldn't do the job as efficiently as strapping up a strapping young lad, or ten.

As for whether it was the Jews-as-we-know-'em, or not, and whether the conditions of Exodus really worked the way the Bible says it did or not, there IS evidence of large-scale human-chattel in use in Egypt (and everywhere else) for a Long, Long, Long time.

Fact is, Semitic peoples (Jews, Arabs, etc.) ARE a definite, separate, population group as distinctive as Africans, European/caucasians, and persons of the far-east. There are markers that regulate common appearances. The differences aren't, say, as broad as the difference between a Husky and a German Shephard, but they ARE present.

the Egyptian empire enslaved a LOT of people, there's also the Babylonians who enslaved a LOT of people. In fact, up until the Horse-Collar, agriculture for food, and large construction (say, the Pyramids) needed Slavery to work, because you needed that "Horsepower" and a rope around the animal's neck wouldn't do the job as efficiently as strapping up a strapping young lad, or ten.

As for whether it was the Jews-as-we-know-'em, or not, and whether the conditions of Exodus really worked the way the Bible says it did or not, there IS evidence of large-scale human-chattel in use in Egypt (and everywhere else) for a Long, Long, Long time.

AFAIK there is no evidence of ancient Jews (as an ethnic or religious group) existing in Egypt in any large numbers.

Also the Pyramids were built using non-slaves, the people working there were paying off labour-taxes (and the prevalence of slaves is contested, some people coming to the conclusion that slaves were relatively few when compared to other contemporary groups and others claim that agricultural workers were serfs).

Fact is, Semitic peoples (Jews, Arabs, etc.) ARE a definite, separate, population group as distinctive as Africans, European/caucasians, and persons of the far-east. There are markers that regulate common appearances. The differences aren't, say, as broad as the difference between a Husky and a German Shephard, but they ARE present.

There needs to be an addition to your statement: Most differences between them and surrounding populations tend to be sex-linked on the mother's side.

I have a question for the Jewish Community here

*snip, didn't read*

Wtf? They have a Community?

It's a conspiracy! I demand:

An Atheist Community.
An Agnostic Community.
A Raving Loony Community.
A Blokey-but-not-Gender-Exclusive Community.
A Girly-but-not-Gender-Exclusive Community.
At least two Multiple Personality Communities.
A Desperately Seeking Community Community.


And, any other Communities that random individuals here might require.

Until such Communities are recognized, I demand that the Jewish Community be prevented from making any statements on behalf of their blatantly discriminatory cabal.

As I understand it, if your mother is Jewish, then you are a Jew. However, if your dad is a Jew, and your mother is not, then you're not Jewish. Do I have that correct?

Yes.

If the previous statement is correct, then why does the Jewish bloodline go through the mother and not the father?

"That's the tradition" is the only real explanation. Tribe membership passes patrilineally (not that it matters much these days), so it's not some general emphasis on the role of the mother.

It is only relevant if your mother is Jewish as to weather or not the child is Jewish to those that follow Judaism. The fact is, Judaism is a belief system and there is no such race as a race of Jews, Semites yes, but not Jews. Anti-Jewish sentiments such as Jew's have big noses are ridiculous. Some do, some don't. A person from Lebonan may share the same genetic features as an Israeli Jew, they are both Semites.
Now we are clear on there being no race of Jews let's turn to Judaism the religion. Like any other religion it is not based on science, it's based on belief. It's an ideology.
If a mother was a Marxist would that make her newly born a Marxist to? Of course not.
People are free or should be, to believe whatever they want but this has nothing to do with scientific fact. One is not born with a belief system whereas one may be born with blond hair, or dark skin, or a number of genetic features.
Calling a baby/child Jewish, Muslim or whatever is dogma. Muslims believe the child follows the blood line of the father. This doesn't seem well thought through as in theory the father could be questionable whereas the baby comes out of the mother so it's hard to doubt her identity.
I myself would say I am culturally Jewish if pushed on the matter. I have had a Jewish up bringing and am familiar with it's culture because of this. I am of semitic race and I am an atheist.
If I were to visit a country such as Saudi and was pushed to complete an official form asking me to state my religion I would not write Jewish as politically this may make life difficult. I would also not write Atheist unless I was on a crusade with my vast army standing behind me. Atheists particularly in the Islamic world are loathed and most certainly beneath Jews. If pushed, I would probably write Church of England, adopt a stance where I seemingly loose the use of my arms (see an Eddie Izzard sketch for that reference) and go about my business.

I hope this sheds light on the matter

[QUOTE=Wilgrove;14170798]I have a question for the Jewish Community here, and I've been wondering about it for awhile, so I'd thought I'd ask you guys. If I get any part of the OP wrong, please correct me, thank you.

As I understand it, if your mother is Jewish, then you are a Jew. However, if your dad is a Jew, and your mother is not, then you're not Jewish. Do I have that correct? If the previous statement is correct, then why does the Jewish bloodline go through the mother and not the father? j/w.

Thank you for your reply. :)




It is only relevant if your mother is Jewish as to weather or not the child is Jewish to those that follow Judaism. The fact is, Judaism is a belief system and there is no such race as a race of Jews, Semites yes, but not Jews. Anti-Jewish sentiments such as Jew's have big noses are ridiculous. Some do, some don't. A person from Lebonan may share the same genetic features as an Israeli Jew, they are both Semites.
Now we are clear on there being no race of Jews let's turn to Judaism the religion. Like any other religion it is not based on science, it's based on belief. It's an ideology.
If a mother was a Marxist would that make her newly born a Marxist to? Of course not.
People are free or should be, to believe whatever they want but this has nothing to do with scientific fact. One is not born with a belief system whereas one may be born with blond hair, or dark skin, or a number of genetic features.
Calling a baby/child Jewish, Muslim or whatever is dogma. Muslims believe the child follows the blood line of the father. This doesn't seem well thought through as in theory the father could be questionable whereas the baby comes out of the mother so it's hard to doubt her identity.
I myself would say I am culturally Jewish if pushed on the matter. I have had a Jewish up bringing and am familiar with it's culture because of this. I am of semitic race and I am an atheist.
If I were to visit a country such as Saudi and was pushed to complete an official form asking me to state my religion I would not write Jewish as politically this may make life difficult. I would also not write Atheist unless I was on a crusade with my vast army standing behind me. Atheists particularly in the Islamic world are loathed and most certainly beneath Jews. If pushed, I would probably write Church of England, adopt a stance where I seemingly loose the use of my arms (see an Eddie Izzard sketch for that reference) and go about my business.

I hope this sheds light on the matter

You are correct - whether the child is born Jewish is determined by whether or not the mother is Jewish.

This is done for reasons previously stated - while in some cases, the father's identity is unknown, the mother's identity is always known at birth.

And it does only matter to Jews - but it matters a great deal, considering that the conversion process takes about a year.

Soleichunn, the difference between "serf" and "slave" in ancient Egypt was probably a minor academic one. The Egyptians probably considered the Hebrews to be serfs - they were inhabitants of Egypt, and had to do whatever Pharoah wanted (which was to build monuments and temples). From the Hebrew point of view, they were enslaved.

The Hebrews didn't build the Pyramids, though. They were already ancient. Abraham and Sarah probably visited them on their trip to Egypt.

I have a question for the Jewish Community here, and I've been wondering about it for awhile, so I'd thought I'd ask you guys. If I get any part of the OP wrong, please correct me, thank you.

As I understand it, if your mother is Jewish, then you are a Jew. However, if your dad is a Jew, and your mother is not, then you're not Jewish. Do I have that correct? If the previous statement is correct, then why does the Jewish bloodline go through the mother and not the father? j/w.

Thank you for your reply. :)

Also, can you give some of you're media powers (we all know the Jews own all media outlet) to the Pagans? Pretty please? j/k

I'm an ethnic Jew (religiously, I'm a Christian) but I still observe many Jewish traditions and the like. I've often asked why we determine weather or not you're Jewish through the mother (considering bloodlines in the Torah and Old Testament are traced through the males) and I've never got a straight answer.

The best one I've heard is what is stated above (identity of the mother is always known at birth, etc.). But I do believe there is a lot of debate between the different sects of Judism over who qualifies as a Jew.

Personally, both sides of my family are VERY Jewish... Like, we're almost entirely Jewish (with a little bit of Russian blood too) so I qualify hands down.

I believe that is traditionally correct, yes. Oh and pagans aren't worthy to control the media, sorry.

Anti-Jewish sentiments such as Jew's have big noses are ridiculous. Some do, some don't. A person from Lebonan may share the same genetic features as an Israeli Jew, they are both Semites.


I've got all of the stereotypical Semite (I mostly just say Jewish, so people know what I'm talking about) features... :p I've got the nose, the tan skin, the dark brown hair, the dark brown eyes, etc.. I also have a very light Yiddish accent.

Culturally, I'm with you... My family and I maintain a very strong sense of Jewish culture (i.e. maintaining dietary laws, observing several Jewish holidays, etc).

Religiously, I'm a devout Christian.

Oh and pagans aren't worthy to control the media, sorry.

I am in agreement... Gentiles period are not worthy of media control. We must continue the International Jewish Conspiracy. :p

If you want to be jewish, you're jewish.
If you don't want to be jewish, you're not jewish.

I've got all of the stereotypical Semite (I mostly just say Jewish, so people know what I'm talking about) features... :p I've got the nose, the tan skin, the dark brown hair, the dark brown eyes, etc.. I also have a very light Yiddish accent.
I would say that's more a stereotypical Ashkenazite...

I believe that is traditionally correct, yes. Oh and pagans aren't worthy to control the media, sorry.

We just want a small part of it. :(

I have a question for the Jewish Community here, and I've been wondering about it for awhile, so I'd thought I'd ask you guys. If I get any part of the OP wrong, please correct me, thank you.

As I understand it, if your mother is Jewish, then you are a Jew. However, if your dad is a Jew, and your mother is not, then you're not Jewish. Do I have that correct? If the previous statement is correct, then why does the Jewish bloodline go through the mother and not the father? j/w.

Thank you for your reply. :)

Also, can you give some of you're media powers (we all know the Jews own all media outlet) to the Pagans? Pretty please? j/k

tradition. Judaism is a matriarchal line.

And if your father is or isn't Jewish and your mother is, then you need to eat more. You're looking so thin these days.
Latin people also suffer from this unshakable thinness problem.

tradition. Judaism is a matriarchal line.

*Sings* Tradition..... TRADITION!

*Sings* Tradition..... TRADITION!

this works on multiple levels.

tradition. Judaism is a matriarchal line.

Not matriarchal, matrilineal. Judaism is a matrilineal patriarchy.

Yeah but I think it's sort of..the older way of seeing it. Many people still look at it that way for tradtions sake though.

I look it at like...you're Jewish if you believe in Judaism and you're not if you don't. We live in the age of the individual and I don't believe this crap about judaism being passed down from the mother's decision to be Jewish, to you.

And yes I'm Jewish but only because I consider myself to me Jewish in that I believe in the Jewish God.

I have a question for the Jewish Community here, and I've been wondering about it for awhile, so I'd thought I'd ask you guys. If I get any part of the OP wrong, please correct me, thank you.

As I understand it, if your mother is Jewish, then you are a Jew. However, if your dad is a Jew, and your mother is not, then you're not Jewish. Do I have that correct? If the previous statement is correct, then why does the Jewish bloodline go through the mother and not the father? j/w.

Thank you for your reply. :)

Also, can you give some of you're media powers (we all know the Jews own all media outlet) to the Pagans? Pretty please? j/k

We trace our lineage through the maternal line. You are correct. The reason as I learned it for our matrilinial system is that it is guaranteed that the mother of the child is the mother, whereas, people being the way that they are, it is not as certain that the father is the father.

We trace our lineage through the maternal line. You are correct. The reason as I learned it for our matrilinial system is that it is guaranteed that the mother of the child is the mother, whereas, people being the way that they are, it is not as certain that the father is the father.

I refer you to my post #20

Also, can you give some of you're media powers (we all know the Jews own all media outlet) to the Pagans? Pretty please? j/k

What are on about? The world's media is controlled by Rupert Murdoch.

And Murdoch is part of the Christian mafia!

But the entertainmnet industry....well Jews are pretty well represented there. FromEddie Cator to Sam Goldwyn to Barbra Streisand (the nose! Mmmmmmm! That cute nose) to Stephen Speilberg....what an approp[riate name for Holywood - speil (story; tale) + burg (city)

What are on about? The world's media is controlled by Rupert Murdoch.

And we keep apologising for unleashing that plague...

Judaism is really weird in my view. In my idealistic opinion it shouldn't even matter if someone is Jewish or not, but realistically, I think that anyone with an ethnically Jewish parent should be considered Jewish. So I'd consider a lot more people Jewish than let's say the average Rabbi (unless they don't follow that tradition any more. I'll admit I wouldn't know). As for people being able to sort of become ethnically Jewish by converting to Judaism, I'm not sure what to say of that. It's a little weird, but on the other hand it's interesting and maybe kind of refreshing, though I haven't really given it too much thought (or any real research for that matter).

We trace our lineage through the maternal line. You are correct. The reason as I learned it for our matrilinial system is that it is guaranteed that the mother of the child is the mother, whereas, people being the way that they are, it is not as certain that the father is the father.

So, will this tradition be discarded in this time of DNA testing ?

So, will this tradition be discarded in this time of DNA testing ?

And...why? Unless you're hoping to expand eligibility to emigrate to Israel, there's really no reason to change the tradition.

And...why? Unless you're hoping to expand eligibility to emigrate to Israel, there's really no reason to change the tradition.

Because upholding a tradition without purpose is moronic ?

Because upholding a tradition without purpose is moronic ?

Is saluting the flag, standing at attention, or using formal forms of address 'moronic'? Tradition has strong unifying elements that serve to strengthen and regulate behaviours. A people without Tradition will inevitably invent one-and given human nature, that invented tradition's going to be decidedly destructive.

The tradition in question DOES serve a purpose-two purposes, really.

1. in it, we have a subliminal reaffirmation of the importance of the female principal in terms of all identity-your mother provides the foundation of much of your identity as a person. (which, I suspect, is true regardless of your ethnic derivation, but the Jewish tradition actually acknowledges it.)

2. it provides a "Solid link" that can be used in the absence of a lab capable of Genetic testing (should, for instance, your group wind up in a place with no access to a major genetics research lab or repository.) It also provides through this, a 'tangible' link within a community that has often seen mind-blowing abuses by their neighbours.

So, will this tradition be discarded in this time of DNA testing ?

My first thought was that this tradition will not be changed. However, I have changed my mind. It may change eventually in the Reformed and Reconstructionist congregations. Reason and science have a lot of sway there when it comes to modifying rules.

[QUOTE=Wilgrove;14170798]I have a question for the Jewish Community here, and I've been wondering about it for awhile, so I'd thought I'd ask you guys. If I get any part of the OP wrong, please correct me, thank you.

As I understand it, if your mother is Jewish, then you are a Jew. However, if your dad is a Jew, and your mother is not, then you're not Jewish. Do I have that correct? If the previous statement is correct, then why does the Jewish bloodline go through the mother and not the father? j/w.

Thank you for your reply. :)




It is only relevant if your mother is Jewish as to weather or not the child is Jewish to those that follow Judaism. The fact is, Judaism is a belief system and there is no such race as a race of Jews, Semites yes, but not Jews. Anti-Jewish sentiments such as Jew's have big noses are ridiculous. Some do, some don't. A person from Lebonan may share the same genetic features as an Israeli Jew, they are both Semites.
Now we are clear on there being no race of Jews let's turn to Judaism the religion. Like any other religion it is not based on science, it's based on belief. It's an ideology.
If a mother was a Marxist would that make her newly born a Marxist to? Of course not.
People are free or should be, to believe whatever they want but this has nothing to do with scientific fact. One is not born with a belief system whereas one may be born with blond hair, or dark skin, or a number of genetic features.
Calling a baby/child Jewish, Muslim or whatever is dogma. Muslims believe the child follows the blood line of the father. This doesn't seem well thought through as in theory the father could be questionable whereas the baby comes out of the mother so it's hard to doubt her identity.
I myself would say I am culturally Jewish if pushed on the matter. I have had a Jewish up bringing and am familiar with it's culture because of this. I am of semitic race and I am an atheist.
If I were to visit a country such as Saudi and was pushed to complete an official form asking me to state my religion I would not write Jewish as politically this may make life difficult. I would also not write Atheist unless I was on a crusade with my vast army standing behind me. Atheists particularly in the Islamic world are loathed and most certainly beneath Jews. If pushed, I would probably write Church of England, adopt a stance where I seemingly loose the use of my arms (see an Eddie Izzard sketch for that reference) and go about my business.

I hope this sheds light on the matter

The children of Jewish mothers are members of the Jewish race. You might not believe it, but that does not change the fact that most of us beleive that we are a distinct people.

As an aside, I think that Ethipoian Jews trace their lineage through their fathers.

I have a question for the Jewish Community here, and I've been wondering about it for awhile, so I'd thought I'd ask you guys. If I get any part of the OP wrong, please correct me, thank you.

As I understand it, if your mother is Jewish, then you are a Jew. However, if your dad is a Jew, and your mother is not, then you're not Jewish. Do I have that correct? If the previous statement is correct, then why does the Jewish bloodline go through the mother and not the father? j/w.

Thank you for your reply. :)

Also, can you give some of you're media powers (we all know the Jews own all media outlet) to the Pagans? Pretty please? j/k



I'm Jewish . Traditionally, you are jewish if your mother is. But is some regions, it's not accepted if your a mischling (non-jewish dad). But now-a-days, with the more reformed Jews, they say your're Jewish if your dad is and your mother isn't.And I'm not gonna comment on the last question because that's just a stereotype.

[QUOTE=Bird chasers;14171344]

The children of Jewish mothers are members of the Jewish race. You might not believe it, but that does not change the fact that most of us beleive that we are a distinct people.

As an aside, I think that Ethipoian Jews trace their lineage through their fathers.

no such thing as a jewish race. semites yes, not jewish.

I hate to tell you this... but your whole life is a lie! You were adopted... I am your father... join with me and together we will rule the galaxy!

You love telling him this, don't you?

Such long winded responses when two two-worded sentences cover it: Mother's baby. Father's maybe. :D

I am white, Anglo-Saxon protestant by birth. I married a catholic and they made me switch. Some of your responses are just priceless. Just think you are God's chosen people and the only ones on this planet that he spoke directly to. None of the rest of us have ever spoken with him directly. You should feel honored. Maybe it is just me but it almost sounds like some are ashamed of this fact.

I think is just my Christian Gentile view but the mother often has the most influence on how the child is raised. It seem to be very important to the women mostly. The men seem to have no problem going with anyone. You hear it all the time in New York. Sometimes women will not even date you if you are not Jewish. Mothers and father forbid their kids to go out with Christians.

I always found this to be a double standard.

I think is just my Christian Gentile view but the mother often has the most influence on how the child is raised. It seem to be very important to the women mostly. The men seem to have no problem going with anyone. You hear it all the time in New York. Sometimes women will not even date you if you are not Jewish. Mothers and father forbid their kids to go out with Christians.

I always found this to be a double standard.

Nah, you can take it from my personal experience that there are plenty of Jewish guys who have a problem with shiksehs, too.

You can also take it from my personal experience that there are still Christians who have a problem with Jews, as well.

Basically, you can just rest assured that no demographic group has a monopoly on being assholes. :p

I think is just my Christian Gentile view but the mother often has the most influence on how the child is raised. It seem to be very important to the women mostly. The men seem to have no problem going with anyone. You hear it all the time in New York. Sometimes women will not even date you if you are not Jewish. Mothers and father forbid their kids to go out with Christians.

I always found this to be a double standard.

I can back this up with personal experience. My in-laws were afraid when their eldest; their son, spoke out against their religion because he was tired of it and didn't believe in it, that he would convert to Catholicism (my family is Catholic). He explained I was an Atheist and they're happy with me having no faith, no religion and no belief in any kind of God. So, Atheism is accepted right after Judaism it seems...

As I understand it, if your mother is Jewish, then you are a Jew. However, if your dad is a Jew, and your mother is not, then you're not Jewish. Do I have that correct? If the previous statement is correct, then why does the Jewish bloodline go through the mother and not the father? j/w.


In the days before genetic testing, it was only possible to factually know who your mother was.

[QUOTE=Bird chasers;14171344]

The children of Jewish mothers are members of the Jewish race. You might not believe it, but that does not change the fact that most of us beleive that we are a distinct people.

As an aside, I think that Ethipoian Jews trace their lineage through their fathers.

And Chinese Jews.(and yes there are chinese jews.)

Religion is not through heritage. pick the one you like.

[QUOTE=Glorious Freedonia;14178239]

no such thing as a jewish race. semites yes, not jewish.
There are various distinct Jewish ethnicities. Askhenazi, Sephardic, Mizrahi, etc.

DNA testing has confirmed that they are all closely related, though almost 2000 years of living apart has lead them to diversify a bit.

Ethnicity, NOT race.

And being ethnically Jewish does not necessarily mean you are religiously Jewish. Technically, depending on how conservative the rabbi is, if you are born of a Jewish father but not a mother, you might have to convert to Judaism, though if its vice versa, you don't have to. It gets... interesting.

Religion is not through heritage. pick the one you like.

Jewishness is weird and hard to explain, as it is seperately a religion and being semitic.

Wtf? They have a Community?

It's a conspiracy! I demand:

An Atheist Community.

All of us "Godless Liberals"

An Agnostic Community.

See above

A Raving Loony Community.

Congress

A Blokey-but-not-Gender-Exclusive Community.

Professional Golf

A Girly-but-not-Gender-Exclusive Community.

Figure Skating

At least two Multiple Personality Communities.

My ex-girlfriends

A Desperately Seeking Community Community.

NSG
:D

I can back this up with personal experience. My in-laws were afraid when their eldest; their son, spoke out against their religion because he was tired of it and didn't believe in it, that he would convert to Catholicism (my family is Catholic). He explained I was an Atheist and they're happy with me having no faith, no religion and no belief in any kind of God. So, Atheism is accepted right after Judaism it seems...

Right it is okay to believe in nothing just don't believe the wrong thing? You can't win.