Question:
A question of heritage and religion ???
2007-12-29 15:12:40 UTC
I was raised a Christian however my brother and I never really got it. Over the years I've learn that I have a Jewish / Semitic background on my father's side of the family. My grandmother for some strange reason refuses to discuss it. However my entire life I've felt like I've had a connection with Judaism. I've tried to push it away b/c I thought I was making it up. But it seems to come back stronger each time. Some of my Jewish friends have encouraged me to go and visit a synagogue and one even invited me over for Passover Seder. Here's the problem I'm not really into organized religion. However I am very drawn to Judaism I enjoy reading the religious texts on my own. I also really appreciate the value system Judaism has as a whole. I guess I'm not sure what to do any advice???
Fifteen answers:
ciarakelley87
2007-12-31 06:37:38 UTC
First let me clarify; there are two identities that are both commonly known as Jewish. One is the genetic identity that is a descendant of the biblical Jacob (who's name was changed to Israel in Genesis 32:28) by one of two wives (Leah and Rachel) or one of two concubines (Bilhah and Zilpah) by which Jacob/Israel fathered twelve sons who became the twelve tribes of Israel. Those tribes are: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, the house of Joseph (Manasseh and Ephraim) and Benjamin.

To clarify the difference, and since Jew means "from Judah" - Judah being only one of twelve tribes - I'll use the term Israelite to refer to the genetic relation. I keep wanting to use Israeli but that would be a member of the modern state of Israel.

The second identity that is commonly known as Jewish is the religious identity. Simply put, it is the religion of the children of Israel. The stories of the founding fathers as well as the laws and customs of the religion are found in the five Books of Moses, which are the first five books of the bible (Genesis/Bereshit, Exodus/Shmot, Leviticus/Vayikra, Numbers/Bamidbar and Deuteronomy/Devarim.)

If you do, and I suggest that you do, look into your ancestral Jewish roots part of that would be reading the Books of Moses. In which you'll find all of the biblically based laws and customs that - I think - you need to know to follow God's will as laid out in the Torah and Old Testament.

Again, to clarify the difference, I'll use the term Judaism to reference the religious identity.

So to recap: when I say "Israelite" I'm referring to that genetic relation to Jacob while if I say "Judaism" I'm referring to the religious relation to Jacob.



The big difference, the key difference between Christianity and Judaism is Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah of Jewish prophecy and that He came, lived, fulfilled all prophecies, died for our sins, rose again triumphant over death, hell and the grave, etc. Followers of Judaism believe that Jesus was a great teacher but that they're still waiting for Messiah to come. There's the whole Sabbath controversy (Saturday Sabbath versus Sunday Sabbath) and keeping kosher but even then there are several forms therein Judaism (Orthodox, Reform, Hasidic, Reconstructionist, Rabbinic, etc.) as well as denominations in Christianity that teaches keeping kosher, Shabbat (worshiping on Saturday) and the festivals as biblically founded. One of these is called Messianic Christianity, Messianic Judaism or commonly the Messianic Movement. And it might be a really great way to honor your heritage without renouncing Christ.



My suggestion is that you look into the Messianic movement because they embrace and celebrate the heritage of Judaism while having the belief of Jesus as Messiah and Savior.



As for your statement of being "not really into organized religion," in spite of that, it sounds like God is calling you. And as one who was raised in a pew - actually quite literally - I can more than empathize with the concept of weariness on the subject of religion. It's important for you to not confuse being forced to sit through five hours of preaching that went over your head with a relationship with God. They're two different things. But, it is also important to keep in mind that we're to "not forsake the assembling of ourselves together." (Hebrews 10:24, 25) And it's very important to find a church that meets your needs. Different churches have different personalities; some are family oriented, some are children oriented (and yes, that's different,) some are youth oriented, some are elder oriented, lots are baby boomer oriented and I suggest that you find one that meets your needs or else it's kind of pointless and pretty frustrating. I also suggest that you seek God's advice on where to go. He does have an opinion. lol



As for your grandmother, please don't get insulted but I'm going to suggest that she might have grown up in a time and place where being Jewish (genetically and/or relgiously) was considered a very bad thing. I know that in my own genealogy that there is Native American blood on my maternal side but we're unaware of who, where and how much because it was considered something to be ashamed of and ignored by those who held the answers to our questions. I've always really wanted to know but the matriarch who knew those answers has since passed away and so now we don't know.



I hope I helped even if only a little.
superpest_99
2007-12-29 18:23:42 UTC
I can totally relate because I have had a very strong attraction to Judaism also, even as a child, and I don't believe I have any Jewish background whatsoever except all the way back to Noah and Adam. But here's the thing: you and I are not the only ones. Millions of people are becoming more and more interested in Judaism no matter what their background. I'm taking a wild guess here - that God is guiding us toward the Jewish economy which He Himself established from the beginning. He has an agenda and if we ask Him, He will show us the way. However, be prepared to get involved with other people the way He wants us to. I have had to deal with organized religion at times but mostly, studying the Scriptures (Torah) has brought me peace, and awe that God is mindful of us. I use the King James Version of the Bible since the kinks have already been worked out and the Strong's Exhaustive Concordance for word studies. But my Complete Jewish Bible by David H. Stern is my favourite because it shows the Bible from a Jewish perspective. After all, is the Bible not of Jewish (Hebrew) origin? One word of caution: no matter who you speak with or what you read or hear, do not get bogged down by traditions of men. That's what has made organized religion such a pain and a farce. If it isn't according to the Scriptures, then it isn't truth. God bless you.
2007-12-30 16:46:40 UTC
it is great you feel a connection to religion. I am an orthodox religious Jew (not really sure what i am doing on here, lol) but i saw your question and felt compelled to answer.

Unlike in Christianity where your religious background comes from the father (i think, i do not really study Christianity). Jews hold that what determines whether you are jewish, is not whether you had a circumcision or father was jewish, but only if your mother is jewish. so if your mother is not jewish, i am sad to say you are not (which may be the reason your grandmother never talks about it, since your father married a non-jew making you a non-jew). But do not despair. Judiasm holds that non-jews can have an equal share in the heavenly eternal after life, if they follow the 7 laws of noah (google it and u will find them out, and many of them i am sure you follow anyways, like do not murder, and do not treat animals with cruelty). so if u feel a connection to Judaism and feel it is the proper religion , all you have to do is follow those 7 laws, and you will be set for the after-life. if you have any questions, email me at jemond42@yahoo.com
Tasha
2007-12-29 15:19:32 UTC
It makes perfect sense that you would feel a connection to Judaism having come from a Christian background. I'm Catholic, at my Church we have Seder Dinner every year during Lent to learn more about how the Catholic Mass comes from the Passover Tradition. Christianity and Judaism are very closely related.
amemahoney
2007-12-29 15:19:17 UTC
I don't feel like you have to be born into any certain religion. Even if you have background on your father's side, many more Orthodox/conservative synagogues will not recognize this as Judaism is traditionally passed through the mother.



That being said, who cares? Read on your own and visit with friends if that's what makes you happy. Start your own traditions and visit a synagogue that is more liberal/open to converts. Even if you are "not Jewish" there is no reason you cannot visit services with friends or family. If you feel moved in the future, and only if you ever feel like it, talk to a rabbi about conversion. There are many open communities who will welcome you - you just have to find one.



Have fun exploring - at least you have a connection! :)
hughs
2016-09-05 18:07:30 UTC
I'm ordinarily German going again with any other stuff (even a likelihood of Guatemalan history combined in or whatever from the Mediterranean. whatever with olive dermis tones indigenous to the men and women of the discipline), however no less than the final two generations of my loved ones had been born and raised in America. I'm atheist, however I feel (jaja) so much of my loved ones is Catholic.
alwaysa(ducky)bridesmaid
2007-12-29 15:26:01 UTC
Continue studying!!! Seek Truth!!! If you are drawn to judaism, continue to study it and incorporate it into your life, as it is speaking to your soul that there is truth in it. I love judaism, it offers one of the greatest understandings of covenants and integrity. Everyone should have a greater understanding of judaism, and how lucky you are that it is a part of your heritage. As you study and incorporate it into your life, continue to maintain an open mind as to seeking truth and light around you.
2007-12-29 15:28:42 UTC
Not sure what age you might be but if you are underage it maybe best if you followed and learned, for now, from your families believes.



And later go your way.



I am the first in my family that has way different believes. What worked for them, didn't for me so I had to find my own path.
2007-12-29 15:33:51 UTC
Because you have a jewish father. I think you should consider Reform Judaism. It is just for you.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reform_Judaism
wiccanhpp
2007-12-29 15:16:24 UTC
Study on your own and decide if it is truly what you feel. If so, continue to study alone or with your friends. Just be true to yourself.
Frank B
2007-12-29 15:16:41 UTC
Stop worrying. If you don't like organized religions, just do what your doing. Explore on your own.
Pi
2007-12-29 15:16:40 UTC
If I were you I'd explore your religious tradition with a huge boulder of salt.
Wired
2007-12-29 15:21:30 UTC
Do the "modern thing" : blaze your own "path".
beowulfs_kinsman
2007-12-29 15:17:23 UTC
Follow your heart. Pray. God will lead you.
PROBLEM
2007-12-29 15:17:09 UTC
Please investigate it, you have nothing to lose. It may be your heritage calling you.


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
Loading...