How to Find Out If I Am Jewish
Traditional Judaism is matrilineal, meaning religious status is conferred through the mother. This means that the simple way to find out if you are Jewish is to ask your mother if she is Jewish. It may not always have been that way, as some scholars maintain Judaism was originally patrilineal, but for several thousand years Jews have only recognized the role of the mother. This position is still considered valid by Jews in Orthodox and Conservative congregations, while a modified patrilineal position is taken by Reform congregations.
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Instructions
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Ask your mother if she is Jewish. Even if she now observes another religion, but was born Jewish, her religious status is Jewish from the point of view of Jewish law. If she doesn't know, or can't confirm that her maternal ancestors were never Jewish, go ahead and ask your mother's mother, your maternal grandmother, if she is Jewish. If you are not able to confirm the Jewish status of any of your direct maternal ancestors, you'll have to skip to the next step.
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Check for family documentation that would confirm Jewish status of any direct maternal ancestor. Baptismal and confirmation certificates would not necessarily rule out the possibility of Jewish status, because conversion to another faith does not invalidate basic Jewish status.
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Consult with your local rabbi regarding conversion procedures, if you want to become Jewish. There are no genetic tests for Judaism, although DNA analysis might support some linkage with Jewish populations. Depending on the nature of the evidence and the requirements of the community, a conversion, even on a pro forma basis, may be in order.
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Tips & Warnings
Reform Jews, the largest group in the United States, recognize Jewish identity in children born to a Jewish father if the child was raised in a Jewish environment.
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