The Jewish Question (Exodus, Israel)

[Born to Run]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

But you said they were Ashkenazi Jews. So please clarify what you mean by Ashkenazi Jews and "actual" Jews.

I already explained that...

Originally Posted by Born to Run

They are not "Jews" by ethnicity... The Khazars are converted Jews as ordered by the king of Khazaria to convert to the Jewish faith in 740 A.D. Approximately 90% of people in the world today who call themselves Jews are actually Khazars, or as they like to be known, Ashkenazi Jews... They are not Hebrews nor "actual" Jews...

Ashkenazis are not Semites from the land of Israel...

[1+1=5]

Originally Posted by Phil306

I continually read about someone being "jewish." What does this truly mean? I am an American, but can practice the "jewish" faith. So, If I convert to Judism, does that automatically make my children "jews?"

No, your children are not automatically Jews if you convert. You may raise them as Jewish, but if they are not born to a Jewish mother or convert according to Jewish law, they are not Jewish.

[1+1=5]

Originally Posted by joebaldknobber

Judaism is like pornography; you know it when you see it.

No offense intended.

Chelsea Clinton, Elizabeth Taylor, and Marilyn Monroe will never be Jews even if they claim they converted.

Woody Allen is a Jew even if he claims to be agnostic.

I'm sure you didn't intend this to be rude or dismissive, but please permit me to respectfully disagree. Jewish converts work like heck to convert.

Once you study with a strict, well-read Rabbi on a weekly basis for a few years, attend all services (3+ hours every Saturday, at the minimum), fast on the fast-days, live like a Jew, cook like a Jew, study the Torah and all of the prayers; learn how to speak Hebrew and learn Jewish history, go to the mikvah and in front of the Beit Din and reject all Christian teachings, well, honestly I can say that I've earned my conversion and am 100% Jewish. Most born Jews agree with me; those that don't, well, it's their problem. Yes, I am Jewish, and there is no "claiming" to convert.

I'd never use the analogy that Judaism is like pornography, either, by the way. I'm sure you meant to be whimsical and lighthearted; it's like saying (to me) that Buddha is like Fred Phelps of the Westboro Baptist Church.

Chana

[Ariadne22]

60 Minutes did a piece about 20 years ago on black tribes in Africa with genetic DNA going back to Isaac/Abraham. Very interesting. Some of those tribes do practice Judaism, as I recall.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by Born to Run

I already explained that...



Ashkenazis are not Semites from the land of Israel...

I agree. That's what I posted in my first post. We agree, but are using slightly different wording.

[joebaldknobber]

The Goyim is not born of the blood of Abraham.

No Jew for You!!!

[tablemtn]

Judaism is a religion, however, it's not an evangelical faith, and over the course of history, most people who identify themselves as Jewish have been born into Judiasm as opposed to being converts. Some more conservative Jewish denominations don't accept converts; it's simply not something they are looking for.

Some writers and geneticists have made the case that most Jewish people today fall within a handful of definable genetic lineages. One interesting book on this topic is "Legacy: A Genetic History of the Jewish People" by Prof. Harry Ostrer of Yeshiva University's Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

His book was reviewed a few weeks ago in the Jewish Daily Forward:

Jews Are a 'Race,' Genes Reveal

Like East Asians, the Amish, Icelanders, Aboriginals, the Basque people, African tribes and other groups, Jews have remained isolated for centuries because of geography, religion or cultural practices.

The word "race" isn't really precise enough for this situation. "Co-related genetic lineages" would be more accurate. There are different clusters of related genetic lineages contained within Jewish populations today, but the relationships are close enough to be defined within a genetic framework.

[Born to Run]

Originally Posted by 1+1=5

No, your children are not automatically Jews if you convert. You may raise them as Jewish, but if they are not born to a Jewish mother or convert according to Jewish law, they are not Jewish.

What makes her qualify as a "Jewish" mother?... Unless she is Hebrew or a Semite from the land of Israel, she's a converted Jew...

[1+1=5]

Originally Posted by joebaldknobber

The Goyim is not born of the blood of Abraham.

No Jew for You!!!

Nice. Good thing for me my Rabbi doesn't agree with you. Oh, and perhaps most importantly during my years of study, I learned the most important thing - Jews need really, really thick skin ;-)

[1+1=5]

Originally Posted by Born to Run

What makes her qualify as a "Jewish" mother?... Unless she is Hebrew or a Semite from the land of Israel, she's a converted Jew...

I didn't say anyone was a Jewish mother. The OP asked if someone converted, if their kids are automatically Jews. The answer is no.