Q: I am Spanish, no one in our family is Catholic, in fact, there's absolutely no tolerance for this religion in our family. We were raised to observe the Sabbath (my mother insisted on it), eat only clean animals mentioned in the bible (my father's teaching), and my family has several traditions and foods that are Sephardic. I've been attending an orthodox shule, I am very comfortable with the orthodox lifestyle, it is very similar to how I was raised. My parents have never told us we were Jewish or that we have Jewish ancestry. I've learned that Sepharadim from persecuted countries rarely have proof of their Jewishness, all was usually burned to hide evidence and escape persecution. We were always surrounded by Catholics growing up, but were not permitted to associate with them. When my sister started researching our genealogy, she has found that everyone that we are related to are practicing Jews. Should I be required to do a return? When I spoke with an Ashkenazi rabbi at the Chabad shul I attend, I was told that although I am of Spanish Jewish decent, I should convert. Do you think this is right or should I be required to only do a return?
Thank you,
Chana
Rabbi Refael Ribacoff:
Chana-Although you have grown up with some "Jewish" ideas and traditions, which does not automatically make you a full fledged Jew. The Torah necessitates that in order to be a Jew, your mother must be Jewish. Actually practicing the Torah is not enough – you must be born a Jew. Once a Jew –always a Jew. (My Rabbi always used to say – "You can change your noses, but you can't change your Moses!"). I would highly recommend that you search further and show that your mother is Jewish. Look for the
ancestral place of burial – in Jewish part of cemetery, any official document stating Jewishness: Brit Milah – circumcision, Ketubah – Jewish marriage certificate, etc. If there is nothing proving your Jewishness, then the option to convert fully and properly is also available. In both cases, an Orthodox Jewish Beit Din – Court of Law – should be contacted to proceed further. I wish you all the best in your search. Good luck & all the best!! Rabbi Refael Ribacoff Rabbi Refael Ribacoff
Executive Director - Sha'arei Zion Ohel Bracha Institutions
Affiliated with: Beth Gavriel Bukharian Congregation |
