I have long wondered how a person is a Jew. I have heard so many different things: That it is something that you are only born to; it is determined by certain personality traits; or it is a spiritual choice. What is the truth? Is it possible to be a proselyte, like an “adopted child” into this chosen people?
According to Jewish law, one’s Jewishness is determined by one’s mother: If the mother is Jewish, so is the child. The Jews are “chosen” in the sense that we have a responsibility to reveal G-d’s glory to the world and to sanctify Him. The mere fact that we are the descendants of the Patriarchs makes this our mandate and destiny, whether we like it or not. However, any individual who wishes to share in this destiny can choose to do so through a valid conversion. Some of the greatest Jews that ever lived were converts to Judaism. By the way, the Talmud does state that Jews are naturally merciful, bashful, and generous with loving-kindness – but this, by itself, does not make one a Jew.
Rabbi Shlomo Soroka
[Editor – See more posts on the definition of a Jew.]