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Tracing Lineage to Biblical Times

Answered by Rabbi Yossi Etz-HasadehFurther responses from Rabbi Eliahu Levenson

Question

Is it possible to trace the genealogy of Adam and Eve all the way to people today? If not, then does anyone have historical proof of the fact that they are at least from a specific tribe of the 12 sons of Jacob?

Answer

I don’t believe that one can trace a genealogy from Adam and Eve to today. However according to modern science, genetically all human beings have a common female ancestor.

The only Jews who know what tribes they are descended from are the Cohanim (Priests) and the Levi’im (Levites). This is passed on from father to son and is part of ones Hebrew name.

The proof of who we are is not really provided by genealogical record, after all – written records are open to forgery. The Jewish view is that our oral tradition provides the basis for this truth and this is born out by archeology etc.

Regards, Yossi Etz-Hasadeh

Follow-up questions (3)

Question

I am having my DNA tested. I am assuming that if there is a Jewish tag, it will show up. I have absolutely no idea what my lineage is past my great grand mother (Austria). How important is it to have a written lineage to be Jewish? I’m not trying to be insulting, I’m just ignorant.

Answer

Jewish Law (Halacha) requires that for a person to be at the very least technically Jewish ones birth mother must be Jewish or one must have converted to Judaism. In both cases some authentic proof must be provided.

While I am no expert in the DNA testing methods used today I suspect these would not constitute proof of the ones Jewishness as required by Jewish Law, since a person with a Jewish father and a non-Jewish mother would presumably have a biological Jewish tag, but would not be considered Jewish according to Jewish Law. On the other hand a person born of a female convert to Judaism would not have a biological Jewish tag but would be considered Jewish by Jewish Law.

Regards
Rabbi Yossi Etz-Hasadeh

Question

Does the oral history allow modern Jewish people to know who the descendants of David are? Would these lineages be indisputable? The Bible tells us that the messiah will be a direct descendant of King David.

The Davidic descent required by Jewish Law as one of the qualifications of the King of Israel (ie Messiah) is specifically through the line of Solomon and like the descendants of Levi or the Cohanim (Priestly) families is transmitted through the father (not the mother).

Answer

The Messiah (A future Jewish King) according to Jewish sources will be appointed by a prophet (Just as King Shaul, King David and King Shlomo) were appointed by a prophet of their time. Obviously the prophet will know who is a descendant of David even if that information is no longer the subject of a recorded genealogy.

Regards
Yossi Etz-Hasadeh

Rabbi- Kenesset Israel Torah Center
Sacramento, CA

Question

I want to add a further comment/question to the gentleman who inquired whether he might have a Jewish “DNA tag.” The Rabbi responded that such tag would not make someone a definite Jew, since the DNA could come from a Jewish father, while the mother is non-Jewish. However, I wish to point out that there is a particular type of sub-cellular DNA, called mitochondrial DNA, which transmits ONLY from the mother. I am curious if the Rabbi’s position would change if a “Jewish tag” were discovered on mitochondrial DNA?

Answer

I will take your question as hypothetical, as no “Jewish” marker has ever been discovered, either in a male or a female. I would be anxious to see the data if there ever were such a discovery. The only marker I know of which seems to have scientific analytical support is that for one segment of Shevet Leivi (the Tribe of Leivi) that stems from Aharon (Aaron), the brother of Moshe (Moses). Jewish males from Aharon comprise the Jewish priesthood, the Kohanim.

Let’s say however that a marker were to be found that identified only Jewish women. You want to know if a person carrying both markers, the male Kohein marker and the female Jewish marker would be regarded as a Kohein? Not only do I not think he would be regarded a Kohein, I don’t think such evidence would even allow him to be considered a Jew…at least not in 2007.

We Jews have a tendency not to accept scientific evidence too readily. There are abundant examples of science saying one thing today, reversing it tomorrow, and taking a whole new stand on it next week.

Regards,
Eliahu Levenson