Maternal Judaism

Question

My father’s side of the family is jewish. My mother was Christian. Why is the mother’s faith the predominant predictor of naturalized religion? In other words, why can’t I consider myself a jew? Is there strict doctrine that says your mother’s religion is the natural order? I thank you in advance for your answers.

Answer

Jewish tradition has always considered religion to be passed on by the mother. That is what G-d dictates. I can’t tell you the reason in any definitive way. On a simple level, it has to be either the mother or the father. Religious life can not be governed by a free-for-all in which a person is Jewish simply because they “feel Jewish”. That would create a chaotic situation. Therefore it goes after the mother. I can speculate that it follows the mother since a mother is the parent who is most directly involved in the upbringing of her children. She cares for them and raises them on a daily basis.

With all of that being said, Judaism is always open to conversion by people who truly are interested in joining.

All the best,
Rabbi Michael Alterman

Follow-up question

Question

If I, a grown woman with teenage daughters, convert to Judaism (via the Orthodox conversion) and become a Jew, what is the status of my children? If Judaism is reckoned through the maternal line, are they now considered Jews? Or must they convert as well in order to be considered Jews? If they do not convert, would their children be considered Jews? This is a matter of some concern in my family. Thank you for your time.

Answer

They would become Jewish only via their own conversion. Children have the same status as their mother at the time of conception. They can be converted as minors (under bar/bat mitzvah) but need to confirm their conversion when they come of age. Teenage daughters are over the age of maturity, therefore must make their own conversions if they want to join the Tribe.