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Question
My mother is Jewish because of her ethnicity, but doesn’t engage in Jewish practice. Me on the other hand, I believe in Judaism and engage in Jewish practice. Must I go through a conversion ceremony or am I considered a true Jew?
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
A Jew is someone who was born from a Jewish mother or one who has properly converted to Judaism. There is no concept of “Jew by ethnicity” and the like.
Furthermore, it is not possible to believe in any prophet or religions leader outside of Judaism, such as Jesus, Mohammed, or Buddha, and still be Jewish. These are all religions and ideas that came after Judaism and are incompatible with Judaism.
If your mother is Jewish you should reach out to an orthodox rabbi to learn more about observing Judaism. If you are not Jewish, don't worry. You need not convert.
Judaism believes that God loves all mankind. One does not need to become Jewish to go to heaven. All that God wants from the Non-Jewish world is that they observe 7 precepts, or commandments. They are known as the “Noahide Laws.” They are called “Noahide Laws” because the requirement to observe these seven laws was given Noah, a righteous non-Jew (yes, the fellow from the story with the flood).
The 7 laws are:
1. Don’t murder.
2. Don’t steal.
3. Don’t worship false gods.
4. Don’t be sexually immoral.
5. Don’t eat a limb from an animal that is still alive.
6. Don’t curse God.
7. Establish a system of justice.
Any human being who observes these laws goes to heaven. There is no need to follow any other religion. You can pray to God in your own words and your own language.
Allow me to recommend the following sites to learn more about what G-d expects from Gentiles: https://sukkatshalom-bneinoach.com/ and https://www.netivonline.org/ which specializes in helping non-Jews with religious beliefs. There is a wealth of information there that you will find useful and inspiring. It is also worth looking up the “Noahide” or "B'nai Noach" movement and consider joining them!