Am I Jewish?
Question
I want to ask a rabbi if I am considered Jewish because my great-grandfather was Jewish, and this connection comes from my mom’s side of the family. I have Jamaican roots, and I’m interested in understanding how my heritage shapes my identity. I’m curious about what it means for me to be part of the Jewish community and whether I should pursue conversion or acceptance based on my background.
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
Only one whose mother (and mother’s mother, etc. etc.) is Jewish. One whose mother is not Jewish, is not Jewish even if the father or grandfather is Jewish. Issues of DNA or “Jewish blood” mean nothing in Judaism. You are either Jewish or you’re not.
There is no need for you to convert. 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!