Seeking Guidance on Exploring My Jewish Ancestry
Question
My name is Mark, and I’m a 46-year-old originally from Massachusetts. I’m writing because I recently discovered something both unexpected and deeply meaningful through a 23andMe genetic test: I am 12% Ashkenazi Jewish, specifically with Lithuanian roots. The results suggest that this ancestry may be as recent as 2–4 generations back. Until now, I believed my background was primarily Irish and Italian, and I was raised in a culturally Catholic, but not particularly religious, household. When I shared the test results with family, my aunts finally revealed something that had never been spoken about: my grandmother—my father’s mother—was raised in a practicing Jewish household. Tragically, when she married my Catholic grandfather in the early 1950s, her parents disowned her, and the family remained estranged. As a result, that part of my heritage was essentially lost to time—and to silence. I now feel called to learn more. I’ve always considered myself a spiritual person, shaped in some ways by the Christian tradition, though I don’t really identify as Christian today. I’ve read the Old Testament—at least the version presented in the King James Bible—and I’ve always felt that these stories carried a kind of ancestral wisdom meant to be passed down through generations. I’d like to explore Judaism not only as a religion but also as a piece of my family story—one that I feel I’m just now uncovering. I’m looking for a logical and respectful starting point to begin learning about Ashkenazi Jewish traditions and the Judaism my great-grandparents may have practiced. If you’re willing, I would greatly appreciate any guidance, reading suggestions, or direction you could offer. I know I have a lot to learn, and I want to approach this process with sincerity and humility.
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for writing.
There are many websites that can help you with your search for Judaism, such as aish.com and torah.org.
You can also find great books on every Jewish topic possible at artscroll.com
Please note for the future that this website is for practical questions in Jewish law.
Wishing you well on your journey!