(Author: Arnold Levin, Vol. 63, #3, Chanukah 2008)
The question of “Who is a Jew” is indeed a very vexed one. It is of great concern especially to Reform converts, and children whose fathers were Jewish but whose mothers belonged to a different religious faith. The significance of this is of great consequence in regard to acceptance of these individuals by the Jewish people.
Traditionally it was always believed, and unconditionally accepted, that Jewishness is determined by the mother. Jewish conversion by the Reform movement is frowned upon and its validity openly denied by Jewish Orthodoxy. In an attempt to provide some clarity to this problem, the following scientific facts will be presented.
It has become universally recognised and accepted that DNA in the cell is responsible for the development of the genetic personality of the individual. The exact mechanism of this biochemical function is not relevant to this discussion. Suffice it to say that the human characteristics which have evolved over millennia are dependent on the underlying genetic profile and the influence of its surrounding environment, be that physical or cultural. The DNA responsible for this manifestation resides in the nucleus of the cell.
There is, however, a unique situation in which a component of the cell structures outside of the nucleus, namely the mitochondria, also possesses DNA. The mitochondria are the “energy source” of the cell. This mitochondrial DNA does not play a role in the personality profile, but rather it has a small influence in the production of those factors necessary for the production of the energy as undertaken by the mitochondria. It is worth repeating that only the nuclear DNA is responsible for the individual’s characteristics.
During conception, it is only the maternal DNA which is introduced into the newly fertilised ovum. This is because the male mitochondrial DNA, as found in the neck of the sperm, falls away during the process of fertilisation. Therefore, because of this maternal mitochondrial DNA transfer, it has now become scientifically possible to trace the origins of the different human species by assessing the presence of this DNA. Thus the evolution of Man from his primate ancestors, and his subsequent migration throughout the different countries of the world, can be accurately documented. As with individuals, the characteristics and personality behaviour of the different human species is determined by the nuclear DNA subject to its surrounding environmental influences. The latter includes traditions and cultures which may have been propagated in some species of mankind during many decades and millennia. The Jewish environment, or ‘yiddishkeit’, is one of these influences.
If the above facts are accepted, and they are currently well documented, then it is the parental DNA of the Jewish mother, as well as the Jewish father, either together or singularly, which is responsible for the development of the Jewish personality. Perhaps, as may reasonably be assumed, having both parents who are Jewish may result in a “double dose” of Jewishness, which may be more influential than a “single dose” if only one parent is Jewish and thus the Jewish characteristics are more diluted.
Notwithstanding this possibility, a single Jewish parent in a marriage is still capable of transferring Jewishness to the offspring.
Therefore, there are two ways of acquiring Jewishness. The first is as described above. The second would be through the learning and adoption of the Jewish culture and traditions as implemented during the process of faith conversion. This confers educational membership of the Jewish people, rather than through genetic transfer. However, this does not imply that it will be of a lesser quality, as many converts have become devout members of Jewish congregations, both Orthodox and Reform. With the second method of acquiring Jewishness, it is interesting to speculate that a different personality genetic DNA may add some additional strengths to the Jewish characteristics.
Hopefully, the above discussion will offer acceptable guidelines when considering the question “Who is a Jew”, while at the same time bring comfort, strength and tranquility to those who have chosen to embrace Judaism rather than follow the traditions and cultures of their inherited non-Jewish faith.
Dr Arnold Levin is a medical practitioner with a particular interest in overweight, menopause, and HIV/AIDS research. He has authored ten books dealing with topics encompassing public speaking, finance, personal relationships, dieting, and the running of a successful business.
