I understand that Jewish descent is matrilineal, but how far back does that go -- all the way back to Moses, or just a generation or two? In researching my geneaology, I just discovered that my great-great-great grandmother (on my mother's side, straight matrilineal descent to me) was Jewish. However, no one on my mother's side of the family ever practiced Judaism or any other religion -- they're all atheists. My father's side of the family are practicing fundamentalist Christians. (No wonder I'm confused.) So, am I Jewish? Or am I a whatever, with Jewish roots? Thanks in advance.

There are two forms of "jewish" one is the religion, and the other is a nationality.

You can have a jewish (nationality) heritiage.

I understand that Jewish descent is matrilineal, but how far back does that go -- all the way back to Moses, or just a generation or two? In researching my geneaology, I just discovered that my great-great-great grandmother (on my mother's side, straight matrilineal descent to me) was Jewish. However, no one on my mother's side of the family ever practiced Judaism or any other religion -- they're all atheists. My father's side of the family are practicing fundamentalist Christians. (No wonder I'm confused.) So, am I Jewish? Or am I a whatever, with Jewish roots? Thanks in advance.
You are by the common and tradition way of counting 'Jewishness' a Jew. You might also be a 'whatever' at the same time, but only you know the answer to part two.

Shalom aleikum


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