Jewish roots
Returning to Judaism
Whatever brought you here, you are welcome, and there is no rush. If your mother is Jewish, you are Jewish, and for many men a brit is one of the first steps back. If the connection is through your father or a grandparent, a rabbi will guide the path with you.
Start with your family
Most questions about returning begin with one: am I Jewish? According to halacha, that depends on your mother. These pages explain the common situations in plain language:
- A Jewish mother: what matrilineal descent means, and how a mother’s status is usually confirmed
- A Jewish father: why these cases are handled differently, and what the path usually looks like
- DNA tests: what a result can and can’t tell you
You don’t have to work this out alone, or before you call. A rabbi looks at every situation personally, and I can help you find one if you don’t have one.
Where the brit comes in
For many men, the brit is one of the first mitzvos they take on. Which kind depends on your situation:
- Never circumcised: adult brit milah, under local anesthesia and in private
- Circumcised in a hospital, without a brit: usually hatafas dam bris, if a rabbi advises it
- Not sure what was done: how it’s usually cleared up
- Converting: brit milah for conversion, coordinated with your beis din
A quiet first step
If you’d like to read more first, the first mitzvah and is it too late for me? were written for men in your position.
When you’re ready, you can answer a few short questions about your family, about three minutes and with no medical questions, and I’ll call you back. Or simply get in touch and ask whatever is on your mind.
Ask, privately.
The first conversation costs nothing and commits you to nothing. More answers in the adult FAQ.