Rabbi Shlome Ekstein
Certified Mohel · Monroe, New York

Exploring your Jewish roots

Perhaps you've learned that your mother, father or grandmother was Jewish, or you're finding your way back after years away. You're welcome here, whatever your story.

Before a brit milah or hatafas dam bris, there's a question that comes first: your Jewish status. That depends on your family, so this short form asks about your parents. Here's how it works:

  1. A few questionsAbout your parents and whether you've spoken with a rabbi. About three minutes. No documents and no medical questions.
  2. A private conversationRabbi Ekstein calls or texts you back and answers your questions.
  3. A rabbi's guidanceQuestions of Jewish status are decided by a rabbi or beis din, not by this form. Where that's needed, we help arrange it, and work with your own rabbi if you have one.
  4. Only then, the britIf and when you're ready, the usual adult steps follow, and not before.

Your privacy. Your answers are read only by Rabbi Ekstein and used only to call you back and guide your next step. Nothing is tracked on this form. How your information is handled

Would you like to read first? A Jewish mother · A Jewish father · Questions and answers

300+brisen in the past 14 months
Trained and certified by Rabbi Michael Rovinsky

Would you rather ask something first? That's completely fine. No question is too small, and asking commits you to nothing.

Call 845-467-8595 Text 845-467-8595

Your family

We ask about each parent separately, because each one can matter in a different way. Just answer what you know. "Not sure" is a perfectly good answer.

Is your mother Jewish?
Please choose one, any answer is fine
What about your mother's mother (your grandmother)?
Optional. Sometimes this is the part of the story people know.
Is your father Jewish?
Please choose one, any answer is fine
Whatever you've answered, a rabbi looks at each situation personally. Nothing you choose here decides anything about you.

Your brit

This helps us explain the right things when we speak.

Are you circumcised?
Please choose one
That's very common. You can read about adult brit milah any time, and we'll go through it together on the call.
A rabbi will advise whether hatafas dam bris applies to you. You don't need to work it out yourself.
Many men aren't sure. Here's how it's usually cleared up, privately.
Have you spoken with a rabbi about this?
Please choose one
Optional, only if you're comfortable sharing it.

How to reach you

Just enough to get back to you. Your number is used only to call or text you about this, never for marketing, and we never email.

A first name is fine.
Please tell us what to call you
Please enter a phone number we can reach you on
How would you prefer we reach you?
Please choose one
Is it OK to leave a voicemail?
Optional. You can also just ask on the call.
This form is for adults. If you're under 18, please ask a parent to call 845-467-8595.

Check and send

Please look this over. You can change anything.

Who sees this. Only Rabbi Ekstein. If a rabbi or beis din needs to review your family background, he'll talk with you before sharing it. Nothing is sold, used for advertising, or sent by email.

Thank you

Taking this step isn't always easy, and there's no rush from here. If something comes up in the meantime, you can call or text 845-467-8595.