What is the Jewish race?

[ShizNitz]

I've never understood why Jews are considered to be part of a "race". There is no such thing as the "Christian race" because religion does not have any direct relation to race. If I was born a Jew, and converted to Christianity, would my race change?

 

[Cynicism]

Who have you talked to that considered Jewish ppl a "race of ppl"? Must be some pretty ignorant ppl your talking to...

 

[Siva]

Jews are a race.... Who lived in Isreal for a few thousand years back in biblical times? Jewish race. The current Jewish race is pretty much decendants of them, there is a difference between the religion and the race. Anyone can be a jew by faith, not anyone can be a genetic Jew. Although they've mixed in with other cultures over the years, there are still some common traits among them, like dark hair, dark skin, shortness.

 

[thebestMAX]

The Jewish race is ethnic.

Judism(sp) is a religion. You can convert to this one.

Help?

 

[gopunk]

jewish race... ever noticed how a lot of jews look pretty damned similar in physical characteristics? eat the same types of food? music? etc...

 

[Gen Stonewall]

<< Jews are a race.... Who lived in Isreal for a few thousand years back in biblical times? Jewish race. The current Jewish race is pretty much decendants of them, there is a difference between the religion and the race. Anyone can be a jew by faith, not anyone can be a genetic Jew. Although they've mixed in with other cultures over the years, there are still some common traits among them, like dark hair, dark skin, shortness. >>



Right; you can be a Jew by race, and if you become a Christian, you are known as a Messianic Jew.

 

[zippy]

As hard as it is to believe...this is the second time this topic has been brought up :Q

 

[Siva]

<< Right; you can be a Jew by race, and if you become a Christian, you are known as a Messianic Jew. >>


Nah, Messianic Jews are more of a cross religion between Judaism and Christianity, kinda like a Christian denomination. My dad was a Jew, then converted, so I'm half Jewish in a way, although its like a quarter Russian Jew and a quarter German Jew.

 

[Gen Stonewall]

<< Nah, Messianic Jews are more of a cross religion between Judaism and Christianity, kinda like a Christian denomination. My dad was a Jew, then converted, so I'm half Jewish in a way, although its like a quarter Russian Jew and a quarter German Jew. >>



No, when I said "Jew by race" I meant descended from the people of Israel, not necessarily having any connection with Judaism itself.

 

[thebestMAX]

Siva-

To be a Jew by birth your mother must be a jew. Matriarcal lineage at least for the orthodox.

You probably know this though.

 

[NelsonMuntz]

To be a member of the Jewish race you need to be a descendant of Jacob son of Isaac son of Abraham. Why this defines them as a race, I'm not sure. They are closely associated with other mideastern races that are also descended from Abraham but through a different line (not Jacob). Father Abraham is considered to be the father of two large "races" of people. You can convert to Judaism, but you have to be born a Jew to be in their race.
<edit> BTW, Jacob's name was later changed to Israel, hence the term "Children of Israel"</edit>

 

[TRUMPHENT]

The Jewish race is the friendly competition of speed and stamina between the rabbi's of nearby schules. They must walk from deli to to kosher deli on a course laid out. It is called the Rabbithalon. It is held every 27 years.

 

[FelixDeCat]

Hebrews.

 

[Siva]

<< Siva-

To be a Jew by birth your mother must be a jew. Matriarcal lineage at least for the orthodox.

You probably know this though. >>


Yeah, I know it, but ya know, I've got the genitic Jew in me, that's more of a religious belief.

 

[Tyrant222]

<< The Jewish race is the friendly competition of speed and stamina between the rabbi's of nearby schules. They must walk from deli to to kosher deli on a course laid out. It is called the Rabbithalon. It is held every 27 years. >>



OMG too funny!