Ask Ty...March 17 [The Jew Question]

It must be Tuesday, Middlespace Cadets, because I'm answering your questions

Q: Dear Ty,

Technically speaking, aren't you half-black and ALL-Jew? You know, because of the mother thing?

-D'Shawn Rosenberg

Ty: Good question and an even better observation, D'Shawn.

Yes, it is all about matrilineal descent. Thus, I am Der Jood. It is indeed true that according to the traditional Rabbinic view (which is maintained by all branches of Orthodox Judaism and Conservative Judaism and generally recognized by the Modern Orthodox) that I'm as Jewish as Speilberg and Bernstein (Attys at Law). I could be Alexander Portnoy's cousin. I could get Israeli citizenship. I got a million of 'em (try the veal, matinee on Sunday).

According to Halakha (the "Jewish law"), the immediate descendants of all female Jews are considered to be Jews. And, traditionally, only Halakha can define who is or is not a Jew when the question of Jewish identity, lineage, or parentage arises about any person seeking to define themselves or claim that they are Jewish.

And get this: The mere belief in the principles of Judaism does not make one a Jew. Similarly, non-adherence by a Jew to the Jewish principles of faith, or even formal conversion to another faith, does not make one lose one's Jewish status.

So, yes, I am, as you say, ALL-Jew. That would make me a half-black Jew. Hi, how are you? Dang and blah-blah-blah....

But, by brand--which in America is way more important than race, religion, sex, or orientation--I've been using "Half-black/Half-Jew" because it's kind of funny and works well to provoke the hater-commentators on the blogs. But, as you point out, it's just plain wrong.

So, what would a goy do? I will change my brand/logo/tagline moving forward. How's this, D'Shawn?

Half-Black/Half-Superhero
100% Jew!
Shhhh, don't tell Hitler!

Just a guess,

-ty

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