Different streams of Judaism vary, but the general rule is maternal. If your mother is a Jew, you’re a Jew.
Paternal Jewishness is more complicated and has varying answers that are too detailed for this post.
However, historically, Jewishness was also racially defined by oppressors. For example, Nazis defined Jews based on the number of Jewish grandparents a person has.
There are a few details here though.
If the mom converts out, like officially becomes a Christian, she is not a Jew anymore and her children may not be considered Jewish.
Similarly, we have to ask about which authority the label is for. Is it for purposes of synagogue or to make aliyah, for example?
@Johns_priv@mastodon.social @FlugunfSV @Nyme
“General rule” - 5000 foot answer. 😉
Much like we can get into the implications of forced conversion and conversos as well.
I also intentionally avoided the complications of the right of return too.
