Does Adoption Negate Jewishness?
I was adopted by non-Jews in the 1960’s and am about to research my history. The records are sealed, and opening them is a process. My question is this, as the only things my adoptive parents were told is that my father was an athlete, and my mother was Jewish, if I find out that she was and can validate this information, does this mean I am still Jewish or is it a moot point now since I was adopted by non-Jews?
Thank you for your time.
Answers
If your mother is/was verifiably Jewish it means that you are Jewish as well. This is so even though you were adopted by non-Jewish “parents”. I feel that I should warn you that it might be a little difficult to find irrefutable proofs that are accepted according to Jewish Law.
Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team