2012 Articles

Being Jewish Is More Mind Than Matter

Pollack, Robert

In "Being Jewish Is More Mind Than Matter," Robert Pollack critiques the notion that Jewish identity can be determined by genetics, as suggested by recent DNA studies. Pollack argues that while genetic research may reveal common ancestry among Jewish populations, it does not define Jewish peoplehood, nationality, or religion. He emphasizes that Jewish identity is shaped by cultural, religious, and historical factors, rather than biological inheritance. Pollack advocates for a broader understanding of Jewishness that goes beyond genetics, focusing on the importance of education, tradition, and personal choice in maintaining Jewish identity.