Limmud Miami 2020

Why does one’s identification as Kohen, Levi or Yisrael go through the father whereas one’s identity goes through the mother? Why do some branches of Judaism embrace patrilineal descent (those born to a Jewish father and non-Jewish mother) and others do not? In this course we will examine the texts surrounding Judaism and patrilineal descent. We will look at responsa from the Conservative and Reform movements on this topic as well. There will be room for discussion but our focus will be studying the history and texts connected to Judaism and patrilineal descent.