Jewish identity

Jewish identity is the sense of belonging to the Jewish people, which may rest on religious practice, cultural heritage, ethnic ancestry, or some combination.

Unlike most religious identities, Jewishness passes through family lines regardless of belief—someone raised secular with a Jewish mother has as valid a claim as an Orthodox rabbi.

This creates a spectrum from the devoutly observant to the culturally Jewish atheist: She doesn't keep kosher but has a strong Jewish identity.

The question of who counts as Jewish—and who gets to decide—remains contentious, particularly regarding conversion standards and Israeli citizenship.