The popularity of at-home DNA tests has led to a surge in conversions to Judaism, reports Kaya Burgess in The Times of London (September 20). Dr. Jonathan Romain, a senior rabbi and convenor of the UK Reform Beit Din (rabbinic court), reports that this phenomenon has become increasingly common in recent years. Individuals who discover Jewish ancestry through DNA testing, even consisting of as little as 5 to 10 percent of their genetic makeup, are now regularly reaching out to explore Judaism. Many of these individuals feel a sense of connection to their newly discovered heritage and wish to “restore that lost link.” Some claim that they had always felt Jewish without previously understanding why. Not everyone who discovers Jewish ancestry necessarily seeks full immersion in the faith. However, some individuals who were already searching for spiritual guidance or a sense of community find that this discovery provides a context for their existing interests or feelings of connection to Judaism.
Some people have been able to trace their Jewish ancestry back to 16th-century Spain and Portugal, where Jews were forced to convert to Catholicism or face expulsion during the Inquisition. In Reform Judaism, Jewish identity can be passed down through either parent, unlike Orthodox Judaism, which traditionally recognizes only maternal lineage. Rabbi Romain says that in cases where individuals can demonstrate Jewish ancestry, they are given a “return certificate,” acknowledging their return to Jewish roots rather than a completely new conversion. This trend is part of a broader phenomenon where people use genetic testing to explore their ancestral roots and potentially reconnect with lost cultural or religious traditions. It also highlights the complex interplay between genetics, identity, and religious affiliation in the modern world, where technological advancements can unexpectedly influence personal spiritual journeys.