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Genetically (from Family Tree DNA), I'm mtdna L3e2* (mother's side) (matched with some Sefardic Jewish people). I'm also y-chromosome (J1)(father's side) Cohen Modal Haplogroup (Ashkenazic). I was not raised Jewish, but I've been researching my roots throughout the years. I believe all Jews are part of one family, (not really Ashkenazic or Sefardic), BUT rather, those who have the same y-chromosomes genetic code (J1) and those who became Jewish through conversion. Both, are accepted as one. My belief is that after the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE, world Jewry was centered in Babylonia, until the end of the 8th century when Jewish settlements began to develop in faraway places. By the year 1000 CE, new communities arose in North Africa, Spain, and Northwestern Europe. It was at that time that two distinct exile communities (Sefardic & Ashkenazic) began to develop based on geographical location, cultural influences, and rabbinic leadership.
REGARDLESS of their 1000 year cultural separation, and the slight differences they developed in appearance, spoken language, dress, food, music, religious customs and Hebrew pronunciation, BOTH (the Ashkenazic & Sefardic) HAD A NEARLY IDENTICAL Y-CHROMOSOME GENETIC PROFILE... - indicating a common origin, and very little intermarriage with non-Jewish host communities during the Diaspora.
To this very day, a male is able to obtain a DNA exam from www.familytreedna.com and find out what their Y-Chromosome is. It is like a paternal "signature" that has been placed in the descendants of Aaron.
A female can have a test done on her father or one of his sons in order to find out if she is a bat-Kohen or Kohenet. (Daughter of a Kohen). Although the daughter of a Kohen is not commanded in most mitzvot of the Kohen, "command the sons of Aaron..." not the daughters, a bat-Kohen DOES have an elevated spiritual level and must bring respect and honor to her father's home, and not cause him disgrace.
Please read the book DNA & Tradition - The Genetic Link to the Ancient Hebrews by Rabbi Yaakov Kleiman.
Therefore, in my heart and soul, I accept all Jews as one. I love you all, please keep me in your prayers. May G-d bless us all.
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Interesting Links - Click to read nowMany Hispanics Found to Be Descendants of Sephardic Jews
Aish - one stop for everything Jewish, Holidays, News, Studies, Torah
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