Recent genealogy based upon DNA is an interesting new field, but much of the work is fragmentary and still inconclusive. It is of some use in tracing migration paths for large populations, but of very little use for research on tiny populations. In any case, we have absolutely no way of proving the religious beliefs and practices of those linked to us through DNA. With regard to research on Ashkenazic Jews, there are many concerns about the political uses to which this information might be used. A few examples: 1) To challenge the legitimacy of the modern State of Israel, based upon the DNA of a portion of the Jewish population. 2) To decide who is a Jew, and who is not. (This is just as flawed as the Nazis methodology.) Although Judaism does not encourage conversion, it does allow it, and there have always been conversions. Nothing new about that. 3) To divide the Jewish community of Ashkenazim, Sephardim, Mizrachi, Roman Jews and others. Each has its own set of languages, customs and conventions, but there is far more that unites these groups as Jews than separates them. With the exception of some fringe groups, must Jews recognize each other. Continue with this scientific research by all means, but be careful not to interpret the results in ways that have very little to do with the scientific data at hand.
Posted on: Tue, 22 Oct 2013 06:27:02 +0000
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