r/Israel • u/honestlydontcare4u • 3h ago

Ask The Sub Patrilineal Judaism, Citizenship, Adoption

My spouse is an Israeli Jew. We've had kinship care of my nephew since he was born. He was raised with our kids as a patrilineal Jew in a Reform Synagogue. He had a bar mitzvah. He formally converted. He loves it all. We're considering adopting him as we have not heard from my sister in almost ten years. Our lawyer asked if there's any benefit in regard to Judaism. It's our understanding that it would have no impact, other than potentially conferring citizenship, which he doesn't need unless he chooses to move there, which he already can as a Jew. Thoughts?

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u/No_Bet_4427 3h ago

There is no direct Halachic impact.

There will be a practical impact. 99% of Rabbis are not going to even consider converting a child without the parent’s permission. Legal adoption may make many Rabbis more comfortable to start the process.

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u/honestlydontcare4u 3h ago

Thanks. Trying to keep the details vague for privacy reasons but he had permission which is why he was allowed to convert.

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u/lethifolded 3h ago

In my inexpert opinion another passport and Israeli citizenship is good for any Jew right now. But is your lawyer just asking about the general benefits of Judaism for your nephew?

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u/honestlydontcare4u 3h ago

She wants to know if there is a practical religious benefit to adoption since Judaism is important to him. For example, I know adoption wouldn't mean he would be considered born Jewish, but if it did, we could say, by extension adoption will mean he could marry a Kohen.

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u/lethifolded 2h ago

Ah I see. I don't have any insights into the halachic benefits unfortunately. However, I do think it's amazing how you've taken your nephew in and that he has become a Jew and loves being one. Premature mazel to gaining another son if you do pursue legal adoption

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u/honestlydontcare4u 1h ago

Thanks. He's a real joy and an amazing teen.