The proliferation of DNA testing coupled with genealogical research is increasing daily. While most people are convinced about the benefits of DNA testing in relating Jewish ancestry, I was recently asked about the case of someone who is Jewish but does not exhibit the “standard” haplogroups that are increasingly identified with Sephardic ancestry.
This brought about a discussion about Iberian Jewish identity and an openness to converts at least in late antiquity. The following article provides an interesting counter approach to those who argue Jewish DNA as a or even the key arbiter of Jewish identity. I am not endorsing this article but trying to ensure people understand the complexity of the argument. The article is titled, Genetic markers cannot determine Jewish Descent by Raphael Falk.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgene.2014.00462/full
Posted by Rabbi Dr. Juan Marcos Bejarano Gutierrez the director of the B’nei Anusim Center for Education. For a more complete review of Iberian Jewish history and the Crypto- Jewish Experience see Conversos and the Sabbatean Movement, and The Rise of the Inquisition.
B'nei Anusim Center for Education 