The fact that you are Jewish is not being questioned. However, putting it on paper requires proper verification.
Due to the chaotic circumstances in the last century, combined with innocent mistakes and intentional deceit by some individuals, it has become necessary to prove one's Jewish lineage through documentation. The way the Jews lived in Russia, especially during World War I, World War II, the revolution, communism etc. caused people to change their nationality from Jew to gentile and then, upon emigration to Israel, they reverted to Jew.
It doesn't matter if we, you and I, are absolutely certain that we are Jewish, in order to be recognized as Jewish, the Jewish status requires authentication. Authentication is based on many parameters, such as forms, documents, pictures etc.
Understandably, this may cause frustration. Nevertheless, it is for the good of our community, to safeguard all our children, their children and all the generations to follow.
It is quite a process to go through the interwoven webs to ascertain without a doubt that an individual is in fact 100% of Jewish lineage. The word of a single rabbi is not sufficient. Experience has shown over and over again that some people who think they are not Jewish, are, while others who think they are Jewish, are not. Going through the Jewish verification process also serves as a confirmation for our children of their lineage.
The need for verification of Judaism is spearheaded by the Rabbinates of Israel & Russia and is spreading to Rabbinates around the world.
We developed a special methodology with expert genealogical research skills to get your proof of Judaism. Our Jewish Roots Investigation is uniquely positioned to helps immigrants from the FSU to confirm their Jewish roots.
FOLLOW THE STEPS:
You have to schedule a meeting with the Rabbi and must bring the following original documents and pictures for scanning: (Note: The more documents and pictures you bring, the quicker and easier the confirmation process will be; the fewer documents/pictures you bring, the longer and more cumbersome the process might be.)
Photo ID confirming your identity (Passport, Driver's License, etc.).
As many of the following original Russian documents as possible, for any/all family members: yours, your parents, grandparents and great-grandparents and siblings of all generations.
Birth Certificates - original birth certificate for each family. The birth certificate should be in the original language, issued by the country in which they were born. We not excepting any translation, even it is notarized. If the name on your passport does not match your birth certificate, and the name change is not due to a change in marital status, please submit a copy of your official name change document.
Marriage Certificates, Ketuba, Divorce Papers, Death Certificates, Adaption Papers, Work Cards, Military Service Cards, Diplomas, Residence Cards.
Any other documents which you may have from places of study, work, residence etc.
Family Pictures, Pictures of Gravestones.
If you, your siblings, your parents, or your grandparents were ever residents of Israel, specify their "Teudat Zehut" (Israeli ID) number.
If you converted to Judaism, you will be required to submit documentation proving your completion of the conversion process.
Verification process does not guaranty confirmation of Jewish identity/lineage.
The fee to cover the administration costs is $360 per application.
You may pay by Credit Card: over the phone: 718-854-0006 or online: www.ChabadCentralBrooklyn.com/donate,
by PayPal: chabad@moshiach.com,
by CashApp: $ccb605,
by Zelle: chabad@moshiach.com.
Rabbi Moshe Chaim Levin
Chabad of Kensington / Central Brooklyn
718-854-0006