The "Who is a Jew" issue has become one of the most controversial issues in Jewish life today. Read how the definition of who is a Jew has changed over time and varies today among the different Jewish denominations.

One who is not born a Jew, can become a Jew via a process of conversion. In the 20th century, however, the different Jewish denominations began to disagree about the content of the conversion process.

Dear Rabbi Goldwasser,
I am African-American. My grandmother converted to Judaism as a young woman. She raised my mother as a Jew, however, as an adult my mother converted to Christianity. Am I Jewish?
Denise

Dear Rabbi Simmons,
I thought that orthodox Judaism believes that one who is born a Jew can not forfeit his/her identity as a Jew no matter what he/she believes. If so, then shouldn't some Messianic Jews (with Jewish mothers) be considered Jews? Furthermore, is a Jew still considered Jewish if he/she follows the teaching of Buddha?
Thank you.

These sites for Jewish women focus on the interests and concerns of Jewish women today. Do Judaism and feminism conflict? How do Jewish women feel about their role in Jewish prayer and ritual? What challenges do Jewish mothers face? Find information from Jewish women's health issues to favorite books.

Did you know that hundreds of years before the birth of America's Mother's Day (Woodrow Wilson signed a bill in 1914 recognizing Mother's Day as a national holiday), Jews already had their own Mother's Day? The 11th day of the Hebrew month of Cheshvan (October/November), known as the day on which the Jewish matriarch Rachel died, was regarded as a sort of Jewish Mother's Day. No matter the date, the important thing is that mothers are celebrated. In celebration of Jewish mothers everywhere, this Jewish Mothers page was created.

Photo © 2006 Lisa Katz, licensed to About.com, Inc

I liked what Dalia Itzik said in honor of Israel's 60th. There are countries in the world that are wealthier, quieter and bigger than Israel, but there is no country in the world with a story of success like Israel's. In honor of Israel's 60th birthday, enjoy these wonderful online multimedia tributes:

• ISRAEL21c's "The Faces and Places of Israel
• Aish.com's "Israel Then & Now - 60 Years in 60 Seconds"

Find the history, meaning and words of Israel's national anthem, HaTikvah (The Hope). The article includes links to online versions of the music, including this interesting 2008 version of HaTikvah by Francky Perez & Broadway on YouTube.com.

Israel's Memoral Day (Yom HaZikaron) is May 7, 2008, and Israel's Independence Day (Yom HaAtzmaut) is May 8, 2008.

• Israel's Memorial and Independence Day
  Through these photos and descriptions, you can virtually celebrate Israel's Memorial Day and Independence Day.
• Recipes for Israel's Independence Day
  On Israel's Independence Day, Israelis packs their picnic baskets with charcoal, lots of meat, salads, pita bread and hummus. The country's parks are dotted with families outdoors barbecuing and enjoying "The Land." Even if you can't be picnicking outside in Israel this year, you can still enjoy a traditional Israel Independence Day meal.
• Israeli Coins
  Taking out one's money to buy something in a store in Israel today can send one's mind sailing back in time. Enjoy these photos and explanations of the designs on modern Israeli coins.

Photo © 2006 Lisa Katz, licensed to About.com, Inc

You can print this Israeli flag and Israeli seal for your kids to color and hang on your door in honor of Israel's Memorial Day (May 7, Wednesday) and Independence Day (May 8, Thursday).

Photo © 2006 Lisa Katz, licensed to About.com, Inc