Question 1

What is Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry?

Accepted Answer

Jewish heritage comprises a variety of subgroups, each with distinct historical, cultural, and genetic profiles, often linked to the regions where these communities have lived historically. The Ashkenazi subgroup emerged from Jews who settled in Eastern Europe, notably in areas like Poland, Germany, and Russia, post-Middle Ages. Today, they form the largest Jewish ethnic group and possess unique genetic markers. A notable example includes the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that heighten the risk for breast and ovarian cancer and are more commonly found among Ashkenazi Jews than other groups.

The Sephardic Jews, originating from the Iberian Peninsula, Spain and Portugal, faced expulsion during the Spanish Inquisition and subsequently relocated across North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Europe, including the Netherlands. This group also has its genetic markers and health susceptibilities, but these have not been as extensively researched as those of the Ashkenazi population.

Mizrahi Jews, another subgroup, primarily come from the Middle East and parts of North Africa. They have lived in regions like Iran, Iraq, and Yemen and also have unique genetic markers, although these have been less extensively researched compared to Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews.

Beta Thalassemia, a blood disorder, is more commonly found in Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews, whereas conditions like Tay-Sachs disease are more prevalent in Ashkenazi Jews. Each of these genetic predispositions is the result of historical ‘bottlenecks,’ where small, isolated populations led to the amplification of certain genetic traits.

Genetic tests focusing on Jewish ancestry not only help individuals understand their subgroup affiliations but can also provide important medical information. For example, tests can identify carrier status for diseases that are more prevalent in certain Jewish subgroups, aiding in family planning and healthcare management.

Question 2

What genetic diseases and health risks do Ashkenazi Jews face?

Accepted Answer

The distinct migratory and inbreeding history of the Ashkenazi Jewish population has led to a higher risk of certain hereditary diseases among individuals with Ashkenazi DNA. Gaucher disease, which causes fat accumulation in organs like the spleen and liver, is the most prevalent. Additional common conditions in this group include Cystic Fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, and Spinal Muscular Atrophy.If you find out that you have Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, it might be important to check if you&rsquo;re a carrier for genes linked to these hereditary diseases. The LivingDNA Ancestry + Health test provides a thorough exploration of your ancestry and includes 40 carrier reports for various conditions, particularly relevant to those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. This includes testing for Bloom syndrome, Canavan disease, cystic fibrosis, familial hyperinsulinism, among others.

Question 3

What are the main types of Jewish ancestry?

Accepted Answer

There are three main types of Jewish ancestry: Ashkenazi, Sephardic, and Mizrahi. Defining them can be a little tricky, but a genetic analysis can show which Jewish subgroup you belong to. Generally speaking:

Ashkenazi — Jews from Eastern Europe (Germany, Poland, Ukraine, etc.)
Sephardic — Jews from the Iberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal, North Africa, etc.)
Mizhari — Jews from eastern Europe (Middle East, Turkey, Iran, etc.)

Question 4

Which DNA test is best at analyzing Jewish heritage?

Accepted Answer

The best autosomal DNA tests for identifying Jewish heritage is AncestryDNA. It will give you accurate assessments of how much Jewish DNA you have. For Y-DNA (paternal lineage) or mtDNA (maternal lineage) testing, FamilyTreeDNA offers the best analysis for tracking and understanding the geography and migration of your Jewish lineage.

Question 5

What are the benefits of discovering your Jewish ancestry?

Accepted Answer

Apart from learning about your heritage, understanding your Jewish ancestry can provide you with valuable medical insights to help prevent diseases that disproportionately affect those in the Ashkenazi community. And if you use a DNA service which also has a genealogical component — like AncestryDNA — you can find and connect with living relatives who are also part of your Jewish family.

Articles by Shane Berkowitz