Finding your roots can be exciting but also challenging, especially when it comes to tracing Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. The specific genetic signatures of this group can be difficult to pin down accurately. This is where a DNA test kit comes in. It analyzes your DNA to find links to this distinct ethnic group, helping you unlock your heritage.
Knowing that my father is an Ashkenazi Jew, I wanted to know how far back my Ashkenazi ancestry goes and to learn about the genetic predispositions to disease that come courtesy of my Jewish DNA. To do so, I spent weeks researching dozens of DNA tests to find the best DNA tests for Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.
AncestryDNA stands out as my number one recommendation. It offers a large user database, increasing the chances of finding matches, and provides a comprehensive breakdown of your ethnic origins. It does an excellent job of tracing Ashkenazi ancestry, helping you uncover your rich heritage.
Short on Time? Here are our top DNA tests for Ashkenazi Jewish heritage
- AncestryDNA – Best DNA test for Jewish ancestry overall; large database of samples and historical records; prices start at $99.
- 23andMe – Best for detailed and region-specific breakdown of your ancestry as well as connecting you with relatives.
- MyHeritage – Best for affordable DNA testing for Jewish ancestry; tons of free resources, including a family tree; prices start at $89.
- LivingDNA – Best for getting health insights along with info on your ancestry; prices start at $99.
- FamilyTreeDNA – Best for tracing maternal and paternal lineage separately; prices start at $79.
| 🧪 Sample Type | ✈ Ships outside the US? | 🌎 Free Shipping? | ❓ Free raw DNA upload? | 💰 Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AncestryDNA | Saliva sample | Yes | No | No | Starts at $99 |
| 23andMe | Cheek swab | Yes | No | Yes | Starts at $119 |
| MyHeritage | Cheek swab | Yes | Yes (on 2 or more kits) | Yes | $89 |
| LivingDNA | Cheek swab | Yes | Yes (on 3 or more kits) | Yes | Starts at $119 |
| FamilyTreeDNA | Cheek swab | Yes | No | Yes | Starts at $79 |
| Nebula Genomics | Cheek swab | Yes | No | Yes | Starts at $249 |
Our Best DNA Tests for Ashkenazi Jewish Ancestry
1. AncestryDNA – Find Jewish Family Members Across the Globe
- Largest global database of users
- Strong focus on mapping Jewish heritage
- More than 1,000 global regions covered
- Access 20 billion historical records with a subscription
AncestryDNA leads in the number of individuals who have taken ancestry DNA tests, enhancing the probability of finding matches within their DNA database, particularly for those searching for Ashkenazi relatives.
The presentation of results may differ across companies, but in my experience with AncestryDNA, my report indicated that I am 53% European Jewish. Leveraging their extensive database, AncestryDNA is capable of delivering results with up to 99% accuracy in pinpointing Jewish ancestry.
The company places a strong focus on accuracy and delivering a wealth of information. On their blog, you’ll find guidance on how to pinpoint specific Ashkenazi roots once you’ve received your results. This can include mapping public family trees or searching through historical documents. If you choose to pay an additional subscription fee, you can create a detailed family tree and have access to 20 billion historical records.
2. 23andMe — Unveiling Your Jewish Ashkenazi Heritage
- Compares your DNA against 45 known populations
- Traces your DNA across 2750+ regions
- Includes traits report with its basic screening
- See if you have Neanderthal ancestry
- Results in 3 to 4 weeks
23andMe excels at identifying your Jewish Ashkenazi ancestry by analyzing specific genetic markers that are prevalent within this group. It compares your DNA with reference datasets to determine the proportion of your heritage that is Ashkenazi Jewish. This process helps you understand your connection to this unique cultural and ethnic background, providing a clear picture of your ancestral lineage.
It also explores familial connections through shared DNA, which is particularly useful for those with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. Given the community’s historical migrations and tight-knit nature, the relative finder tool can reveal close and distant relatives, helping you discover family ties and expand your understanding of your heritage. This feature enhances your connection to the Ashkenazi Jewish diaspora.
Through detailed haplogroup information, it traces the maternal and paternal lineages specific to Ashkenazi Jews, shedding light on your ancestors’ migration patterns and historical living areas. This insight can reveal the movements of Jewish populations through Europe and their eventual settlements, offering a deeper appreciation for your ancestral journey and the resilience of your forebears.
Finally, 23andMe provides valuable health insights related to genetic conditions common in the Ashkenazi Jewish population. By identifying potential health risks and carrier status for certain genetic traits, it empowers you with knowledge to make informed decisions about your health. This feature integrates ancestry with actionable health information, enhancing your understanding of how your Ashkenazi Jewish roots may impact your wellbeing.
3. MyHeritage – Extensive Jewish Database With Records Spanning Centuries
- 19.4 billion records, including census records, birth, death & more
- Database of 6.5 million DNA samples to connect with relatives
- Simple cheek swab and easy to use interface
- Results within 4 weeks
If you’re curious about uncovering your Jewish Ashkenazi roots, MyHeritage is an excellent platform to explore your heritage and connect with your past. With its powerful tools and extensive database, you can embark on a fascinating journey of discovery. MyHeritage offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to easily build your family tree, search for relatives, and delve into the rich history of your ancestors.
One of the standout features of MyHeritage is its vast collection of historical records, including vital records, census data, and immigration documents. These records can provide valuable insights into the lives of your Ashkenazi ancestors, enabling you to piece together their stories and better understand your own identity. By simply entering the names and dates of your relatives, you can quickly start uncovering hidden details about their lives and the communities they belonged to.
For those specifically interested in Jewish Ashkenazi ancestry, MyHeritage offers an exclusive database that focuses on Jewish genealogy. This resource is a treasure trove of information, with millions of records spanning several centuries. It can help you trace your family lineage back through generations and discover connections you may not have known existed. The platform also provides access to a dedicated community of genealogists and experts who can offer guidance and support as you delve deeper into your Jewish heritage.
What sets MyHeritage apart is its innovative DNA testing service. By submitting a simple cheek swab, you can unlock a wealth of genetic information about your ancestry, including your Ashkenazi Jewish roots. The results provide detailed ethnic breakdowns, highlighting the percentage of Ashkenazi heritage in your DNA. Additionally, MyHeritage’s DNA matching feature connects you with relatives who share common ancestors, potentially leading to exciting discoveries and the chance to reconnect with long-lost family members.
4. LivingDNA – Detailed Regional Breakdown of Jewish Ancestry
- Analysis of Jewish ancestry haplogroups
- Wide coverage of indigenous peoples
- Ancestry insights as far back as 100,000 years
- List of contactable living relatives
LivingDNA’s highly detailed regional breakdown provides a comprehensive analysis of the specific regions where your Ashkenazi ancestry originates. With this information, you can gain a unique perspective into your ancestral past and deepen your appreciation for the complex history of your family’s heritage. Additionally, you’ll better understand the migration patterns of Ashkenazi Jews and how they’ve mixed with other populations over time.
Another relevant feature of LivingDNA that’s relevant for Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry is its Ashkenazi-specific genetic markers. They enable you to learn about your genetic risk for certain diseases that are more prevalent in the Ashkenazi population. That way, you can make informed decisions about your health and take proactive measures to ensure the well-being of you and your loved ones.
5. Family Tree DNA – In-Depth Results about Your Paternal Heritage
- Autosomal, mtDNA, and Y-DNA analysis
- Large Jewish comparative databases
- Discover the migration path of your paternal lineage
- Upload raw DNA data for free DNA matches
Although Jewish identity traditionally follows the maternal line, Jewish ethnicity, heritage, and health predispositions follow both parental lineages. As my mother is not Jewish, I was, therefore, more interested in Family Tree DNA’s large Y-DNA database that details the paternal line.
Bear in mind, Y-DNA tests can only be taken by those with Y chromosomes. However, if you’re interested in your paternal heritage, you can get a biological male relative to take the test for you and discover your Jewish ancestry from your father’s ancestry that way. Results from Y-DNA testing typically take between five and seven weeks.
Family Tree DNA also offers mt-DNA testing – which can be taken by both males and females – to determine your maternal ancestry. Plus, there is also the Familial Ancestry test which can tell you your ethnic and geographic origins from over 60 reference populations, as well as identifying DNA matches.
The Jewish Ancestry result should be pretty close to that of AncestryDNA, give or take a percentage or two for Ashkenazi heritage. The in-depth results include a map graphic of the migration patterns of your ancestors, going back hundreds of years.
What I Looked For in the Best Ashkenazi Jewish Heritage Tests
The determine the best DNA tests for Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, we looked at several important criteria:
- Geography accuracy – I ensured that each test performed DNA analysis of family lines and geographical regions known to be populated by Ashkenazi Jews. Plus, a comparison of DNA to a large reference population for increased accuracy improved ranking.
- Robust testing methods – Did the tests complement default Autosomal DNA testing with Y-DNA and mtDNA testing to trace paternal and maternal lineages?
- Clarity – I looked for reports that while presenting extensive conclusions, did so in accessible language.
- Time to results – Are they delivered quickly to a secure online account?
- Price – Are you getting reports and services that are worth the cost of the DNA test kit? Vendors that provided the best value-for-money ranked higher than those with a more basic offering.
What’s in the Fine Print?
When considering ancestry DNA tests, it’s important to be mindful of potential hidden costs. Understanding the specifics of what you’re paying for can help you avoid any unexpected surprises down the line.
One aspect to keep in mind is the shipping costs. While companies like AncestryDNA and LivingDNA typically include a pre-paid returns label, SelfDecode requires you to cover the shipping expenses for returning your DNA samples to the lab. Although this cost is generally not high, it’s worth noting the difference in practices among various testing companies.
It’s important to note that accessing certain extra features or services might require additional subscriptions beyond the basic DNA test. For example, AncestryDNA offers software for constructing family trees and a vast database of historical records for extended genealogy research, but these functionalities require a separate subscription.
Lastly, it’s important to thoroughly review the privacy policies of any DNA testing company, as some may retain the right to use your DNA indefinitely. Familiarize yourself with their policies to ensure you understand how your genetic information will be handled.
Comparison Table
| Collection Method | Autosomal | mtDNA & Y-DNA | Time to Results | Contact Genetic Matches? | Starting Price | |
| AncestryDNA | Saliva | ✔ | ✖ | 4 weeks | ✔ | $99.00 |
| 23andme | Cheek Swab | ✔ | ✔ | 3-4 weeks | ✔ | $99.00 |
| MyHeritage | Saliva | ✔ | ✖ | 4 weeks | ✔ | $89.00 |
| LivingDNA | Cheek Swab | ✔ | ✔ | 3 weeks (autosomal) / 5 weeks (Y-DNA) | ✔ | $119.00 |
| FamilyTreeDNA | Saliva | ✔ | ✔ | 4-6 weeks | ✔ | $79.00 |
Bottom Line
Discovering the role that your Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry has played in your genetic makeup can be an enlightening experience. I personally never thought that I would connect so deeply with my Jewish identity through a few simple DNA tests. I hope to have encouraged you to dig deeper into your own Jewish heritage, and I’ll leave you with a final few takeaways:
- For general genealogical testing, AncestryDNA, and LivingDNA provide the most detailed reports about Ashkenazi heritage at the best prices.
- For Y-DNA and mtDNA testing, FamilyTreeDNA is your best option, especially compared with the health-oriented testers, like EasyDNA.
FAQ
What is Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry?
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.
What genetic diseases and health risks do Ashkenazi Jews face?
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’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.
What are the main types of Jewish ancestry?
- 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.)
Which DNA test is best at analyzing Jewish heritage?
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.
What are the benefits of discovering your Jewish ancestry?
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.
| Our Rank | Provider | Our Score | Starting Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |   | Read Review | $99.00 | Visit Website |
| 2 |   | Read Review | $119.00 | Visit Website |
| 3 |   | Read Review | $89.00 | Visit Website |
| 4 |   | Read Review | $119.00 | Visit Website |
| 5 |   | Read Review | $79.00 | Visit Website |
