DNA to Determine Jewish Status?

Rabbi Yisrael Barenbaum, Dayan in the Moscow Beth Din and world-renowned expert on Jewish genealogy via DNA delivered a Shiur to the Kolel L’horaah Ma’asis of Crown Heights on the usage of various DNA tests to determine Jewish status.

Rabbi Barenbaum, a world-renowned expert on DNA genealogy research, who spent many years researching the various DNA tests and came up with a system to determine Jewish status via DNA tests, which was approved by leading Halachic authorities such as Rabbi Zalman Nechemia Goldberg OBM and Rabbi Asher Weiss Shlita, came to New York for a short trip, and delighted the students of the Kolel L’horaah Ma’asis of Crown Heights with an in-depth Shiur about the Halachic and scientific aspects of these DNA tests.

The Rabbi discussed the opinions of the Rishonim and Acharonim regarding determining Jewish status via Chazakah, the opinions of Acharonim on what is considered a Siman Muvhak, weaving Halacha and Science into a fascinating Shiur.

Due to the sensitive nature of the Shiur, it was not recorded.

The Kolel L’horaah Ma’asis of Crown Heights, directed by Rosh Kolel Rabbi Sholom Shuchat, Sgan Rosh Kolel Rabbi Shraga Homnick and Menahel Rabbi Shlomo Greenwald is now in its second year, with the 36 Yungeleit preparing for the first test on Hilchos Niddah which will take place next week, while learning also the practical applications of the Halachos and receiving Shimush in Kolel, with some of the Yungeleit receiving additional Shimush from the Skverer Dayan of New Square and the Deberciner Dayan of Borough Park.