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Sephardic DNA: A Guide to Genetic Genealogy for Jewish Ancestry – Sephardic Genealogy

Captured 2025-11-22

89

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Sephardic DNA: A Guide to Genetic Genealogy for Jewish Ancestry – Sephardic Genealogy

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This comprehensive webpage serves as an educational resource for individuals seeking to understand and utilize DNA testing in tracing their Sephardic Jewish ancestry. The primary focus is to provide practical guidance on genetic genealogy while addressing common misconceptions and limitations specific to Sephardic heritage research. The page emphasizes that DNA testing, while valuable, should be understood within its proper context and limitations, particularly when it comes to identifying ancient Sephardic lineages. The content thoroughly explains three main types of DNA tests used in genealogical research: Y-DNA testing (passed from fathers to sons, useful for patrilineal tracing), mitochondrial DNA testing (passed maternally but less useful due to slower mutation rates), and autosomal DNA testing (the most common consumer test that can identify relatives up to 5th or 6th cousins). A crucial insight presented is the distinction between Ashkenazi and Sephardic genetic identification - while Ashkenazi ancestry is relatively easy to detect due to their descent from a small, highly endogamous medieval population, Sephardic ancestry is much more complex to identify genetically because Sephardim descended from a larger, more diverse genetic pool and experienced various historical migrations and intermarriages. The page directly challenges marketing claims made by DNA testing companies, emphasizing that "DNA tests don't test ethnic origins" despite what promotional materials might suggest. It warns against inflated claims about widespread Sephardic ancestry and notes that small percentages of "Iberian" or "Mediterranean" DNA don't necessarily indicate Sephardic heritage. The author specifically mentions that there is effectively no reliable DNA test for Western/Portuguese/Spanish Jews, as this community has been intermarrying with Ashkenazim and others since the 18th century, making "pure" Western Sephardic genetic signatures nearly impossible to identify. The webpage stands out for its extensive practical resources, including references to major DNA testing companies (Ancestry.com, MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA), analysis tools like GEDMatch and DNA Painter, and a substantial collection of Sephardic World video presentations by various experts in the field. The page also addresses contemporary practical concerns, noting that DNA tests are not admissible for Portuguese citizenship applications based on Sephardic ancestry claims, and includes important privacy considerations and legal implications of genetic testing. The target audience appears to be both novice and experienced genealogists interested in Sephardic heritage, with the content striking a balance between accessibility and technical accuracy.

Citation (APA Style)

Sephardic DNA: A Guide to Genetic Genealogy for Jewish Ancestry – Sephardic Genealogy. (2025, 11 22). sephardicgenealogy.com. https://sephardicgenealogy.com/sephardic-dna/

Technical Metadata

Domain sephardicgenealogy.com
File Size 653 KB
Archived 2025-11-22T14:39:46.389861
Document ID #89
Languages 5 available