A Journey into the Unknown: Discovering Jewish Heritage through iGENEA DNA Test
Family name Löwe
Having had my DNA tested by iGENEA, a surprising revelation unfolded detailing the significant Jewish heritage connected to my Löwe ancestors. This formerly unknown lineage has brought about a profound recalibration of my self-understanding.
Since having my DNA test conducted via iGENEA, the volume of my ancestral history that has unfolded has been truly transformative, especially regarding my Löwe ancestors. Embarking on this journey, I assumed I had a reasonably clear perspective of my family's history. However, the test results wove an intricate tapestry of ancestrally diverse aspects that I was completely unaware of.
The most significant revelation was my Jewish ancestry, which I had never suspected. Knowledge of this lineage fated my ancestors, the Löwe family, to the rich history and traditions of Judaism, and brought a profound sense of context to our lineage.
Prior to the iGENEA test, my understanding was that the Löwe family was purely German. However, the DNA test suggested Sephardic Jewish heritage, which likely originated from Spain or Portugal. This trace of Iberian lineage could be a testament to the forced Jewish exile during the 15th-century Spanish Inquisition. Learning that some of my ancestors may have endured this traumatic period of history, while simultaneously unraveling our hidden Jewish roots was deeply moving.
Furthermore, a genetic marker indicated a lineage tied to the Levites - one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. With the Levites being closely associated with religious functions within the Jewish faith, it brings a spiritual dimension to my ancestry that I was previously completely unaware of.
This unexpected discovery of Jewish ancestry has modified my self-understanding quite significantly. I feel more connected to the annals of human history and am incredibly humbled by the cultural diversity and resilience that forms the backbone of my lineage. Moreover, it has sparked curiosity to learn more about Jewish culture, its profound history, and its influences.
Taking the iGENEA DNA test has proven to be a path into uncharted territory of my family history. The newfound sense of belonging to a history much richer and more complex than I initially thought is truly enriching. Irrespectively, it’s a humbling reflection of the cultural temporalities that have intertwined, shaping the person I am today.
A. Löwe