query answer about being jewish

[COmentator]

Query Ask a Rabbi Ref No 6632934
Date: 08/06/2025
Incident ID: 6632934
puzzeled by definations:

Question:
puzzled by definations-in regard to a jewish person who is an aposate to another religion..i come across definations of this action such as Mumar or Meshumad or that they are no longer considered Jewish..On the other hand Ive also come across that even if a jewish person converts to another religion..they are still considered Jewish although Sinners.. are all this definations describe the same action?


Answer August 7,2025
Rabbi Eliezer Zalmanov | Chabad.org
Aug 7, 2025, 7:00 PM (13 hours ago)
to me

Hi ,

Regardless of what word is used (you're right, there are several) one thing that is entirely incorrect is to say that they aren't Jewish anymore. A Jew can never change his or her essence, no matter heretical they behave.

I hope this helps.

All the best,

Rabbi Eliezer Zalmanov
for Chabad.org


Browse our ongoing schedule of live classes and courses -- all free at: http://www.chabad.org/live

[size=1][size=1]Rabbi Eliezer Zalmanov | Chabad.org [/size]
[/size]

[size=1]Aug 7, 2025, 7:00 PM (13 hours ago)
[/size]

[size=1]to
[/size]






Hi Philip,
Regardless of what word is used (you're right, there are several) one thing that is entirely incorrect is to say that they aren't Jewish anymore. A Jew can never change his or her essence, no matter heretical they behave.
I hope this helps.
All the best,
Rabbi Eliezer Zalmanov
for Chabad.org
Browse our ongoing schedule of live classes and courses -- all free at: http://www.chabad.org/live