[Reiwa]

AI Overview

Epstein belonged to the tribe of Levi, specifically a subgroup known as the Kohanim. While most Jews cannot trace their ancestry to a specific tribe, the priestly status of Kohanim has traditionally been preserved through patrilineal descent. The Epstein surname is an old Ashkenazi Jewish family name that is a variant of "Epstein" or "Epshtein".

Details of Epstein's Jewish lineage

Family background: Epstein was born into an Ashkenazi Jewish family in Brooklyn, New York. His parents were Seymour and Paula Epstein, children of Jewish immigrants from Europe.

Last name as an identifier: The name Epstein is considered a Levite surname, tracing back to European Jewish families. Some sources specifically connect it to the Kohanim (the priestly class within the tribe of Levi).

Tracing Levite ancestry: The lineage of the Levites and the Kohanim is one of the few tribal affiliations that many Jews can still trace. It is passed down from father to son, provided the mother is also Jewish.

How tribal identity is known in Judaism

Lost lineages: Most Jewish people today, outside of the Levites and Kohanim, are referred to as Yisrael (Israel) and are unable to trace their lineage back to a specific ancient tribe. This is because the ancient genealogical records were destroyed in antiquity.

The tribes of Levi and Judah: Due to their specific religious roles, the Levite and Kohen lineages were deliberately preserved. Members of the tribe of Judah can also sometimes trace their lineage through prominent families, such as the descendants of King David.

Genetic markers: Genetic studies have also helped confirm the patrilineal descent of the Kohanim by identifying specific markers on the Y-chromosome shared by many Kohanim today.