The study of lineage has been of importance to the Jewish people since biblical days, and lengthy genealogical lists are recorded throughout the Bible. The Talmud in the Tractate Kiddushin stresses the importance of yichus or family background:
Ten lineages emigrated from Babylon. The Holy One, Blessed Be He, does not bestow his Divine Presence, other than on Israeli families of noble Yikhus. Read More…