Eleanor asked:

     My Mother is not a practicing Jew however her family carries Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, quite closely too (grandparent level to myself). As this is on my mother's side am I automatically a Jew or as she is not practicing and has never practiced has that broken the tie?

My Reply:

     If your mother's mother was a Jew, then your mother is a Jew. If your mother is a Jew, then you are a Jew no matter what you do, or do not do. Learn what it means to be a Jew. Learn the history of the Jews, and learn the future of the Jews. Marry a Jew, raise a Jewish family, fulfill your purpose in having been born a Jew. Be well.