Why do most sects determine Jewishness matrilineally?

Answer by  jeremy46 (325)

An answer that is more practical than theological, you can't always be sure of who the father is, but you can usually be sure of who the mother is.

Answer by  kissamedeadly (133)

Maternal lineage is the easiest and most effective way to trace lineage due to the fact that there is no doubt as to who the mother of the child is while there can be doubt as to who the father is. Also paternal lineage traces the child's named lineage where as maternal lineage traces the actual blood line lineage.

Answer by  chimano (36)

Mothers are better at passing on customs and culture than fathers.