Follower of the Jewish faith. Tradition holds that people are Jewish if their mothers are Jewish or if they have gone through a formal process of conversion, but some Jews argue for a more liberal definition. Many Jews consider themselves “secular Jews” whose connection to Judaism is cultural or ethnic rather than spiritual. Jews believe that God called their ancestor, Abraham, to be the father of their nation, [and that through him and his descendants a covenant was transmitted to future generations.] Use Jew for men and women.
[Never use jew as a verb, as in he jewed me down. This colloquial expression, meaning to bargain with or to get a lower price, is offensive.]Updated April 2021
REFERENCE: Religion Stylebook