[Maven]

MOT = Member of The Tribe.

It's a good-natured way in which Jews refer to each other. It's a reference to the 12 tribes of Israel, of which only 2 still survive - the Kohane and the Levis. Unlike Jewishness, which is passed through the mother, tribe affiliation is passed through the father. My paternal grandmother was a Levi, but since my paternal grandfather wasn't, then neither is my father or myself.

Those who aren't affiliated with the two remaining tribes are known collectively as "Israel."

Although last names for Jews are a relatively new thing (our Hebrew names are simply our "name" ben/bat (son/daughter) of our "father's name"), there are some distinctly Jewish surnames that come from tribal affiliation, such as Cohen (Kahane), Levine, etc.

Sorry to be so long winded!

Maven
Whose Hebrew name is Miriam Pia bat Menasha.

[eddie willers]

Thanks.

I guess I'm a GOB (Good Old Boy)

[rmlew]

It's a good-natured way in which Jews refer to each other. It's a reference to the 12 tribes of Israel, of which only 2 still survive - the Kohane and the Levis. Unlike Jewishness, which is passed through the mother, tribe affiliation is passed through the father. My paternal grandmother was a Levi, but since my paternal grandfather wasn't, then neither is my father or myself.
Kohan is not a tribe, but a clan of Levites.
The southern Kingdom of Israel survived the Assyrian invasion. The Southern Kingdom, dominated by Juday included the tribe of Benjamin and most Levites. There were many refugees from other tribes, but the northern tribval structures were destroyed.

Those who aren't affiliated with the two remaining tribes are known collectively as "Israel."
No. Levi and Kohen are goven distinction because they have a special role. Kohanim were the Priests. Levites also had positions.

[rrrod]

LOL THANKS FOR THE INFO

[mlmr]

MOT = Member of The Tribe.

It's a good-natured way in which Jews refer to each other.

I remember when people referred to certain neighborhoods in my upscale hometown as the "Reservation." It wasn't necessarily good natured but I imagine came from the same roots.