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Choosing a Jewish Life : A Handbook for People Converting to Judaism and for Their Family and Friends

Choosing a Jewish Life : A Handbook for People Converting to Judaism and for Their Family and Friends

List Price: $14.00
Your Price: $10.50
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 3 stars
Summary: rose-colored glasses
Review: I think that this book is a good introduction to the process. I found, however, that the description of the process is a little too optomistic. After reading this book I found that I went out and starting talking to Modern Orthodox who made it clear that it is their role to dissuade proselytes. The auuthor states that her husband's conversion is based on marriage. I later learned that this is not considered a "Kosher" reason to convert. I am currently looking into studying Orthodoxy. It is my advice to the person considering conversion do likewise. Your conversion otherwise may not be observed by the Orthodox.
Hopefully, the rejected, inadequacy feeling won't happen to all of you. I am still on my journey. I have found this website to be indispensible...

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: rose-colored glasses
Review: I think that this book is a good introduction to the process. I found, however, that the description of the process is a little too optomistic. After reading this book I found that I went out and starting talking to Modern Orthodox who made it clear that it is their role to dissuade proselytes. The auuthor states that her husband's conversion is based on marriage. I later learned that this is not considered a "Kosher" reason to convert. I am currently looking into studying Orthodoxy. It is my advice to the person considering conversion do likewise. Your conversion otherwise may not be observed by the Orthodox.
Hopefully, the rejected, inadequacy feeling won't happen to all of you. I am still on my journey. I have found this website to be indispensible...

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: A Great Book to Answer Your Questions!
Review: I'm converting and decided to start building up a Jewish library! And this book was descriptive, understood that I was nervous about the whole conversion process, and took all my concerns and washed them away. I highly recommend buying this book, and buying the book titled Jewish Literacy. Both books are irreplaceable!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A great book for all Jews-to-be!
Review: I'm converting and decided to start building up a Jewish library! And this book was descriptive, understood that I was nervous about the whole conversion process, and took all my concerns and washed them away. I highly recommend buying this book, and buying the book titled Jewish Literacy. Both books are irreplaceable!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Every Jew-by-Choice Needs This Book
Review: If you're thinking about converting to Judaism, or if you are already a Jew-by-Choice, you need this book. The author writes in such clear, gentle language, and has seemingly read your mind because she answers the questions that have been roiling around your mind (as well as some you haven't thought of yet - but will).

This book should be on every Rabbi's list of required reading for anyone contemplating conversion.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: For those considering
Review: My Rabbi recommended this book when I approached him about conversion and I have no doubt it is on many such lists. Judaism has for centuries been reticent about seeking converts due to Christian persecution but still there have always been those who sought the religion out. The result however is how few resources are available to the convert so Diamant's book is really essential for those considering or committed to the path.

Diamant is a born Jew married to a converted Jew. Many will be familiar with her from her fiction work, The Red Tent. She displays great sensitivity to the convert and addresses such potential concerns of the Jew-by-choice such as how to inform with parents and family of your decision, Christmas, conversion rituals, standoffishness from born Jews (her quotes from the Talmud about converts were particularly inspiring to me.) The reading is less dry than some other similiar books assigned by my (wonderful) Rabbi and she makes the best work she can of the subject. Still I'd only recommend this for individuals considering conversion or for those close to someone who is. This is a great resource but not the best jumping off point for someone seeking more information about Judaism in general.

Good luck with your search wherever it leads you. Aleikhem shalom.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A book that matched my feelings.
Review: Regardless of the different context -for me- dealt by this book (American Jewishness, and I belong to a typical Mexican Catholic family), I really was touched by the feelings and concerns that people considering conversion experience. It is the matter of the book: support a -maybe already made- decision. I discovered even more the fascinating Jewish world, filled with hapiness and pain, as well; holy and practical, intelligent and passionated. Reading this book encouraged me to go ahead.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Covers the unknown
Review: There are lots of books out there about converting to judaism, however many of them cover the history, basic rituals and traditions and whatnot, but very few detail the more indepth things such as what the conversion ceremony will entail, the idea and how-to's of the mikvah etc. This book was great in that respect. I highly recommend any book by Anita Diamant her writing style is easy and motivates you to want to keep reading.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Why I am a Jew...
Review: This book does more than offer rituals, services, and halachic advice...it offers a means to deal with your pending and eventually new status and identity. How to deal with your family at Christmas time, giving up the old Tannebaum, and trying to really settle in to something you've wokred so hard to achieve...the integrate yourself both religiosly and culturally into the Jewish community. I think Ms. Diamant has beautifully woven together facts with poems and readings, (one which I read at my naming ceremony a year before this book was even written). This is informative, this is heartwarming, this is moving, this is full of so many reasons why I am a Jew.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Terrific overview, with great details, but not enough alone
Review: This book initially attracted my attention because it included details of the author's husband's conversion. It turned out that this aspect is only one of its many assets. It is very well written by a professional, and contains contributions from many converts to enrich the author's commentary.

This book is a great place to start for any potential convert, and their family. It covers not only Reform Jewish rules and customs on the topic, but provides historical treatment and contexts as well.

I highly recommend the book, but with the caveat that it should be just one resource of several, as it is written with a relatively specific view point. The joy of modern Judaism is its many perspectives; and conversion studies -- like all Jewish studies -- should include as many perspectives as possible.


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