Customer Reviews

Becoming a Jew

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The path for judaism starts somewhere. Maybe a jewish friend that take us to temple, maybe we're dating a jewish girl/guy or just curiosity... and we want to know more. What is judaism about? Is conversion possible? Is other people going through the same process?. Maybe is too soon to go to a Rabbi to talk about this, or we are just too shy. These and other questions are answered in this book. Personal experiences, holidays, jewish belief, traditon, etc.
I bought it 4 years ago. Good introduction to judaism. Gave it to my boyfriend as a gift. Actually he is going through the convertion process with an orthodox rabbi, and it was pretty usefull to him.
If you want a conservative / reform guide, maybe you'll be more interested in Anita Diamant's book: Choosing a Jewish life.
Another good book is Living Judaism, by Rabbi Wayne Dosick.

I am currently studying to convert to Judaism through an Orthodox rabbi. It has been a long and difficult journey, and I still have an arduous road ahead of me. Rabbi Lamm's book has been highly informative and motivating. He's allayed so many of my fears as to exactly what steps will occur along the path of conversion. I've never read a book that has been so sensitive to the plight of the convert and accurate at pin-pointing the ger's feelings. He's right on target in so many of his statements, that I feel as though he's right inside of my head. His book stresses a great deal on halachah, but he makes no move to alienate those who are of other synagogue affiliations. And the first section of his book is dedicated to a forum in which converts from all types of judaism were able to express their feelings and relate their journeys. I highly recommend this book. When I convert one day, with Hashem's help, I will truly owe a great debt to this man.

Maurice Lamm's book carefully toes the line between Jewish law and human compassion. I disagree that this is a book for Orthodox converts only: it is for anyone who seeks to become a *serious* Jew.

Some have commented that this book is hopelessly biased towards Orthodoxy. This is an expression of Lamm's desire to deal honestly with painful and potentially divisive issues. Yes, some movements will tell you you don't have to know (or do) all of this to become Jewish. But if you're serious about becoming a Jew, only Lamm's book will help you not only learn *about* this religion, but also try it on for size.

Some movements will hide the details from you, give you an "easy" way in. If that's the Judaism you want, you will find it an easy, but not very rewarding, path. Lamm gently gives you all the hard AND heartwarming stuff, in this single thick volume.

Rules and regulations are not necessarily a bad thing -- they can make the path clearer and easier to follow. Would-be converts are often put off by demands that they keep kosher or observe Shabbat -- "Why should I, if I already FEEL Jewish?" But you couldn't become a U.S. citizen, either, just by saying you already "feel American." You've got to know what all of it means first, and that's what Lamm gives you here.

In this book, Lamm expertly balances his halachic (legal) perspective with stories of actual converts and a realistic view of issues that Jews-by-choice may be facing. If you're serious about Judaism, you owe it to yourself to find out -- in all its gory detail -- what this religion is actually all about.

Throughout my three years of prepatory study, I have never found a more precise culmination of the Jewish essence in written form. Although I did not convert Orthodox, the information contained therein provided me with an exceptional basis for understanding, and an acute ability to respond to the questining of the beit din accurately anf passionately. I cannot stress enough how much it means to me to now be a Jewish woman, to be a daughter of Israel, and a lover of Torah. And I also cannot stress enough how much information and support Maurice Lamm's book has provided me with. I completely recommend it for all potential geyorim, regardless of synagogue affiliation. Shalom, and mazel tov on your journey!

Rabbi Lamm's book is very informative, very comprehensive and very forcefully argued. He pulls no punches and strongly makes his case that (to him) the only real/authentic conversion to Judaism is the Orthodox conversion. I found his arguments very convincing, and ultimately I guess I decided NOT to convert on account of this book. Which is not to say I didn't enjoy reading it...I did, very much so. I have been disillusioned by Christianity since early childhood and I was amazed just how "Jewish" my ways of thinking have been over the years. I am adopted and sometimes I do wonder if maybe my birth mother wasn't really Jewish...I think the odds are strongly against it, but it might explain a lot about myself if it were true. I enjoyed very much the testimonials of converts and their "what I don't like about Christianity" criticisms. I found myself nodding in agreement more than once.

But I realized paradoxically that I agreed with Lamm's unspoken assertion that Orthodox conversion is the only real authentic route but also came to understand I could never have the self discipline to live up to Orthodoxy's stringent standards, either.

I used to joke to a friend who is converting under Reform auspices "It's really too bad you can't convert to SECULAR Judaism", to which she responded with a laugh "but honey you can, it's called REFORM!"...we used to have some interesting arguements, since I started pondering conversion because of this friend. I always found myself lining up with the Orthodox and Conservative interpretations while she always lined up with the Reform tradition.

I guess I'm too much of a hellenic sensualist, too much a pagan Stoic to fit the Orthodox-Jewish mold. I guess I could always undergo and finish the rigours of Orthodox conversion, stay in an Orthodox synagogue for a year then see if I might want to change over to Conservative or Reform Judaism later...but that's just a little too intellectually dishonest, maybe.

I don't consider myself a Christian anymore, really...I agree with Judaism too much for that. I still like Jesus, but don't much care for the institution of the Christian Church that came out of that tradition later.

Roman Stoicism tends to be my LEBENSPHILOSOPHIE for now. But I respect Rabbi Lamm's well-argued thesis.

If you are an individual pondering whether or not you want to convert to Judaism - read this book! It will give you a wealth of information on the topic.

Converting to Judaism is not for the timid or half-hearted proselyte. Rabbi Lamm explains the basic facts of what it means to be Jewish, really Jewish. He covers tradition on Jewish birth, death, and everything in between. For covering such an expanse, he does an excellent job of explaining the many facets of Judaism clearly. This book should either solidify your decision to convert or help you realize that you are not ready for the committment (and to have a traditional, binding conversion it IS quite a committment).

Overall, this is an informative book on conversion - the best I have read. The many narratives of converts (in their own words), along with all the factual information, provide a great balance. Enjoy!

If you are a secularized Jew or a potential convert this is a wonderful book, and one of a kind. I dont think there exists almost any books on conversion to Judaism, therefore this is clearly the reference for you! This book details the many questions associated with converting to judaism. What are the different types of Judaism? What is the history of Judaism? WHo is a Jew and why? Will I need to be circumsized? What about marriage? Will I be excepted? Can I go live in Israel? What is the process of conversion? What are the high holy days? These questions will be answered in this volume and the book provides many personal stories from converts. Easy to read and well organized.

"Becoming a Jew" is one of the most realistic book when it deals with the issue of conversion. It is realistic because it gives the reader a preparation and an understanding of a life changing matter. The book touches many subjects regarding judaism and its converts but at the same time, it alerts the reader of the sacrifices and joys that comes when becoming a jew.

When I became more interested in Judaism (as a secular Jew with almost zero connection to/knowledge of Judaism), I bought this book. Although it is written for converts, it has a knack for succinctly explaining 'what Judaism is', as opposed to fundamental Jewish beliefs, etc., and I would reccomend it to anyone exploring issues of Jewish identity. Particularly useful was a section detailing the experiences of various converts, which were all very different and sometimes provocative.

I eventually did Geirus under the London Beis Din (as there were issues with my lineage). This was one of my treasured books, and from time to time I reread it to remind myself of the point of it all.

As one who has recently converted to Judaism, I would recommend this to all those considering conversion to Judaism, no matter what pathway they have chosen to follow. This book covers conversion to Orthodox Judaism and is somewhat derisory about any other path to join this wonderful spiritual home. However, the realization of the exclusivity and lack of tolerance of Orthodox Judaism towards other sincere Jews is important for all converts to appreciate, even if it is difficult to understand. From that point of view, this book is a good starting point.