Conversion to Judaism: A Guidebook [Paperback]

Lawrence J. Epstein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1994

Conversion to Judaism provides information, advice, and support for individuals contemplating conversion to Judaism, as well as those who have converted and the families affected by this decision. With sensitivity and compassion, Lawrence J. Epstein offers an informative volume that warmly welcomes the newcomer to Judaism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This comprehensive book, infused by an attitude of welcome and understanding, will be useful to those who think of becoming Jewish, and to their families on both sides. One of my students said this was the most helpful guidebook for the would-be convert yet. (Rabbi Rachel Cowan )

Though Jews are frequently referred to as 'the people of the book,' there are in fact very few books that one could read that would help a person become a part of the Jewish people if he or she was not born of it. In an age of the 'user-friendly' guide to virtually all interests and endeavors, Professor Epstein has performed a holy service in producing a 'user-friendly' guide to modern Judaism, making entrée into it readily available to all who might be interested. (Dr. Egon Mayer )

It should serve well, and represents a good motivational tool without in any way 'preaching' or utilizing devices that are meant to wheedle. Its forthright approach is one of its greatest assets..... (Dr. Morton K. Siegel )

Down-to-earth and accessible, this guide will be useful for those looking for a thorough yet brief introduction to Judaism and the path toward conversion. (Rabbi Alexander M. Schindler )

It should serve well, and represents a good motivational tool without in any way 'preaching' or utilizing devices that are meant to wheedle. Its forthright approach is one of its greatest assets. (Dr. Morton K. Siegel )

About the Author

Lawrence J. Epstein is a professor of English at Suffolk Community College in Selden, New York. He has written more than 100 articles, stories, and reviews on Jewish life that have been published in major Jewish periodicals.

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: Jason Aronson, Inc.; First edition (July 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568211287
• ISBN-13: 978-1568211282
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #688,482 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I am the author of "The Land of Eighteen Dreams" as well as various other books such as "The Haunted Smile: The Story of Jewish Comedians in America."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

94 of 94 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully useful!, June 11, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Conversion to Judaism: A Guidebook (Paperback)

When I was nearing the final stages of my conversion process, I found this book and wished I had found it sooner. Contained therein is the clearest, most comprehensive collection of blessings, observances, and laws the ger will need to begin their life as a Jew. Although there is a significant portion dedicated to the ceremony itself, it does not provide for merely light reading. This book serves to calm the fears converts may have about circumcision, the mikveh, etc. and offers them a brief historical framework for them to begin to develop a certain sense of past for their new faith. I contacted Lawrence Epstein via email regarding issues in his book I wasn't completely clear on, and I received a detailed, very warm and reassuring response the next day. For those considering conversion, or for those Jews by birth who might want to brush up on what exactly a Jew is, I completely, whole-heartedly recommend this book. Shalom and mazel tov on your journey!

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive and hopefully helpful guidebook to conversion, June 14, 2005

By 

Shalom Freedman "Shalom Freedman" (Jerusalem,Israel) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Conversion to Judaism: A Guidebook (Paperback)

Conversion to Judaism is a complex process. Whereas many faiths actively proselytize Judaism's traditional posture has been to discourage converts. In this work Lawrence J. Epstein provides a very useful guidebook for those who would nonetheless persevere in the effort.
He provides important historical information and background in regard to conversion. He discusses the subject in general including the reasons why people convert. He provides personal stories as examples. He looks at the Conversion process from the point- of - view of the major Jewish religious denominations. He answers questions potential converts are most likely to have.
This work which was initially published in 1994 at Jason Aronson under the supervision of the person who contributed more than any other in the past half- century to the publication of English- language Judaica, Arthur Kurzweil is even more vital today than it was then. For the numbers of those who are potential candidates for conversion has increased.Also given the demographic crisis the Jewish people is presently facing a number of important figures, including Epstein himself are calling for the changing of general policy on Conversion in order to facilitate the process.
A highly valuable and much recommeded work.

45 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars well written, a down to earth guidebook on jewish conversion, September 24, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Conversion to Judaism: A Guidebook (Paperback)

The author gives his heart to explain the what and why's of conversion. It covers all grounds you should know about basic judaism without drowning the reader with too much detail. It is very informative and full of insights that will guide you in the process of conversion. I highly recommend this book to those who like me is contemplating to be "a jew by choice".