Customer Reviews

Conversion to Judaism: A Guidebook

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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!

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.

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".

I have written and deleted about five review for this book already, since this is such a sensitive issue for me, I will keep it short, I hope you forgive me.

- The book does not take for granted that your main reason for learning about conversion is a romantic interest in a jewish person.

- It shares with the readers experiences of people who went through the conversion process as well as incredible histories that are wonderful and interesting even outside the scope of the book.

- The author does a great job at balancing the spiritual aspect of life after conversion with its practical implications.

- It has a extremely good amount of information regarding holidays and rituals.

The author is just a great writer.

I hope this helps.

Of all the books I have read concerning the subject of conversion, this one was perhaps the most enjoyable and informative. I love his antidotal style of writing and the inclusion of Lena Romanoff's story, Flowers for Shabbos. I also appreciate his ability to concisely explain Jewish thought and the reasons behind it, at times in contrast to popular Christian beliefs or mainstream social practices having their roots in Christianity. My copy is highlighted and tabbed so that I can re-read certain sections. This is the book that I would recommend to anyone who is interested in conversion and to their families and friends for greater understanding of conversion--the whys and the hows--and the Jewish people.

This book has helped me in understanding the conversion process.

I especially appreciated the author's even treatment of the different Jewish movements, mainly Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist.

He explains not only the conversion process in these different movements, but also gives the reader an introduction to the Jewish faith. He talks about Jewish beliefs, texts, and practices. He also gives a list of resources in the back of the book that appear to be quite helpful, especially for the new Jew.

Anyone interested in conversion should read this book. It lays out, plainly and very readably, the necessary information about why people convert, how to go about conversion, and what the convert is getting her/himself into. Jewish Literacy Revised Ed: The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion, Its People, and Its History

this book is great,it has a lot of very informative information.i think that one can truely use this book to start ther conversion process,or just be more informed about judaism.thank you malachi

CONVERSION TO JUDAISM, A GUIDEBOOK is an absolute must-read!! This book touches on just about every subject that is important to me. I wish that the author would have went into more detail with the history of the Jews. Oh well, have to read about that in another book anyhow! :)