The New Jew: An Unexpected Conversion [Paperback]

Sally Srok Friedes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 16, 2009

The New Jew is the story of an unexpected road to conversion, from first invitation to temple, through encounters with rabbis that left her feeling angry and alienated, to the irresistible warmth of Jewish friends and family who drew her in with their exuberance.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This easy-to-read memoir describes how a Catholic girl from Milwaukee came to New York, married a well-to-do Jew and gradually decided, despite setbacks and obstacles, to convert to Judaism. She discusses feeling strange at her initial Passover Seder, but being pleased by the judge who incorporated Jewish elements in the wedding ceremony. She was upset by the rabbi at her first High Holiday service and by the teacher when she tried to take a course on Judaism: both railed against intermarriage. After giving birth to a son, Friedes attended High Holiday services again, and this time felt better about the rabbi's sermon. When the family moved to the suburbs, she began to study with the rabbi of the local synagogue, which eventually led to her conversion. A side effect of this experience was strengthening the bond with her mother-in-law, who, unfortunately, died shortly after Friedes became a Jew. The author's 10-year journey to Judaism is chronicled in heartwarming terms that will appeal to both Jewish and non-Jewish readers. (June)
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Review

With this inspirational story, The New Jew, Sally Friedes chronicles her journey from Catholic outsider to full member of the Jewish community. Ms. Friedes reveals that there are comfortable seats at the family table of Judaism just waiting for seekers from other cultures and religions. The welcoming warmth of her husband's family and the rabbi she studies with play a pivotal role in uncovering this truth for her and us in this extraordinary narrative. New Jew is an important addition to the library of rabbis and interfaith outreach professionals.-Karen Kushner, MSW is the director of Project Welcome an outreach program welcoming interfaith families, unaffiliated Jews and seekers into Independent, Renewal, Reconstructionist, Reform and Conservative synagogueWith heartfelt sincerity and eloquence, Sally Friedes very movingly captures the voice, hopes, and fears of those who seek out Judaism.-Rabbi Bernice Weiss, founder and director of The Washington Institute for Conversion and The Study of Judaism

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: John Hunt Publishing (April 16, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 184694189X
• ISBN-13: 978-1846941894
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,278,297 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, May 6, 2009

By 

Emily Z. Hobbs (Oakland, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The New Jew: An Unexpected Conversion (Paperback)

I received this book the day before I went on a trip and could not put it down until I finished it. The descriptions and reflections of the author are so real. I connected with a lot of the stories she told, and it made me think deeply about my own story. I highly recommend reading this story. I even read it twice- a very powerful memoir. I cannot wait for the next book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I leaned more about Judaism from this book than I did growing up Jewish, October 19, 2009

By 

Ruth Ann "Ruth Ann" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The New Jew: An Unexpected Conversion (Paperback)

This is thoughtful memoir of a woman searching to fulfill her spiritual needs. It truly captures the experience of attending Jewish religious services and celebrations of Jewish holidays with keen observation, humor, and the desire to learn. For anyone who is desiring a better understand of what is means to be Jewish this is a must-read. I learned more from this book than I did growing up and attending Hebrew and Sunday school. It is well-written, easy to read and follows the authors journey from dating a Jew to converting to the religion.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Encouraging and well-written, August 17, 2009

By 

Shari L. Denton "CPQueen" (Michigan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The New Jew: An Unexpected Conversion (Paperback)

Though I certainly hope my own journey doesn't take 10 years, I was happy to discover the open, honest, and sometimes humorously endearing way Ms. Friedes shared her story. Each character she introduced included both assets and flaws, which affected her on her way to becoming a Jew. At the same time, each character had a positive effect on the final result.

As a young woman just beginning the conversion process myself, I was empowered to see the many different thought processes that Ms. Friedes went through on her journey, as I have already experienced many of the same.

Thank you for sharing your story.