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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

  • Paperback
  • Edition: 1st Pbk. Ed
  • Author: Anita Diamant
  • Publisher: Schocken
  • Release Date: February 1998
  • ISBN-10: 0805210954
  • ISBN-13: 9780805210958
  • List Price: $14.95

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Summaries and Customer Reviews provided by Amazon

Summary

Married to a convert herself, Anita Diamant provides advice and information that can transform the act of conversion into an extraordinary journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.

Here you will learn how to choose a rabbi, a synagogue, a denomination, a Hebrew name; how to handle the difficulty of putting aside Christmas; what happens at the mikvah (ritual bath) or at a hatafat dam brit (circumcision ritual for those already circumcised); how to find your footing in a new spiritual family that is not always well prepared to receive you; and how not to lose your bonds to your family of origin. Diamant anticipates all the questions, doubts, and concerns, and provides a comprehensive explanation of the rules and rituals of conversion.

Customer Reviews

Average Rating: Score = 4.5 Score = 4.5 Score = 4.5 Score = 4.5 Score = 4.5

Excellent book for those considering conversion to Judaism

Rating: Score = 4 Score = 4 Score = 4 Score = 4 Score = 4

This author covers family issues that are encountered upon conversion, choosing you rabbi, conversion study, conversion of children, and the conversion process itself.

I especially liked the bibliography. She lists other books that may be of help in that she points you in the right direction if you are considering a certain movement. For example, if you are interested in pursuing the Reform movement she mentions the book Choosing Judaism, for the Conservative book there is Becoming Jewish, and so on.

The only quibble that I have with the book is that I had to use two bookmarks because the author frequently cites notes in the back of the book. These notes are not the kind of cryptic notes that cites references, but are additional explanations that actually add insight to what was said on the referring page. So, I had to go back and forth between the bookmarks. It would have been more readable to have the notes as a footnote on the page.

The "Gateway Book" for Converts!

Rating: Score = 5 Score = 5 Score = 5 Score = 5 Score = 5

Perfect book for a young soul searcher!

The second I opened the package you couldn't force me to put it down. I t was very informative and will really help you narrow your path if you have decided upon Judaism.

I bought the book as a convert into the Reform Temple but after reading this and doing much more studying, I am living as an Orthodox Jew.

Read Anita's other books!

An informative, reassuring guide to conversion

Rating: Score = 5 Score = 5 Score = 5 Score = 5 Score = 5

Anita Diamant--author of The Red Tent--takes a warming, welcoming approach in her guide for those of us considering converting to Judaism. She covers a wide range of topics: beginning with her husband's conversion experience, she discusses the process of converting itself; selecting a Rabbi; families' and friends'reactions; choosing a Hebrew name; celebrating the event; and so on. While there are books that may go into far more detail, Diamant's book is a wonderful place to start reading about conversion. If nothing else, she has a knack for understanding and discussing honestly the worries and obstacles a potential convert might face. Personally, I found it inspiring--like having a close and trusted friend supporting you through your first forays into conversion. It's an excellent basic introduction to the subject.

Absolutely wonderful book!

Rating: Score = 5 Score = 5 Score = 5 Score = 5 Score = 5

This is a great book. It explained a lot of things for me when I was contemplating conversion. After making my decision, I actually gave the book to my mom to help her understand my decision.
I highly recommend this book for anyone thinking about converting.

Best for people who are converting because of marriage

Rating: Score = 4 Score = 4 Score = 4 Score = 4 Score = 4

This book reads well and eases fears about conversion. However, I think it is a better choice for those converting due to marriage.