What are we reading?What did we read on our journey to conversion?
On your conversion journey -- What books did we read? What did your rabbi assign? What texts were particularly helpful?
Want to ask questions about these books or add your own suggestions? Email becomingjewish1@yahoo.com.
The book reviews are all from Jews by Choice. People who make the journey into Judaism.
The Art of Jewish Living by Dr. Ron Wolfson
Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs, 1990. This set includes books on Shabbat, Hanukkah, and Passover with hands-on instructions, many illustrations and anecdotes. This is an excellent resource for the whole family to read, enjoy and use as a guide to practice. They are now available from Jewish Lights Publishing, Woodstock, Vermont.
Basic Judaism by Milton Steinberg
This is the basic text and has been for decades. You can get it used for a couple bucks. Should be on everyone’s bookshelf.
Becoming a Jew by Rabbi Maurice Lamm
An excellent resource, and it has so much info, you might get overwhelmed. Rabbi Lamm breaks it down for you to understand.
The Book of Jewish Values by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin
A day book examining 365 Jewish values. My all time favorite book on ethics - covers the gamut of mitzvot. This is a favorite book of mine, and something I always give as a Bar/Bat Mitzvah gift.
Choosing A Jewish Life: A Handbook for People Converting to Judaism and for Their Family and Friends by Anita Diamant, 1997
A detailed description of the conversion process that offers celebration suggestions and discusses the creation of a meaningful Jewish identity following conversion.
As a prospective convert, I found this book to be an excellent resource. It's a very easy read. The author's tone is warm yet pragmatic, conversational yet informative. She begins the book with a summary of her own journey in reclaiming her Jewish identity and traditions, as well as her husband's conversion experience. The book covers all the topics an Intro to Judaism class should cover; importantly, it also addresses some of the more intimidating aspects of conversion: choosing a rabbi, immersion in the mikvah, appearing before a beit din, and acceptance by the community-at-large. After reading this book, I am far less intimidated by the conversion process, and I am grateful for it. I just purchased a copy for my parents to help them understand my desire to convert.
Choosing Judaism by Lydia Kukoff, Union of American Hebrew Congregations, 1982
One of the first books written on conversion to Judaism. Offers basic information about Judaism and covers issues that may arise with parents, children, and within the Jewish community.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Judaism by Benjamin Blech
Conversations with Rabbi Small by the same author who wrote the "Monday the Rabbi. . ." series - Harry Kemelman
This is one of the books that I read and very much appreciated when I was studying. It's a novel, but is a beautiful overview of Judaism as the rabbi works with someone exploring what it would mean to be Jewish.
Embracing the Covenant: Converts to Judaism Talk About Why & How by Rabbi Allan Berkowitz and Patti Moskovitz
This was written by Patti Moskowitz, a Bay Area educator who works with people as they study towards conversion. She lives in San Mateo and is currently taking students through the rabbis with whom she works. The stories in this book are from local Jews by Choice.
Essential Judaism: A Complete Guide to Beliefs, Customs & Rituals by George Robinson
The Everything Judaism Book - A Complete Primer by Richard Bank
Very user friendly.
The Everything Torah Book by Rabbi Yaakov Menken
Fast and Festive Meals for the Jewish Holidays: Complete Menus, Rituals and Party Planning Ideas for Every Holiday of the Year by Marlene Sorosky
Everything from setting the Shabbat table to braiding Challah. Includes photos, clear directions and helpful timing tips for making a big holiday meal. Good explanation of why certain foods are significant for various holidays. Author lives in Danville, CA.
Finding a Home for the Soul by Catherine Hall Myrowitz
A collection of interviews with people from diverse backgrounds on their search for meaning and eventual conversion to Judaism.
The Handbook for Jewish Living by Kerry Olitzky and Ronald Isaacs
The How To Handbook for Jewish Living and The Second How to Handbook for Jewish Living by Ronald H. Isaacs, Dorcas Gelabert and Kerry M. Olitzky
Everything from how to bend during Baruch Atah Adonai, complete with illustrations, how to dance the Hora, how to wave the Lulav, how to hang a mezuzzah. The whole deal. EASY and accessible. I use these all the time when I need a quick answer - or have forgotten something I once knew and need a refresher. Good, quick reference book for those weird, nagging questions that can become huge obstacles/challenges when you're new.
How to Keep Kosher: A comprehensive Guide to Understanding Jewish Dietary Laws by Lise Stern
How to Run a Traditional Jewish Household by Blu Greenberg
This has been a terrific guide - even though my family is not Orthodox, it has helped me understand a broad range of customs/practices. Has recipes, step-by-step guides for lighting candles, celebrating holidays, saying blessings, keeping kosher.
The Jewish Book of Why - Volumes 1 and 2 by Dr. Ron Wolfson
I go to this for the out-in-left-field questions I have. If you read nothing more than these books, you'd have a good basic handle on why a lot of stuff is done that seems completely irrational on the surface.
The Jewish Holidays - a Guide and Commentary by Michael Strassfeld
250 pages. Very comprehensive. Answers the "whys" behind the reason for the holiday customs.
Jewish Holidays All Year Round by Ilene Cooper
All the major holidays with beautiful illustrations for children (or newbies). Even things like a good kugel recipe inside.
The Jewish Home: A Guide for Jewish Living by Daniel B. Syme
Explains the "why" of major Jewish rituals from the birth of a child to the Jewish wedding, bar and bat mitzvah, Jewish divorce, confirmation, and the holidays. Ideal introduction to Jewish family living. From Union of Reform Judaism press. A good basic book.
Jewish Literacy: The Most Important Things to Know about the Jewish Religion, Its People, and Its History by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin
If I could recommend a book to anyone wanting to learn more about Judaism, I would choose this one. Telushkin goes through the Bible, through Jewish history, through Jewish ethics and traditions in an easily digestible style. I would look forward to my daily BART commute because I enjoyed reading this book so much.
Jewish Living: A Guide to Contemporary Reform Practice by Mark Washofsky
Initially I had a hard time getting into this one. I think I needed to learn more about the fundamentals of Judaism first. Now I'm really enjoying it. Washofsky clearly defines Reform practice, highlighting its progressive nature while respecting and upholding the benefits of Jewish religious pluralism.
The Jewish Way by Rabbi Irving Greenberg
Not for the beginner, but loved by some. Library Journal said of it: Diverse, non-linear material precludes its easy use as a handbook... The chapters on each major and minor holiday are crammed with facts, anecdotes, and personal reflections...
Jewish Wisdom by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin
Living a Jewish Life: Jewish Traditions, Customs, and Values for Today's Families by Anita Diamant and Howard Cooper
A great place to start! Diamant and Cooper go through Jewish customs and holidays at a beginner level. They speak to anyone looking to learn more about Judaism (non-observant Jews, those seeking conversation, non-Jews with Jewish grandchildren), so it's incredibly accessible. I love this book.
Lovesong by Julius Lester
A must have for Jews of color! Mr. Lester's journey resonates with everyone.
My Jewish Year - Celebrating Our Holidays by Adam Fisher
160 pages, large type, illustrations, photos. Geared for kids - but good for beginners.
Nine Questions People Ask About Judaism by Dennis Prager & Joseph Telushkin
On the Doorposts of Your House: Prayers and Ceremonies for the Jewish Home by Chaim Stern
The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel
This book is beautifully written. It describes time from a Jewish perspective. He writes "the Sabbath is a sanctuary in time." This encompasses what Judaism means to me. It is a sanctuary in my life that I celebrate each week. Shabbat to me was the most accessible way to start living a Jewish life in Jewish time.
Seasons of Our Joy by Arthur Waskow
Beacon Press, Boston, MA, 1982
Describes and discusses the holidays of the Jewish calendar. Not a beginner’s book. After you have a grasp of the holidays and the Torah verses the Talmud this book a window into how the holidays were practiced when the Temple stood and how they have evolved theologically.
Second How to Handbook for Jewish Living by Kerry Olitzky and Ronald Isaacs
Everything from how to bend during Baruch Atah Adoni- complete with illustrations, how to dance the Hora, how to wave the Lulav, how to hang a mezuzzah. The whole deal. EASY and accessible. I use these all the time when I need a quick answer - or have forgotten something I once knew and need a refresher.
The Second Jewish Book of Why by Alfred J. Kolatch
Settings of Silver: An Introduction to Judaism by Stephen Wylen
This was one of my "primer" books, a great way to start with explanations I could understand as a beginner.
The Synagogue Survival Kit by Jordan Lee Wagner
This is My God by Herman Wouk
To Be a Jew & To Pray as a Jew by Rabbi Hayim Donin
Comprehensive (Orthodox perspective)
What Is a Jew? by Morris N. Kertzer and Lawrence Hoffman
Kertzer explains different elements of Judaism in a clear, concise manner. The book was a valuable addition to my library, but it sometimes left me wishing he would go into more detail.