Book on converting to judaism

Many people begin learning about judaism by reading a book. The only one who converts to judaism is the noahide who converts to noahide ger, which the sages call chetzi giur half a conversion. But this not the only reason to get and read this book. We still encourage you to read the articles on my jewish learning. Therefore, i repeat the warning and explain it from a slightly different perspective. Converting to judaism isnt as simple as showing up to temple and asking to become a jew. Apr 12, 2017 therefore, i repeat the warning and explain it from a slightly different perspective. Even the process of conversion is a matter of contention among the movements. However, we know that sometimes you want a good oldfashioned book that you can hold in your hands, snuggle up with at bedtime and read from start to finish. Thinking about converting to judaism, but dont know how to proceed. The movements in judaism a guide for the conversion to judaism activist how to organize a congregational keruv outreach committee how to publicize a conversion to judaism class a guide to jewish books and videos a brief list of books about conversion to judaism links to jewish sites.

Becoming jewish means that most of what you were taught about spirituality until now will be irrelevant, and in many cases wrong. In his third book about the conversion to judaism, lawrence j. This topic has 44 replies, 21 voices, and was last updated 3 years, 5 months ago by. It involves intimate rituals, intimidating religious authorities, profound emotional transformation, and a fair amount of anxiety. First, you should read our overview article about the basics of converting to judaism. Interviews with converts to judaism in which she presents a wide variety of fascinating stories about. Conversion to judaism giyur is a process in which a person changes his current religion to judaism. Fair use notice some of the information on convert.

The proselyte is circumcised as an adult milah lshem giur, if male, and immerses in a mikvah to formally effect the conversion. Rewards, challenges of converting to judaism jennifer hanin grew up catholic, but a few years ago, she replaced her christmas tree, lights, ornaments and fake snowman with a menorah and shabbat. Diamant is the best author on any jewish life cycle event including conversion. Amazon affiliate link to the book that my mohel, rabbi a. Conversion to judaism is the religious conversion of nonjews to become members of the jewish religion and jewish ethnoreligious community. A handbook for people converting to judaism and for their family and friends. First up, lydia kukoffs important book, choosing judaism. In particular, be aware that different streams of judaism have different requirements and standards, and that communal norms vary from country to country. You must drop the religious beliefs taught you by whatever other religions you once followed or read about. Reform jews are committed to the principle of inclusion.

Dead sea scrolls an exhibit at the library of congress. Looking for a judaism 101 book to start your jewish learning. The process of converting to judaism part 4 youtube. How to convert to judaism what to expect at a conversion. You have to understand, though, that judaism is not only a religion but is also a way of life. Fortunately i bought it only out of curiosity, after reading the rabbi small stories, not because i have any intention of converting.

Recommended reading list of prospective converts under the auspices of the network of regional batei din for conversion in association with the rabbinical council of america and the beth din of america. Conversion to judaism involves significant changes to ones life and lifestyle. Reviewed in the united states on february 23, 2016. Lets circle up for book report time here on convert confidential. As i said at the outset on my back story page, it has been my attempt in writing this blog to contribute to the literature on conversion to judaism. The book is written by a liberal movement rabbi she doesnt specify a movement, and shes very clear that she does not pressure anyone into converting. Its so refreshing and reassuring as a new jewbychoice.

Conversion to judaism involves extensive instruction in jewish law, renouncing of other religious affiliations, immersion in a mikveh, and, for males, circumcision. The center provides information and advice to people who are considering converting to judaism and to those who have converted. You can read part 1 and part 2 as well perhaps, i thought, it really wasnt important that jesus hadnt fulfilled the main prophecies of the messiah if he had at least fulfilled some of the others. Converting to orthodox judaism is an intense and rigorous process. Married to a convert herself, anita diamant provides advice. Catherine hall myrowitz has written finding a home for the soul. Read on your pc, mac, smart phone, tablet or kindle device. The first question is why or, to put it in longer wording why on earth would you want to do that. A formal conversion is also sometimes undertaken by individuals whose jewish ancestry is questioned, even if they were raised jewish, but may not actually. Becoming a jew, by maurice lamm jonathan david, 1991. Whether you are just beginning to consider converting or have already started down the path to judaism, this comprehensive book offers everything you need to know to make the process joyous, sacred, and. This book helps make the conversion to judaism simpler. Men and women who are seeking sacred meaning in their. Recommended reading for people considering conversion to judaism.

The book introduces readers to origins of judaism and shares the first conversion stories of the people who helped the early jewish faith grow. The author explores conversion for reform, conservative and now limited orthodox possibilities. A current book or two recommended by our readers books our local rabbis have suggested for those seeking to convert a section on jewish novels. This book, written by someone who converted to judaism herself, discusses conversion from a reform jewish perspective. I am always interested in different religions and beliefs and for this reason. I am converting to judaism because i want to be with my people, because i want to come home. Its a formal act undertaken by a nonjewish person who wishes to be recognized as a full member of a jewish community by a religious act and usually an expression of association with the jewish people and, sometimes, the land of israel.

Department of the treasury, said of this book, rabbi weisss work is of critical importance to the continuity of judaism. If you are considering converting to judaism, then this book is for you. Home forums decaffeinated coffee converting to judaism, how do i explain to family about xmas. I want to learn about judaism, and i know almost nothing. Judaism governs every action that a person undertakes, from the moment he or she gets up in the morning until the moment he or she retires at night. The most popular suggestions are listed below, in order of the most recently publishedupdated. A handbook for people converting to judaism and for their family and friends by anita diamant. My jewish learning is a notforprofit and relies on your help. Jews for judaism why i am converting to judaism part 3. Similarly, if you choose judaism, you also need judaism to choose you. The movie was partially funded by an incubator grant from the union for reform judaism. Books about converting to judaism 0 diamant is the best author on any jewish life cycle event including conversion. Conversion to judaism has a few components, which are undertaken under the supervision of an established beit din. Or, in jewish words why would you do such a crazy thing.

The procedure and requirements for conversion depend on the sponsoring denomination. It preceded islam in tracing its shared roots back to abraham, a patriarch of the torah, the holiest book in judaism. It was the first book my rabbi told me to read when i said i had some interest in converting to judaism. This is the last part of the 3 part series by angela dekort about why she converted to judaism. List of converts to judaism from christianity wikipedia. Judaism introduced the world to the idea that god is one, not many, and is kind, loving, and personal. People sometimes ask me, can i convert to judaism and still believe in jesus the answer is no. A ger literally means someone who has come to live among a people to which he or she was not born. If you are considering converting to judaism, i highly recommend you reading this or the following recommended book in order to understand the consequences and responsibilities of a conversion to judaism. This article lists nations, groups or tribes, as well as notable individuals, who have converted to judaism. A conversion in accordance with the process of a denomination is not a guarantee of recognition by another denomination. 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. Nissim baruch black born damian jamohl black, american rapper and music producer, raised muslim but converted to christianity before converting to judaism avraham sinai, lebanese member of hezbollah who had an orthodox conversion and lives as a haredi jew in tsfat 86.

Judaism is among the seminal religions of the world, and is the first known monotheistic religion in which only one god is worshipped. Welcome to the conversion to judaism home page, the web site of the conversion to judaism resource center. Choosing a jewish life was the first book i started reading for the kickstart of my conversion earlier this summer. Its a long process, in which you have to learn a lot and commit yourself to the jewish people and to gd. She discusses blended families and how to maintain relationships with ones family of origin, so no one feels slighted, or left out. In this comprehensive, wideranging book you will learn how to choose a.

How to decide if you should convert to judaism my jewish. In judaism you pray directly to god and can receive help, guidance, and understanding. Enter your mobile number or email address below and well send you a link to download the free kindle app. So we asked a bunch of jewish educators to recommend the best introduction to judaism judaism 101 books out there. These essays cover a widerange of topics to sharpen the focus around the many disputes about conversion to judaism, such as appropriate motivations, requirements for. Then you can start reading kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer no kindle device required.

From novels, to real life stories, to books to study for your conversion to judaism from, to jewish philosophy books. Converting to judaism, how do i explain to family about. Geza vermes, a worldrenowned historical jesus research scholar, orientalist and historian of religion, best known for being an eminent translator of the dead sea scrolls. In particular, be aware that different streams of judaism have different requirements and. When you convert, you must verbalize your commitment to live in accordance with all of the torah s commandments as they are explained in torah law. Asterisks by a title indicate that they are good starter books. People sometimes ask me, can i convert to judaism and still believe in jesus. A handbook for people converting to judaism and for their family and friends 1st pbk. New ebook on conversion to judaism religion news service. It involves many lifestyle changes and about a year of studying. This book really lays out the details of becoming a jewbychoice, from why others have made.

This page is for all people who want to connect to hashem gd through learning torah,jewish spirituality and the land of israel. Sep 14, 2016 this is far from being everything you need to know about judaism, and i would certainly not consider converting to judaism on the basis of this rather superficial book. So we asked a bunch of jewish educators to recommend the best introduction to judaismjudaism 101 books out there. Epstein collects essays and memoirs that frame the debate around conversion. Judaism accepts the idea of a covenant, or agreement, between god and the jewish people. The book includes not only the story of warder cresson, who was put on trial for insanity after converting to judaism, but also famous celebrities who became jewish such as marilyn monroe and sammy davis, jr. It talks about the beliefs of judaism, as well as a little history. While many filipinos come to israel for a few years to make money in a developed economy, the lopez family converted to judaism. The soul of judaism offers the first exploration of the full diversity of black jews, including biracial jews of both matrilineal and patrilineal descent.

It absolutely should be a staple in a new converts library and will highly recommend it to everyone. In judaism, you pray directly to god and can receive help, guidance, and understanding. A righteous proselyte is a gentile who has converted to judaism, is bound to all the doctrines and precepts of the jewish religion, and is considered a full member of the jewish people. There are many reasons a person might consider conversion to judaism. Scalamonti frequently lectures on the great changes in his life and has written about it in his book ordained to be a jew. Reviewed in the united states on september 15, 2014. Oct 01, 2000 whether you are considering conversion, or you already converted to judaism, this book will show you that you are not alone. Many liberal rabbis will perform a conversion for the sake of an upcoming marriage, reasoning that exposure to judaism in the context of an intimate relationship is likely to inspire such a convert to eventually accept judaism for its own sake. This special email series will guide you through everything you need to know, from deciding to convert, to studying for conversion, to what to expect when you convert, and more. Converting has just felt like the most natural thing in the world for me.

The definitive guide to the conversion process, revised and updated for a new generation of jewsbychoice however you choose to fashion your personal journey to judaism, anita diamant is the perfect guide. If the potential convert is already circumcised, a procedure known as hatafat dam brit is performed, in which blood is drawn from the penis. Aug 07, 2018 converting to orthodox judaism is an intense and rigorous process. To be a jew to be a jew is the best guide for the preparation for your conversion to judaism and is greatly valued by anyone who feels that knowing, understanding, and observing the laws and traditions of judaism in daily life is the essence of what it means to be a jew. Through smooth story telling and testimonies, rabbi bernice weiss go deep into the drivers for conversion with first hand experience.

A guidebook and millions of other books are available for amazon kindle. This is part 4 of my story of how i converted to orthodox judaism, and it describes exactly the process and steps i had to go through. Written by a noted expert on the conversion process, converts to judaism serves as a unique resource to people considering the. The book is occasionally a bit thickly worded, but the upside of that is that there is a good amount of detail for those who want to know the nutsandbolts. Books our local rabbis have suggested for those seeking to convert. Great and very helpful guide to anyone who considers conversion to judaism.

Rabbi lamm presents conversion from an orthodox jewish point of view. Entries preceded by an asterisk are very strongly recommended. Jewish converts often find the steps to judaism foreign, complex, and mysterious. Did we miss a great book, or do you have feedback about one of the books we listed. This article does not differentiate between the different branches of judaism. The book also contains effusive testimonials to weisss sensitive shepherding of these converts into the jewish community.

Encyclopedia of jewish and israeli history, politics and culture, with biographies, statistics, articles and documents on topics from antisemitism to zionism. Beyond orthodox conversion to judaism home facebook. From the biblical story of ruth to the star conversion of elizabeth taylor, converts to judaism tells the stories of people who have converted to judaism throughout history. This is far from being everything you need to know about judaism, and i would certainly not consider converting to judaism on the basis of this rather superficial book. A terrific book written for those who are contemplating conversion to judaism. The conversion to judaism home page is the web site of the conversion to judaism resource center. When i met rabbi asher, i told him i was interested in converting to judaism, and we began to meet regularly to discuss the classes i had taken, the classes i continued to take, as well as other, more general questions i had about judaism. But guys, she founded an organization called the washington institute for conversion and the study of judaism apparently it still exists.