Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #30393 in Books
• Published on: 1998-02-24
• Released on: 1998-02-24
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

From the Inside Flap
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.

From the Back Cover
"As a rabbi and convert, I appreciate this book for its sensitivity to the complex feelings of those who are exploring paths to becoming Jewish. I will give it to every interfaith couple, and recommend that they give it to their parents."
--Rachel Cowan, Co-author of Mixed Blessings

"Indispensable."
--Dru Greenwood, Director, Commission on Reform Jewish Outreach, Union of American Hebrew Congregations

"Will deeply enrich the journey of anyone who is converting to Judaism."
--Rabbi David Woznica, Director, Bronfman Center for Jewish Life at the 92nd Street Y

About the Author

Anita Diamant's books include The New Jewish Wedding, Living a Jewish Life, and The Red Tent, a novel. She lives in Newton, Massachusetts.

Customer Reviews

enjoyed reading this
I had a close female friend who was converting to Judaism a few years ago, and she got me interested in it. I checked out this book from the library and was amazed how richly informative and caringly written it was...this book is indeed a mitzvah. I think the earlier reviewer's criticism of Ms. Diamant's supposed assertion that the principles she introduces do not apply to Orthodox conversions is a little misguided...I think Ms. Diamant is merely acknowledging her lack of expertise in Orthodox matters and prefers to defer to an actual authority on Orthodoxy rather than attempt to tackle that area herself...she is a born Jew but raised in a more liberal tradition. But yes, the book provides spiritual enlightenment to all would-be converted Jews, be they ultimately Orthodox, Conservative, Reform or Reconstructionist.

I ultimately never made that leap, though I no longer really consider myself Christian anymore, either. I agree w/ Judaism too much for that. I guess i'm just a secular pagan Stoic, a friendly gentile w/ a deep admiration for Judaism and its traditions...and I'm probably too much the hellenic sensualist to fit the Jewish mold anyway. But it was a very spiritually uplifiting experience, my close encounter with Judaism, and this book was a profound part of that experience.

Highly recommend it to anyone converting or who knows a friend or family member who is pondering conversion.

A Great Book to Answer Your Questions!
I have had a building interest in Judaism for more than 5 years now and have been contemplating conversion for more than a year. I agree with one reviewer (she encountered certain individuals that "discouraged her" and therefore she decided to study Orthodoxy) in that many religious or Orthodox Jews still do not acknowledge converts nor do they encourage conversion but as the book mentions, the first Jews, Abraham and Sarah were converts.

To convert because you happen to be engaged to a Jew is not a reason to convert and I think because that situation is becoming more and more common the book discusses conversion within a relationship or family as well as a single person converting for their own reasons.

As a single woman contemplating conversion I found myself questioning a lot of different things and I didn't know who or what to turn to. I met with a Conservative Rabbi that was not necessarily encouraging but was open to helping me the best way that he could. I don't know if it was because he was an Assistant Rabbi or because he wasn't the right Rabbi for me but I chose to discontinue meeting with him and continued my search for "my" Rabbi as the book mentions. I think the Rabbi you choose makes a huge difference in that he/she will be your guide and teacher on your journey through the conversion process.

This book has answered so many of my questions that I thought no one could answer. I thought I was the only one that was concerned with whether Israel would ever feel like a "homeland" to me or why some Jews I spoke with were so open and welcoming while others were close-minded and discouraging. This book has been a huge help to me and if you are contemplating Judaism, this is a great start. It's important to know that while the book won't answer all of a convert's questions (some questions will only be answered by you and your own feelings) it will answer many and be a great start.

Choices not made lightly
I picked up this book as an effort to further my ponderings on Judaism, and was not disapointed. Diamant has created a user friendly, practical and heartfelt guide to Conversion that is filled with useful information, tips, telephone numbers, suggested reading material, and all the other goodies including sample prayers, poems, gift suggestions and advice.

Diamant does an excelent job of conveying the seriousness of the choice to Convert, and explains in plain language what some of the problems you'll face as a convert are. "The December Dilemma", cool responses from born-Jews, telling your family about your decision to convert, and more.

If this book has one flaw it is that its focus is very narrow, focusing on the nuts and bolts of conversion only and not covering ideas and processes for practicing a Jewish life which is entwined with the conversion experience.

All in all a hearty recomendation.--AM