Product Description

This book is a practical and inspirational companion to the conversion process for Jews-by-choice and their families. It is practical in its explanation of the process and the pitfalls; inspirational in the stories it tells and the wisdom it shares.

Written primarily for the person considering the choice of Judaism, it provides highly personal insights from over 50 people who have made this life-changing decision. But it will also speak to their families--the non-Jewish family that provided the convert's spiritual beginnings and the Jewish "family" which receives him or her--and help them understand why the decision was made.

To those in the Jewish community who work with these "embracers of the covenant" as they explore new paths, and to other Jews by birth who want to welcome them, it will provide valuable guidance.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #271984 in Books
• Published on: 1996-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 148 pages

From Library Journal
Through listening to people's stories of why and how they converted to Judaism, Rabbi Berkowitz and religious educator Moskowitz gained new insights into the power of Jewish spirituality. The voices here explore the deep appeal of the Jewish faith, the converts' journeys into Jewish traditions, and the ways Judaism has changed their lives and the lives of those around them. While these stories recount the universal struggle to find an authentic spirituality, they will be most appropriate for libraries with large Judaic collections.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Scientific American
This beautifully and sensitively written book will be a warm welcoming friend to anyone contemplating conversion.

From Booklist
Judaism is not a religion associated with seeking converts. Yet 1 out of every 35 Jews has converted to Judaism from another faith. These personal stories of more than 50 converts describe both the difficulties and the joys of conversion. There is the young man who was attracted by Judaism's emphasis on action rather than faith or dogma; there is the daughter of a mixed marriage who chooses her father's faith even though he does not practice it; there is even the Jew-by-choice who has felt excluded by the Jewish community yet still perseveres in her chosen religion. These short, affecting profiles are bolstered by practical advice for those considering conversion. Both those who have already converted as well as those contemplating the decision will find valuable guidance here. Ilene Cooper

Customer Reviews

Gave me confidence in what I want!
I had this book posted to England where I was spending my year abroad. Part of the reason why I was looking forward to that time in England was the opportunity to find out whether Judaism was what I wanted in my life. This book helped immensely and gave me many thoughts to pursue in conversation with friends and my rabbi. I can only recommend it to people who contemplate conversion.

Fabulous!
The stories in this book are sometimes hauntingly beautiful. One woman expressed my thoughts so well that I read her story aloud at my bat mitzvah. This is truly a book for making connections.

Wow! It spoke my language.
This book will sit prominently in my living room. I want everyone i know to read this book.