Choosing a Jewish Life, Revised and Updated: A Handbook for People Converting to Judaism and for Their Family and Friends

As a searcher and a "Jew-in-process" I found/find this book to be a extremely helpful guide and primer to conversion into the liberal branches of Judaism. I am currently working torwards a conversion in the Conservative Branch of Judaism and i found this book to be very helpful in telling me what to expect. This book helps you to not be surprised with what will take place. The book goes into how to know when your ready to convert to the "ritual prick" of blood from the tip of the male reproductive organ. I recommend this book to any "Jew-in-process" who is looking into the liberal brances of Judaism. *** BUT if you are looking into Orthodox Judaism this book will not be of ANY help to you! It is important to know that if you are converting to a liberal brach, Orthodox Jews will not recognize your conversion. If you are converting to reform or reconstructionist Judaism, Conservative and Orthodox will not recognize your conversion! Conservative conversion is recognized by reform and reconstructionist BUT NOT Orthodox! ***

This book is amazingly helpful for anyone who is considering Judaism or currently converting. It has helpful and sensitive advice for dealing with upset relatives (including how to deal with parents who may feel hurt that you are leaving the religion they raised you in), advice on choosing which sect of Judaism that is right for you, finding a rabbi, detailed information on the conversion process, advice on beginning to celebrate Shabbat and Jewish holidays, converting and/or raising Jewish children, finding your footing in your new religion and so much more. The chapters explaining the nuances of what being Jewish actually means is full of necessary information for anyone thinking of converting. I learned that Judaism isn't just a religion, but a people. Once you are Jewish, you are Jewish for life. Even if you don't believe in g-d or celebrate Shabbat. Even if you convert to another religion you will still be Jewish. It's like joining a family more than a religion. I find that unbelievably beautiful. This book and Jewish Literacy have been invaluable to me. I can not recommend them enough.

I am currently in the process of converting to judaism. If anyone asked me for a book regarding conversion, this is it! The author makes sure to include expectations for your conversion journey. Including ways to “come out” as a jew to your family and friends, and most importantly for me, real life stories from converts before you. Also a super easy read!

Provides a read-only survey and an excellent foundation for further study. The material on the history of conversion opens a door onto a part of history that gets overlooked too much.

A very helpful and wonderfully written book. Will it be your only book you ever get on your journey to Judaism? Nope lol. But is it a good start? Yeah. My Rabbi recommended it to me, and I'm glad he did. It helps walk through the conversion process, and it helped me start thinking of 'more questions I might have'. Anita also has a "Living a Jewish Life" book that is very nicely paired with this book because "Living" goes through more specifics on each holiday and various other ideas (like Jewish Time, Mourning, etc) that you'll start to be curious about after reading this book.

This is a great book if you are thinking of converting to Judaism. This was also a book that my Rabbi recommended, and I have been told by others, that their Rabbis also recommended. I also like the fact that you can purchase the Audible book, and it will read to you while you follow along in the book.

I bought this book for my recent interest in converting to Judaism. It was thought-provoking, informative, and well organized. It has helped make my decision on conversion much easier. I highly recommend this book to anyone wrestling with this decision!

Comprehensive, yet easily read in just a few sittings, this great little book answers all your questions, including some you might not have thought to ask. Where one answer doesn't fit all, the author may offer a few broad-based suggestions before recommending a talk with a rabbi. This book is in my opinion a great "first stop" in the library for someone who wishes to know about conversion, even - or perhaps especially - for those who have not yet set foot inside a synagogue. If you, or a friend or other loved one, is exploring judaism - whether personally or for a child - you won't go wrong if you stop and read this book first.