Melvin S. Marsh's Blog

Memorial Service for Laura Marsh Nov 10, 1953 – May 23, 2025 In recognition of Laura being raised Catholic (and Melvin’s conversion to Judaism), the service will be an Interfaith service led by Rabbi Mitch Cohen and will be held on June 8th at 1:30 pm Eastern time at Temple Sinai Atlanta – 5645 Dupree […]

The post Laura Marsh Memorial Service first appeared on Melvin S. Marsh, M.S., NREMT, CCHT, CAHA.

I am speaking at the 2024 Ann Arbor Jewish Book Festival is doing a book panel on conversion.  Register here : https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regis... A Conversation on Jewish Conversion Saturday, November 16 | 7:30 pm EST over Zoom Moderated by Rabbi Josh Whinston   Leaving Bacon Behind: A How-to Guide to Jewish Conversion by Melvin S. Marsh Leaving […]

The post A Conversation on Jewish Conversion – Ann Arbor Jewish Book Festival first appeared on Melvin S. Marsh.

*This post will likely be a work in progress as I come up with more advice.* I have ADHD but I really learned how to work with my disorder rather than medicate it.  At my peak, I worked two full time and eight part time jobs and take classes.  (By the way, do not recommend […]

The post How to be productive first appeared on Melvin S. Marsh.

It has been just over three months since my back surgery. Jan 23 to April 23. I tried to take my time to relax since I wasn’t allowed to lift more than 5 lbs or twist or turn. It sucked.  This is what I did. Actual Recovery Literally insurance denied pain meds right after the […]

The post 3 month Recovery update! first appeared on Melvin S. Marsh.

For most, the South Pole conjures images of desolate landscapes, bone-chilling temperatures, and perhaps a touch of penguin intrigue. But for me, it’s a place of captivating mystery, a hotbed of scientific discovery. The obsession with the polar regions, started from my MS thesis “Identification of Psychological Stressors for Long Duration Space Missions” and has […]

The post My South Pole Obsession: Unveiling the Quirky World Beneath the Ice first appeared on Melvin S. Marsh.

Life can turn on a dime, or in my case, a gurney. One minute I’m lifting a 266 lb. patient on an unbalanced fully loaded stretcher at University Hospital, and then for some still as of yet unknown reason, the five nurses plus the unlicensed EMT at the foot of my stretcher decided to have […]

The post Always look for a silver lining first appeared on Melvin S. Marsh.

This Thanksgiving and Black Friday, I am reminded consistently of how fortunate that I am in the position to help people with time and money and that I have the ability to do as much as I can. In fact, sometimes I think this back injury and being forced to NOT be on the ambulance …

Thankful for being able to help Read More »

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New book “Leaving Bacon Behind” by Melvin S. Marsh is released, a nuanced, easy-to-read guide to converting to Judaism for people of all backgrounds

 

“Leaving Bacon Behind: a How-To Guide To Jewish Conversion” by Melvin S. Marsh has been released worldwide. This 171-page guidebook, which as achieved Amazon Bestseller status as #1 in the “Jewish Life” category, shares personal insights and practical advice for converting to Judaism in the modern world.

A self-described “Jew by choice,” Marsh offers a step-by-step path for becoming a part of the Jewish community – from initial exploration to finding a Rabbi, gaining necessary education to ultimately converting and adopting the faith as a part of daily life. The included appendices provide an in-depth overview of observances, holidays, terminology, recommended reading, and beyond, making this guidebook a valuable resource for anyone interested in conversion, or simply looking to learn more about the Jewish faith.

The author masterfully condenses the complexities of religious conversion and the storied history of Judaism into a digestible, even entertaining format. The book serves as both an entry point to conversion and a useful reference throughout the process.

Because of his own experiences, Marsh also includes a section of special considerations that include converting on a budget, potential backlash from family and friends, being a member of the LGBT community, kosher eating, rural living, and more. He tells his own story of discovery and conversion, showing readers that not every path toward Judaism looks the same, and providing valuable, personal context to the practical advice that fills each page.

This excellent guide to conversion tackles every aspect of the process, and does so with friendly honesty that supports readers throughout their journey.

Leaving Bacon Behind (ISBN: 9781960142894) can be purchased through retailers worldwide, including Barnes and Noble and Amazon. The paperback retails for $18.95, and the ebook retails for $8.95. Review copies and interviews are available upon request.

From the back cover:

Leaving Bacon Behind provides a comprehensive, easy-to-read guide for conversion that focuses on questions prospective Jews by Choice might have, including “Why should one convert to Judaism?” and “What happens after the conversion?”

This book is a direct result of the questions the author fielded during his time as a moderator in one of the largest Jewish-by-Choice internet communities and his own personal experience as a disabled transsexual Jew by Choice. This includes content discussed in Judaism conversion classes and live courses, as well as questions, comments, and feedback from prospective and successful Jews by Choice. No other book on Jewish conversion has incorporated widescale, peer-reviewed feedback from the target community.

As the author does not fit the stereotype of an able-bodied, middle-class, white heterosexual female converting for marriage, this book includes a section of additional considerations for converting on a budget, if one is LGBT, disabled, or non-white, if one is already married to a non-Jew, or if one already has children.Leaving Bacon Behind is sure to be a must-read conversion classic.

About the author:

Melvin S. Marsh earned a BS from Emory University, a MS from University of North Dakota, a MS from Georgia Southern University; has published articles in Nature Human Behaviour and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences among others; has been recognized for excellence in teaching, clinical work, research, and both acting and directing; and he is the author of Leaving Bacon Behind. His website is www.melsmarsh.com

About Manhattan Book Group:

Manhattan Book Group (“MBG”), located on Broadway in New York City, is a registered trade name of Mindstir Media LLC. MBG is widely known as a premier hybrid book publisher. We have combined the best of traditional publishing with the best of self-publishing to provide authors with the “best of both worlds” in a sense. To learn more about MBG, visit https://www.manhattanbookgroup.com/

Media Contact
Company Name: 
Contact Person: Jen McNabney
Phone: 212-634-7677
Address:447 Broadway 2nd Floor #354
City: New York
State: New York
Country: United States
Website: https://www.manhattanbookgroup.com/

The post Leaving Bacon Behind Press Release first appeared on Melvin S. Marsh.

Yesterday, I did my first public… well… anything in several years.  Between Covid and the back injury, I just don’t get around much anymore.

But a few weeks ago, I was invited to come up and do the Shabbat candle blessing at my synagogue because I published the book.  Given my injury, I had to make sure it was ok to even leave the town.  (I live in a relatively small city/large town with very little around so I have to tell my lawyer about almost every trip I make in the car and get approval.  It’s bonkers.)

I saw some old friends who I adore.  I found out one of my best shul friends, Gene, was promoted to the Board of Trustees.  I saw my favourite member of my beit din, Rabbi Brad.  (Mysterious Beit Din Member Number 3 for those of you who have read the book.)

Several people laughed at the title when it was announced.

Now one person was kind enough to say he was going to buy it for his… I think it was brother in law who was going to convert.  Which I really appreciated.  I didn’t get his name.  This was certainly the first time I knew it was going to go to a member of the target audience.  He will probably go Reform I am assuming so some of the book might not apply.

For every person who was interested in talking to me about the book, there was someone who criticized.

One of the people at the Oneg asked if I wrote a book about bacon (which she said with a sneer).  I told her it was about conversion, and then she said “We all EAT bacon or at least the majority of us.”  I had to remind her that she and whoever she thinks exists are hardly a majority and that I don’t.  Then snarkally said “Converts think they are better than us.”  I told her, “I get it… no one likes a convert.”  Her reply… “Welcome to the damn tribe.” I said I converted 11 years ago but thanks anyway and she stormed off.    People can be so mean.

She probably doesn’t even realize that Rabbi Brad doesn’t eat pork (he does eat shellfish but not pork).  And in Israel, even the secular Israelis don’t tend to eat it as you may not farm pigs on the land of Israel which makes pork challenging to come by.   So no, the majority of Jews do not eat pork.

Conversion, at least mine, took over 16 years to complete.  And my dear friend Gene was even longer, though I can’t remember how long, he finished two years after I did if I remember right.  Then it took the book 10 years to find a home.   I worked hard, and the least someone could do was say “Good Job.”

I’m sure she has not written a book, much less one which has been nominated for three awards so far in it’s one month of existence.  (Edit : And 2 hours after the post went live I found out I am on the best sellers list.  Jewish Life… kindle.)

I won’t let her bother me anymore I suppose.  However, I think this does prove my point for some of the mentions I make in the book about the discrimination from other Jews.  It is rough.

***

In tangentially related news, a handful of reviews have finally started to roll themselves in for the book.  So far all 5 stars, but the sample size is 2.  Either way, I really feel bad that I am celebrating the book while there is an Israel-Hamas war which started just after it finally was published.  I am, even here in Augusta, feeling the effects as my neighbour has already made multiple threats against me.

***

There is still no news as to the kid.

No news as to if my back will ever be repaired.  There is so much I could do if it was and my upcoming events is basically zero.  The author copies of the book weighed about 12 lbs for 20 books so if I bought 40 books it would be over my weight limit.  Very challenging.

The post You can’t please everyone I guess first appeared on Melvin S. Marsh.

I just wanted to say a quick hello and introduction for all the people coming because of my new book Leaving Bacon Behind which you can buy anywhere.

My name is Melvin Marsh and I am originally from South Florida. I went to college in Georgia expecting to return to Florida, but even four years later, South Florida has priced me out from ever living there again. I can still hope I suppose. I currently live in Augusta, Georgia.

I’ve been pretty blessed to work in multiple areas in jobs that many people want, but very few people are lucky enough to pursue and I have tended to do them relatively parallel. I take great pride in the fact that with the extent of a work-study position in college, I have never worked in an office.

I primarily consider myself a researcher and project manager. I have a pretty extensive history in various forms of research, mostly in social sciences, which include being a human factors engineer and various other forms of psychologist and anthropologist. I’ve worked in a zoo, worked in the space industry, worked as a genealogist. I have several science degrees which make me happy.

I also have a pretty extensive entertainment industry career as my parents both worked in broadcasting (tv/radio production mostly) and their hobbies ALSO involved the entertainment industry (mom also had a theater history), so it is my second home. I’ve worked in radio, film, theater, TV, and various events in everything from acting to production. I also am a public speaker.

I also was working as an EMT as another part time job until my back injury which broke my back in several places due to a bad lift.

I’ve also, of course, because I am a project manager, have done a fair amount of business work. Ended up being president of some of the small companies and have been executive director of some non-profits.

Personally, and you probably know this if you know of “Leaving Bacon Behind”, I converted to Judaism. All proceeds from this book as well as pretty much all my money for anything, is going to try to locate missing University of Florida student, Teagan Hall. She was last seen 435 days ago.

Otherwise, I am transsexual. I am married to the same person I was before transition and conversion. There are three stepchildren and the aforementioned biological daughter who is missing. There is a cat and I usually have dogs, but the dog referenced in my acknowledgements of the book, Corky, passed away a month ago today so I am dogless (he was death 11 in 14 months) and I am hoping to adopt another dog soon and I have an application out at a sheepdog rescue and I am also looking at dogs with special needs. Hobbywise, I like to read, write, volunteer, and… well… work. Less than 12 hours a day gets me nervous. So 15-20 hours a week of volunteer work isn’t unusual for me.

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