Should I Convert to Judaism?

by Lawrence J. Epstein

This book guides readers who are considering joining the Jewish people. The book describes the variety of reasons why people convert, a plan for how to think about conversion, a way to think about God in the Jewish tradition, a step-by-step description of the conversion process, and an extended list of further resources. There are stories of converts throughout the book.

Genres: Nonfiction, Jewish

59 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2018

Reviews

[Chuck Noren]

Interesting book. Didn't convert. :-)

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘This book is meant as a beginner’s guide, a peek into the gateway that leads to a Jewish life.’

Prolific author Lawrence J. Epstein has also been a professor of English at Suffolk County Community College in Selden, New York, served as an adviser on the Middle East for two members of the United States Congress, and served as a volunteer for several national Jewish organizations. His books include Conversion to Judaism: A Guidebook and Converts to Judaism: Stories from Biblical Times to Today, and books on folk music, comedians, actors, films, and mysteries.

This short book is long on knowledge and guidance and is directed to people who are considering converting to Judaism. The timing of his book could not be more propitious as the tension in the Middle East continues and many have questions about the ongoing schism between Palestine and Israel. This fine book helps the reader to understand Judaism and in doing so it promotes a source of enlightenment.

Lawrence sets the tone in his welcoming note – ‘The word “Israel,” referring to the Jewish people rather than the Jewish nation, means someone who wrestles with God. We all wrestle with meaning in our lives. We struggle when we are trying to find our way forward. We struggle when we are overwhelmed by tasks, or other people, or the world. At such moments, we struggle to return to our logical selves, to find our way out of the fog and back to a world we recognize. And when we do let our emotions rest, when our inner self is compatible with the outer world, we can begin to question ourselves and our place in the universe. Questioning is important. It is a rebellion against both certainty and easy answers. Even the Talmud, a principal Jewish collection of Jewish law and traditions, begins with a question. To be Jewish is to ask questions. So if you’ve got questions about what it means to be Jewish and to join the Jewish people, you’ve come to the right place.’

He goes on to state, ‘I’ve heard a lot of stories about conversion. Some of the stories were moving tales of finding a love who was Jewish. Some were painful stories of a profound spiritual emptiness that finally was filled by Judaism. As I listened, I concluded that stories of conversion are in fact stories that speak to all people, not just converts, and not just Jews. These stories about the search for meaning and the search for love are the very stories at the center of all our lives. I also heard from born Jews who were embarrassed that they knew so little about their own traditions. They thought of themselves as needing to start from the beginning, the way someone exploring Judaism for the first time would start. I think of them the way I thought of myself when I discovered Judaism as a young adult. I had been born Jewish, but I was ignorant about what that meant. I emotionally thought of myself as a symbolic convert. I invite born Jews without a deep knowledge of their spiritual heritage and people who don’t consider themselves Jewish but who have a Jewish parent or grandparent to think the way a convert does about whether to rediscover their neglected inheritance. Indeed, I wish the Jewish community had a special “reunion” ceremony for those with a Jewish ancestor who wish to return to their people.’

Lawrence discusses why people convert to Judaism, women converts of Judaism (a lengthy list of famous women is discussed), a way to think about converting how do people convert and more. Through stories and Lawrence’s shared experiences the case for conversion to Judaism is strong. If more people read and absorbed this book there would likely be an increase in understanding of significant differences and similarities between Judaism and other beliefs.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very short book. However, it does manage to pack much information into it. Even though, this book assumes you have done some research into Judaism, it still gives you some of the more basic points and answers questions about Judaism, how the conversion actually would take place as well as gives you a few anecdotes of converts to the Jewish faith. This is also a book that can be helpful to born Jews who might want to reacquaint themselves with their faith beyond the major holidays.
I am interested in the different faiths of the world, not necessarily in converting, and this book did answer quite a few of my questions. The author did a good job in presenting the information, he managed to keep it interesting. I found that Judaism had quite more in common with Christianity and Islam than I originally thought. In all, I think this short but interesting book is well worth a peek.

[Valery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Should I Convert to Judaism by Lawrence J. Epstein is a short book with a big message. If you are looking into converting to the Jewish faith, this is one book to consider. The author lays out the steps to converting, and offers some examples of those who have converted. There is also a list of further resources that is very helpful. With a variety of motivations behind converting, having conversations with God, and reading about others' experiences, this short book of just 59 pages will certainly help you on your way to making this important life decision. Overall an interesting book for those looking for more information in this endeavor.

[Katherine Hebert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative

Should I Convert to Judaism is an informational book mainly directed for those interested in converting. It is a short read (less than 75 pages) but I felt like it took its time getting to the meat and bones about converting. (There was a lot of time spent about reasons why people do - not necessarily why you want to.)

It was well written and easy to understand. The author knows the topic well but I just feel a little misled by the title.

Overall, I wouldn’t use this as a main source when converting but an initial first guide.

[Channon Coats · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've waited and thought and prayed a long time with my husband before deciding how and when to do this and just when we find the perfect loving deeply thoughtful rabbi, the Shul pulls the rug and decides to close. The next nearest - 50 miles and our rabbi is retiring. More thought, more prayer, but the answer is still clear, and this book has certainly helped. What is worth having is worth fighting for. Thank you.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short book has some helpful insights about becoming Jewish, and because it's so short and easy to read I would recommend it to anyone who is considering Judaism. A few points lost my focus a bit - like when he names a bunch of people who have converted from the bible and more modern times - but overall it's a helpful real.

[S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conversation journey

I am currently in the process of converting to Judaism so this book is absolutely perfect for me. This book gives an honest view into what it takes to convert to Judaism and what it means to be Jewish.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am glad I did.

[Tammy Swinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

conversion

Very informative. Taught me a lot. Made my decision much easier. I would definitely recommend this book if you are thinking about converting

[Corey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contained relatively good information. Very respectful of converts which was nice. A bit simplistic but not overly so.