Conversion to Judaism: A Guidebook

by Lawrence J. Epstein

Conversion to Judaism provides information, advice, and support for individuals contemplating conversion to Judaism, as well as those who have converted and the families affected by this decision. With sensitivity and compassion, Lawrence J. Epstein offers an informative volume that warmly welcomes the newcomer to Judaism.

Genres: Judaism, Jewish, Nonfiction

300 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 1994

Reviews

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me preface by saying I DID know how old this book was when I chose to read it.

I think this guidebook is a good starting place for anyone considering conversion, for those who are not Jewish but are in a relationship with someone who is, and also for those trying to learn more about a friend or family member who is on the path of conversion. This book hits the highlights and gives a plain and simple overview that is easy to read. It covers Jewish beliefs, Jewish history and culture, Jewish movements, the conversion process itself, and more. It is very surface-level which isn't a bad thing for those wanting an introduction, but don't expect to have all your questions and needs met from this one book.

There is a lot of great information that will forever stand the test of time and be unchanging, for example relationship issues and raising children, therefore I do think it's worth reading for those who are interested. However, there is also a lot that has become outdated such as organizations that no longer exist, recommended books that are no longer in print, etc. Thankfully with the internet it's easy to find replacements for some of these and to learn about certain changes (for example the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC) referenced in the book is now the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) as of 2003).

I'm giving a 3 star rating because this book is still useful and worth reading, but it could definitely use an update. Additionally, it did seem to be very geared toward those who are converting for marriage and assumed throughout that the reader was a gentile in a relationship with a Jew. I think knowing much of this going in will help set realistic expectations on what you can expect to get out of reading.

[Melvin Marsh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Comprehensive about faith and beliefs of Judaism, however missing critical information about the conversion process itself. It was nearly 10 years out of date at time of printing. Does not include the Miller Precedent allowing non-orthodox converts to move to Israel which started nearly 10 years prior to publication (ruling given Dec 1986) and the book directly conflicts with the law. Does not discuss the conversion controversy of 2008. Does not reflect the information age’s effect on the conversion process which was occurring at the time of publication. Written by a born-Jewish academic in an academic writing style, it comes off as impersonal and is frequently incorrect about concerns of converts. Most expensive book out there on conversion to Judaism with the Kindle version being $37. Primarily assumes a white heterosexual female reader and that they are doing it for marriage.

[Heath Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the resources were outdated, given the time this book was published, or perhaps I simply have an older edition. Other than that, the information was pretty solid and I feel like this is an important resource for me to have as I continue to learn about Judaism.