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

by Anita Diamant

Book Overview

The definitive guide to the conversion process--for a new generation of Jews-by-choice.

However you choose to fashion your personal journey to Judaism, Anita Diamant is the perfect guide. In this comprehensive, wide-ranging book you will learn how to choose a rabbi, a synagogue, a denomination, and a Hebrew name; how to discuss your decision with your birth family; what happens at the mikveh (ritual bath) and at the hatafat...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805210954
• ISBN13: 9780805210958
• Release Date: February 1998
• Publisher: Schocken Books Inc
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

The first in-depth book I've read about the process of converting to Judaism

Choosing a Jewish Life helped to ease my anxieties about the unknown when converting to Judaism; I now feel more confident for when I begin the process. I have read many books about Judaism, most of them being convert-positive, but this was the first that really dove into the nuts and bolts of the conversion process. I highly recommend it!

A user-friendly guide for Jews-by-Choice

I am currently in the process of conversion, after being married to a Jewish man for many years. I found this book to have a particularly welcoming tone, and it covers the different steps one goes through, privately as well as publicly, in choosing Judaism. Diamant gives good advice on finding a rabbi to work with, courses of study, as well as questions that might be asked by the Bet Din (a council that interviews you and decides whether you are ready to convert.) These questions themselves formed the basis of discussions with my husband, and a lot of journal writing as I thought about the issues she raised. She gives a good description of the visit to the mikvah which does not diminish the mystery of what goes on spiritually, but does take away any anxiety I might have felt about what going to the mikvah entails.Diamant also gives some historical perspective on conversion during different time periods, discusses issues regarding family, holidays, and becoming part of the Jewish community.I read the book through once quickly, and had a good feeling from it. Then, after I met with the rabbi, I found myself re-reading sections pertinent to where I am in the process. I have a feeling I will be turning to the book many times as I go through this important change in my life.

A perfect start for those considering conversion

I just finished reading this, as my first step in contemplating conversion. I found the book to be of tremendous value as it not only outlines the conversion process but gives a brief yet thorough overview of this wonderful religion. My wife has begun to read it and as a born-Jew finds it to be helpful as she reclaims her spirituality.The book is well laid out -- with separate sections discussing the Jewish religion, conversion concerns, the process itself and life after conversion.I welcomed the book's overriding tone -- that conversion is an integral part of Jewish history and a source of pride and growth for this dynamic religion. Ms. Diamant offers a great first stop on the journey to becoming a Jew.

enjoyed reading this

I had a close female friend who was converting to Judaism a few years ago, and she got me interested in it. I checked out this book from the library and was amazed how richly informative and caringly written it was...this book is indeed a mitzvah. I think the earlier reviewer's criticism of Ms. Diamant's supposed assertion that the principles she introduces do not apply to Orthodox conversions is a little misguided...I think Ms. Diamant is merely acknowledging her lack of expertise in Orthodox matters and prefers to defer to an actual authority on Orthodoxy rather than attempt to tackle that area herself...she is a born Jew but raised in a more liberal tradition. But yes, the book provides spiritual enlightenment to all would-be converted Jews, be they ultimately Orthodox, Conservative, Reform or Reconstructionist.I ultimately never made that leap, though I no longer really consider myself Christian anymore, either. I agree w/ Judaism too much for that. I guess i'm just a secular pagan Stoic, a friendly gentile w/ a deep admiration for Judaism and its traditions...and I'm probably too much the hellenic sensualist to fit the Jewish mold anyway. But it was a very spiritually uplifiting experience, my close encounter with Judaism, and this book was a profound part of that experience.Highly recommend it to anyone converting or who knows a friend or family member who is pondering conversion.

An essential read for any prospective convert

A truly loving book, that feels as if it was written personally for you. If you are considering conversion to Judaism, no matter by what path, this is a book that you must read. Of all the books that I read going through this long process this was by far the best. It deals with the real issues that we all face and gives confidence as it is written from an experiential base not shared with many other authors. It is an inclusive book that gives you support and pride in your quest.

a book that sometimes even mooved me to tears

This book is wonderful for its emotional and highly personal approach. Reading it I was filled with such exitement that I couldn't put it down at all. I really felt this book was written for me as the author expressed a number of questions and doubts that I had myself.The book gives valuable advice about how to handle difficult situations and prepare mentally for conversion so one feels very much supported. Excellent book!