CuriousAsh: Any good suggestions for books on the basics of Judaism especially relating to conversion to Judaism ?
I am looking to learn more about Judaism but I find on the internet there is just so much and I am looking for a book that focuses on the main most important parts of Judaism. This could be a basic book but one also involving conversion because I am looking to find out more to potentially convert.
Answers and Views:
Answer by Muldah
Here is a great website
Judaism 101
https://www.jewfaq.org/index.htm
Conversion
In general, Jews do not try to convert non-Jews to Judaism. In fact, according to halakhah (Jewish Law), rabbis are supposed to make three vigorous attempts to dissuade a person who wants to convert to Judaism.
As the discussion above explained, Jews have a lot of responsibilities that non-Jews do not have. To be considered a good and righteous person in the eyes of G-d, a non-Jew need only follow the seven Noahic commandments, whereas a Jew has to follow all 613 commandments given in the Torah. If the potential convert is not going to follow those extra rules, it’s better for him or her to stay a gentile, and since we as Jews are all responsible for each other, it’s better for us too if that person stayed a gentile. The rabbinically mandated attempt to dissuade a convert is intended to make sure that the prospective convert is serious and willing to take on all this extra responsibility.
Once a person has decided to convert, the proselyte must begin to learn Jewish religion, law and customs and begin to observe them. This teaching process generally takes at least one year, because the prospective convert must experience each of the Jewish holidays; however, the actual amount of study required will vary from person to person (a c
Answer by wleef2002I just googled converting to judaism and got lots of them.
Google is your friend.
Answer by AravahAnswer: determine which branch of Judaism is calling to you – Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist or Reform. Find a synagogue of that branch near you and talk with the rabbi.
Typically, there is an Intro to Judaism class that can last 16 lessons (with a break in the winter or spring, depending on when the class starts). During that time you’ll be expected to attend Shabbat services and holiday observances at the synagogue and bringing more and more of the mitzvot (commandments) into your life, moving closer and closer to living life as a Jew.
After the class you’ll work one-on-one with the rabbi or an elder on any areas you might need more study. When the rabbi considers you are ready, you will be referred to a rabbinical court (who aren’t out to sink anyone). They determine if the candidate understands enough about Judaism and is living life as a Jew (except for saying the blessings on Shabbat).
If the candidate is male and approved, they will have to been circumcised or a ritual drop of blood drawn from the genitals (with appropriate numbing agent applied). Men and women converts then go to a mikvah, a ritual immersion in water with appropriate prayers. When one emerges, they are considered 100% Jewish.
Now, the different branches don’t all recognize conversions by other branches (much like some Christian denominations don’t consider other denominations as REAL Christians).
Orthodox – recognize only Orthodox conversions.
Conservative – recognize Conservative and Orthodox conversions
Reconstructionist – recognize all conversions
Reform – recognize all conversions.
The State of Israel recognizes all conversions as legitimate but only Orthodox Jews can marry in Israel or be buried in a Jewish cemetery. Non-Orthodox go to Cyprus, get married and their marriage is then recognized in Israel.
Orthodox = 2 – 3 years to convert
Conservative = 2 – 2 1/2 years
Reconstructionist – 2 – 2 1/2 years
Reform – 1 – 1 1/2 years
Side note: “Messianic Jews” are NOT Jewish and are NOT accepted in any branch of Judaism. They are Christian sects with Christian beliefs and some are intentionally deceptive in their attempts to convert Jews. “Messianics” are NOT recognized as Jewish by any Jewish branch nor by Israel nor by the US military. They are Christians despite calling their churches synagogues and their ministers “rabbis”
Recommended books: The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Understanding Judaism (a real book by a rabbi); Choosing Judaism; Living Judaism; Jewish Literacy; What is Special about Judaism; What is a Jew; The Jewish Home (Amazon.com used books is a great resource – odds are these or most of these will be required in your class and the synagogue can order them for you)
Aravah, Jew by Choice
Answer by Aryeh MThe best book is “Gerus Steps” but it is only available on https://groups.yahoo.com/group/orthodoxconversiontojudaism/Answer by Hatikvah JPA
“The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Understanding Judaism” by Rabbi Benjamin Blech.
.Answer by Nicole
Becoming a Jew by Lamm
To Be A Jew by Donin
This Is My God by Wouk
are a three books any Orthodox rabbi will require.
Honestly though, converts are treated like crap in Jewish social circles.
Answer by SophiaThere’s a really good book about conversion to judaism by Rabbi Marc Angel.
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