Becoming a Jew

"Becoming a Jew" is one of the most realistic book when it deals with the issue of conversion. It is realistic because it gives the reader a preparation and an understanding of a life changing matter. The book touches many subjects regarding judaism and its converts but at the same time, it alerts the reader of the sacrifices and joys that comes when becoming a jew.

If you are an individual pondering whether or not you want to convert to Judaism - read this book! It will give you a wealth of information on the topic. Converting to Judaism is not for the timid or half-hearted proselyte. Rabbi Lamm explains the basic facts of what it means to be Jewish, really Jewish. He covers tradition on Jewish birth, death, and everything in between. For covering such an expanse, he does an excellent job of explaining the many facets of Judaism clearly. This book should either solidify your decision to convert or help you realize that you are not ready for the committment (and to have a traditional, binding conversion it IS quite a committment).Overall, this is an informative book on conversion - the best I have read. The many narratives of converts (in their own words), along with all the factual information, provide a great balance. Enjoy!

Maurice Lamm's book carefully toes the line between Jewish law and human compassion. I disagree that this is a book for Orthodox converts only: it is for anyone who seeks to become a *serious* Jew.Some have commented that this book is hopelessly biased towards Orthodoxy. This is an expression of Lamm's desire to deal honestly with painful and potentially divisive issues. Yes, some movements will tell you you don't have to know (or do) all of this to become Jewish. But if you're serious about becoming a Jew, only Lamm's book will help you not only learn *about* this religion, but also try it on for size. Some movements will hide the details from you, give you an "easy" way in. If that's the Judaism you want, you will find it an easy, but not very rewarding, path. Lamm gently gives you all the hard AND heartwarming stuff, in this single thick volume.Rules and regulations are not necessarily a bad thing -- they can make the path clearer and easier to follow. Would-be converts are often put off by demands that they keep kosher or observe Shabbat -- "Why should I, if I already FEEL Jewish?" But you couldn't become a U.S. citizen, either, just by saying you already "feel American." You've got to know what all of it means first, and that's what Lamm gives you here.In this book, Lamm expertly balances his halachic (legal) perspective with stories of actual converts and a realistic view of issues that Jews-by-choice may be facing. If you're serious about Judaism, you owe it to yourself to find out -- in all its gory detail -- what this religion is actually all about.

I am currently studying to convert to Judaism through an Orthodox rabbi. It has been a long and difficult journey, and I still have an arduous road ahead of me. Rabbi Lamm's book has been highly informative and motivating. He's allayed so many of my fears as to exactly what steps will occur along the path of conversion. I've never read a book that has been so sensitive to the plight of the convert and accurate at pin-pointing the ger's feelings. He's right on target in so many of his statements, that I feel as though he's right inside of my head. His book stresses a great deal on halachah, but he makes no move to alienate those who are of other synagogue affiliations. And the first section of his book is dedicated to a forum in which converts from all types of judaism were able to express their feelings and relate their journeys. I highly recommend this book. When I convert one day, with Hashem's help, I will truly owe a great debt to this man.

Throughout my three years of prepatory study, I have never found a more precise culmination of the Jewish essence in written form. Although I did not convert Orthodox, the information contained therein provided me with an exceptional basis for understanding, and an acute ability to respond to the questining of the beit din accurately anf passionately. I cannot stress enough how much it means to me to now be a Jewish woman, to be a daughter of Israel, and a lover of Torah. And I also cannot stress enough how much information and support Maurice Lamm's book has provided me with. I completely recommend it for all potential geyorim, regardless of synagogue affiliation. Shalom, and mazel tov on your journey!