Becoming a Jew [Hardcover]

Lamm details conversion to Judaism as a process, a series of rituals, and as an entrance to a new community and lifestyle. Seventeen converts give moving testimony to the difficulties and blessings of their becoming Jewish. The traditional conversion process is explained, and various aspects of day-to-day Jewish observance and theology are detailed. Discussion of the Jewish year and rites of passage make this book useful for non-Jews wishing to understand Jewish practices, as well as for nonobservant Jews desiring deeper understanding of their heritage. Highly recommended for public libraries.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

"Becoming a Jew is a good resource for Jewish educators, those studying basic Judaism, or adult bar/bat mitzvah students. Its use should be accompanied by material written from either a Reform or liberal perspective so that the student has a broad view of the conversion process." -- Compass

"After reading Rabbi Maurice Lamm's new book Becoming a Jew,a, I was doubly impressed: I was left with a renewed respect for individuals who had willingly thrown in their lot with the Jewish people, and, after being afforded a glimpse of my own life-long religion through the eyes of those who were drawn to Judaism's teachings from afar, I was reminded of the power Judaism has had to attract converts throughout the ages, even in times of the most extreme persecution. . . . Becoming a Jew is a book which most Jews, both those born into the Covenant of Abraham and those who later converted, will find most interesting. . . .Many times while reading the book I was moved to tears by Rabbi Lamm's most beautiful and eloquent explanations of Jewish concepts that perhaps I had taken for granted. How grateful I am for having been bestowed access to all these gifts through no act of my own, I thought again and again as I read further. . . . I found Becoming a Jew both informative a! nd inspirational reading which I wholeheartedly recommend without hesitation." -- Algemeiner Journal

"After reading Rabbi Maurice Lamm's new book Becoming a Jew, I was doubly impressed: I was left with a renewed respect for individuals who had willingly thrown in their lot with the Jewish people, and, after being afforded a glimpse of my own life-long religion through the eyes of those who were drawn to Judaism's teachings from afar, I was reminded of the power Judaism has had to attract converts throughout the ages, even in times of the most extreme persecution. . . . Becoming a Jew is a book which most Jews, both those born into the Covenant of Abraham and those who later converted, will find most interesting. . . . Many times while reading the book I was moved to tears by Rabbi Lamm's most beautiful and eloquent explanations of Jewish concepts that perhaps I had taken for granted. How grateful I am for having been bestowed access to all these gifts through no act of my own, I thought again and again as I read further. . . . I found Becoming a Jew both informative and inspirational reading which I wholeheartedly recommend without hesitation." -- Algemeiner Journal

"An invaluable contribution to any reader seeking an accurate description of Jewish belief, custom, and religious lifestyle." -- The Bookwatch

"Becoming a Jew is a good resource for Jewish educators, those studying basic Judaism, or adult bar/bat mitzvah students. Its use should be accompanied by material written from either a Reform or liberal perspective so that the student has a broad view of the conversion process." -- Compass

"Becoming a Jew is primarily directed to non-Jews contemplating conversion and those who have already done so. Rabbi Lamm points out that conversion is much more than a profession of faith. It involves laws and traditions, life cycle events and holidays, ideals and values. This book is excellent for both those born into the Jewish faith and those who have chosen to become Jews." -- The Jewish Voice

"Becoming a Jew is thorough and simple enough to become a textbook for converts, yet its analysis of little-known halachot makes it an important reference manual for even the long-time convert." -- The Jerusalem Post

"Rabbi Maurice Lamm's book Becoming a Jew succeeds admirably in addressing the three audiences to whom it is primarily directed-non-Jews who are contemplating converting, those who have already converted, and Jews by birth who wish to gain a deeper insight into their heritage. But the work is so valuable, so concise in its language and so sensitive in its approach, that I recommend it as well to rabbis, students, recent or potential ba'alei teshuva (born Jews who are returning to the faith) and anyone, Jew or non-Jew, seeking an overview and depth of analysis of Jewish belief and practice." -- Jewish Press

"With the publication of Rabbi Maurice Lamm's Becoming a Jew, we now hear loudly and clearly the voice of a spokesman of the Modern Orthodoxy of Yeshiva University. Becoming a Jew is an informative and sensitively written book about everything the potential convert, the new convert, and the extended born Jewish family should know about the halakha that governs conversion to Judaism." -- Jewish Spectator