BLOG, LIFESTYLE
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To Be A Jew
To be a Jew is the BEST guide for the preparation for your conversion to Judaism and is greatly valued by anyone who feels that knowing, understanding, and observing the laws and traditions of Judaism in daily life is the essence of what it means to be a Jew. It is an amazing reference on the practice of traditional laws and customs of Judaism: the Shabbat and dietary laws, Jewish family life, prayer, synagogue services, holiday, and the guiding principles and observances of life- such as birth, naming, circumcision, adoption and conversion, bar mitzvah, marriage, divorce, death, and mourning. In addition, it has an excellent introduction to the Jewish history, ethics, underlying creed of Judaism and conversion to Judaism. I personally found To Be a Jew to an ideal reference and inspiration. This book is a MUST HAVE when you are converting to Judaism and a perfect preparation for your Beit Din. Get the book here |
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Practical Judaism
A gateway to the world of Jewish Law and belief. This book was written by the Chief Rabbi of Israel and answers all basic questions about Judaism and Jewish life. Topics include the Jewish calendar, the Jewish prayers, blessings and Jewish family life. "Practical Judaism" is one of the books that converts of the official orthodox conversions in Israel receive. Get the book here |
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Becoming Jewish: The Challenges, Rewards, and Paths to Conversion
the book Becoming Jewish will complement any basic reference, such as my first recommendation To Be a Jew, very nicely and is a great guide for everything that is not just basic Jewish law. If you are considering converting to Judaism, I highly recommend you reading this or the following recommended book in order to understand the consequences and responsibilities of a conversion to Judaism. Jewish converts often find the steps to Judaism foreign, complex, and mysterious. From learning Hebrew, to entering the mikvah, to choosing a Hebrew name, to circumcision, to appearing before a Beit Din... becoming a Jew is anything but easy. In this engaging and accessible guide, the authors offer practical wisdom for every step of conversion, including:
Get the book here |
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Choosing a Jewish Life: A Handbook for People Converting to Judaism and for Their Family and Friends
Whether you are just beginning to consider converting to Judaism or have already started your journey into a Jewish life, Choosing a Jewish Life has everything you will need to make the process of your conversion to Judaism joyous, sacred, and meaningful. 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 family and friends; what happens at the mikveh, how to create a new Jewish identity; and how you and your children can maintain bonds to your family of origin. Get the book here |
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Jewish Law as Rebellion
The above mentioned books teach us how to apply Jewish law in precision and "perfection". However, for Jewish converts it is very important to understand that there is not only one right way of practicing Judaism. Jewish law can be questioned and interpreted in various ways. Rabbi Nathan Lopez Cardozo shows a healthy rebellion against static Jewish law in his controversial book Jewish Law as Rebellion. He pleads for the urgent return to "authentic religiosity", which, according to him, has been compromised by nearly all who claim to be "religious". Orthodoxy has various faces and I think as a convert it is very important to understand the flexibility of Jewish law along with the limits! Rabbi Cardozo shows how to make Jewish Law once again relevant to our modern society and to the State of Israel. Out of love for Judaism and all human beings he provokes, challenges, annoys and disturbs his readers, asking them to resist the corrupting effect of the ordinary and often hollow motions of today’s religious life. Get the book here |
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The Way of God: Derech Hashem
This classic 18th century philosophical work explores Divine regulation of the world and understanding of the complex topic of God and His workings in the Jewish Religion. The Way of God is my go-to book when I want to understand how to worship God and how to follow God's will in this world. I studied this book intensely in the Torah school. It offers such a deep understanding of emunah (faith). I am convinced that this is a necessary book for any library. It explains all the concepts about Hashem, the soul, reincarnation, man and his purpose according to Jewish law. While it is an excellent aid to anyone with questions, it is also the kind of book a more learned person can also enjoy. Get the book here |
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The Marrying of Chani Kaufman
The Marrying of Chani Kaufman is probably one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. Eve Harris takes you into the Haredi Jewish world in such a detailed, romantic and real way and helps you understand the challenges and gifts of living and growing up in the Ultra- Orthodox Jewish scene. Read stories of interesting personalities, of one lady who joined the Haredi community only later in life, the story of a girl who is going to marry her husband only after a few weeks, the challenge of a Haredi boy who fights with the distraction of non-Jewish girl at his university and a woman you eventually leaves the community to start a new life outside of the Haredi world. If you have always wondered how Ultra-Orthodox Jews live and what struggles they deal with, this book lets you dive deep into their lives and understand at least a little part of this part of Judaism and Yiddishkeit! Get the book here |
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Cheshbon HaNefesh
Cheshbon HaNefesh is a very advanced Jewish psychology book. This book is guide to self improvement and character reflection and refinement. It was first published hundreds of years ago, but is still up-to-date with its precise wisdom, far away from pop-culture self-help books. R' Menachem Mendel Levin, a Torah scholar whose breadth of knowledge is astonishing, presents a step-by-step program for self-improvement and character refinement, for all those who wish to perfect themselves. Lift yourself higher; transform yourself into the person you want to be. Self improvement and application of Torah is a big part of Jewish life. I literally changed my life with this book. Get the book here |
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Wie werde ich Jude?
Wie werde ich Jude is an equivalent to my second and third book recommendations, a very well written book on how to become Jewish for my German followers who want or are converting to Orthodox Judaism. Get the book here |
Let me know your Jewish book recommendations in the comments so I can add them to my ever growing list of books to read!
By Ilana Schiffner
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5 Comments
SUN
JANUARY 15, 2019
Thank you, loved the book tips!
JENNY HAVEMANN
JANUARY 15, 2019
Das Buch von meinem Mann ist auch dabei!
ILANA
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RABBI ARYEH MOSHEN
JANUARY 15, 2019
1 - What about "The Gerus Guide" 2 - Of the books above, only "To Be a Jew" is important, perhaps also the one in German that I have never read. The others are nice. There are others that one should have on hand such as at least one on basic Halachah (of the five or so to choose from); perhaps one on Kashruth; and at least one on additional laws of the Sabbath.
MARILYNPF
JANUARY 15, 2019
I have really enjoyed reading “The Eternal Journey: Meditations on the Jewish Year” by Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg. He is a Rabbi in London and offers deeper insights into all of the Jewish holidays. He brings a more spiritual perspective to each holiday, not just the legal requirements of the holiday. Rich, wonderful book.
Have you read “The Ladies Auxiliary”? You remind me of the main character who converts and truly falls in love with Judaism and finds deeper meaning in its practices. It’s fiction, but a great read. Blu Greenberg’s book “How to Run a Jewish Household,” (I think that’s the name) might be helpful to you as well. She describes in detail the Halacha of Jewish life in the home. I’ve read most of the books you’ve mentioned too. Good luck with your studies!
About Me
Welcome to "Jewishbychoice"!
I am Ilana!
German, 28 years old, converted to Orthodox Judaism, currently living in Israel. Fascinated by Torah, Spirituality and Jewish values.
Today I share my experiences on my blog and assist people in their conversion process. I teach weekly Judaism classes and offer professional conversion coaching.
I am Ilana!
German, 28 years old, converted to Orthodox Judaism, currently living in Israel. Fascinated by Torah, Spirituality and Jewish values.
Today I share my experiences on my blog and assist people in their conversion process. I teach weekly Judaism classes and offer professional conversion coaching.
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