Becoming Jewish: The Challenges, Rewards, and Paths to Conversion Book

Foreword by Bob Saget Acknowledgments

Introduction: The Inspiration for Becoming Jewish

Chapter 1: Finding New Meaning Making the Transition What Defines a Jew?
Why is Culture so Important?
Why Convert?
What Is Involved?
Choosing a Hebrew Name Getting Started Rabbi Shopping Finding Community Online The Right Rabbi for You Jewish Denominations Do You Need to Learn Hebrew?
Will Your Children Need to Convert?
Using this Book

Chapter 2: Belonging vs. Believing Belief-Based Religion Belonging-Based Religion Will Jews Accept You as a Convert?
Will Family and Friends Accept You?
What Does “Religious” Mean?
Labels Belong on Products More than a Religion Your Jewish Inheritance Room Developing Your Own Jewish Customs

Chapter 3: Telling Family & Friends Topics Considered Taboo Be Honest Find a Neutral Setting Gaining Support Do it for You More Than You Bargained For Those Awkward Moments Start Living It

Chapter 4: Hitting the Books Choosing Your Path Seeing with a Jewish Set of Eyes TMI!
Just Do It

Chapter 5: Learning an Ancient Language Really? Is Hebrew Required?
Language of the Torah Curl Up with the Dead Sea Scrolls Help!
But It Looks So Different Your Secret Decoder Ring Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained Worth the Effort

Chapter 6: Honoring Shabbat Rock Star Status Making Shabbat Yours The Three Traditional Shabbat Rituals A Blessing for Children Do-It-Yourself Shabbat Weekly Farewell Party

Chapter 7: Holidays & Holy Days Early or Late?
More Holidays than You Can Shake a Lulav At Make Your Sukkah Shine The Miracle of Religious Freedom The Three-Hour Meal

Chapter 8: Facing the Bet Din Behind the Bet Din Use “We” Terms Don’t Sweat It Assessing Your Intent Cramming Sold Separately

Chapter 9: Mikvah and More The Mikvah Modesty Takes a Backseat Conversion Ceremony Circumcision Hatafat Dam Brit Brit Milah Brit Milah for Newborns Calming Conversion Jitters

Chapter 10: Tradition Why Tradition Matters More Than a Nursery Tying the Knot R.I.P.
Sacred Rituals & Customs Knowing What’s Important Cornerstones of Judaism Making it Work

Chapter 11: Living Single The Many Meanings of “Family”
Finding Your Own “Jewish Mother”
Don’t Amputate Your Past

Chapter 12: All This for a Wedding?
Turning Two Into One More Than Art Four Poles and Some Frabic Walking in Circles Getting to “I Do”
Sheva Berachot (Seven Blessings)
The Plain Gold Band The Groom Wore Steel-Toed Shoes Getting a Get

Chapter 13: Raising Jewish Kids Hang On! Help is On Its Way Q & A Live It Yourself

Chapter 14: Adult B’nai Mitzvah and Beyond Rite of Passage Facing Your Fears What Can You Expect?
Adult B’nai Mitzvah Syllabus—Conservative What Else Can You Learn?
Virtual Learning

Chapter 15: Is Madonna Jewish?
Understanding the Roots What is Kabbalah?
The Five Layers Kabbalah is Jewish Kabbalah is NOT Judaism Trying Pop Kabbalah Is Kabbalah for You?

Chapter 16: Do They Hate You Too?
Centuries of Jew Hating Eyes Wide Open Should You Be Concerned?
Is There a Bull’s-Eye on Your Back?
Fertile Grounds for Antisemites How to Avoid Haters What Can You Do About It?
Reporting Hate Crimes & Beyond You’re Not Alone Wave of Holocaust Denial Finding the Jewish Activist in You Show Your Chutzpah

Chapter 17: Everyone Matters The Gloved One Why So Many Lawyers?
Making it Your Own

Chapter 18: Children of Israel It Just Feels Different Bill Said it Best Peace of Pipedream?
Act for Israel All Corners of the Globe Am Yisrael Chai!

Appendix I: Thirty-Nine Types of Work Forbidden On Shabbat Appendix II: Conversion Course-Orthodox

Glossary Resources Index