For Converts and Those on the Path to Judaism!

Shalom,
Here you can find a reading list relating to many Jewish topics.
For those who are starting their way in Jewish studies, I would suggest to begin with
purchasing four books of your choosing:
Two books of practical teachings (for example see listings: #5,6,10,13, 14, 19)
and two more books with reflections and thoughts about Judaism (see# 2, 3, 4, 15, 20, 21)

If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

All the best,

Alon Gildoni
Community Emissary (SHALIACH) for The Jewish Agency
The United Congregation of Israelites, Kingston , Jamaica
alongi@jafi.org
www.jafi.org

1.  Hebrew-English Tanakh Student Edition 

 

 

"Of course, the Hebrew scriptures are a must for any Jew.  There are many different translations and publishings to choose from, but I prefer the JPS translation."

$35.28   Used & New from: $28.95
Average Customer Rating:

 

 

2.  Becoming a Jew by Maurice Lamm

 

 

"The ideal handbook for those choosing an Orthodox conversion (non-orthodox should find value in this read too)."

$19.14   Used & New from: $9.31
Average Customer Rating:

 

 

3.  Choosing a Jewish Life: A Handbook for People Converting to Judaism and for Their Family and Friends by Anita Diamant

 

 

"Excellent handbook for those converting through the Reform, Conservative or Reconstructionist movements."

$10.17   Used & New from: $8.44
Average Customer Rating:

 

 

4.  Embracing the Covenant: Converts to Judaism Talk About Why & How by Allan L. Berkowitz

 

 

"A nice read telling the stories of other converts who found their way to Judaism; their reasons and their stories"

$12.71   Used & New from: $3.87
Average Customer Rating:

 

 

5.  To Be a Jew: A Guide to Jewish Observance in Contemporary Life by Hayim Halevy Donin

 

 

"This book is an excellent guide to becoming an observant Jew.  Written from an Orthodox perspective."

$12.92   Used & New from: $1.18
Average Customer Rating:

 

 

6.  Living a Jewish Life: Jewish Traditions, Customs and Values for Today's Families by Anita Diamant

 

 

"Focusing on the liberal Jewish population, this book goes step-by-step over begining to observe the mitzvot and build a Jewish life."

Used & New from: $5.21
Average Customer Rating:

 

 

7.  The Complete Artscroll Siddur (Artscroll Mesorah Series) by Nosson Scherman

 

 

"If you're going to pray, you need a Siddur.  Most people use the same as their synagogue uses, but I choose this one because it is very completely; has the words, meanings, customs, and movements!"

$31.99   Used & New from: $12.25
Average Customer Rating:

 

 

8.  The Synagogue Survival Kit by Jordan Wagner

 

 

"When entering the synagogue your first few times, you might be overwhelmed or baffled.  This book will fix that; it explains everything so you can feel comfortable and knowledgeable in shul."

$32.40   Used & New from: $23.40
Average Customer Rating:

 

 

9.  To Pray As a Jew: A Guide to the Prayer Book and the Synagogue Service by Hayim Halevy Donin

 

 

"The most excellent book available for begining to pray as a Jew.  Covers home davening and the synagogue.  And Orthodox perspective but valuable to any convert!"

$12.92   Used & New from: $7.94
Average Customer Rating:

 

 

10.  Gates of Shabbat: A Guide for Observing Shabbat by Mark Dov Shapiro

 

 

"Step-by-step guide to begining to observe Shabbat.  Very useful help for those starting to experience Judaism's most important holiday."

Used & New from: $1.74
Average Customer Rating:

 

 

11.  The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel

 

 

"A classic, beautiful work by one of the best Jewish thinkers of the century, this book overviews the meaning and awe behind the Jewish day of rest"

Used & New from: $2.93
Average Customer Rating:

 

 

12.  Jewish Holidays by Michael Strassfeld

 

 

"A very good overview of Jewish holidays, including blessings and rituals for those days"

$16.47   Used & New from: $7.25
Average Customer Rating:

 

 

13.  Jewish Literacy: The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion, Its People and Its History by Joseph Telushkin

 

 

"An excellent overview of Jewish belief, culture and history.  This extensive book can be used as a reference text or read straight through.   A must for *any* Jew."

$23.10   Used & New from: $16.90
Average Customer Rating:

 

 

14.  Jewish Book of Why - Boxed Set with The Jewish Book of Why and The Second Jewish book of Why by Alfred J. Kolatch

 

 

"The Jewish Book(s) of Why are excellent question-and-answer books that serve to provide both basic and more advanced knowledge on Judaism"

$32.97   Used & New from: $22.50
Average Customer Rating:

 

 

15.  To Life: A Celebration of Jewish Being and Thinking by Harold S. Kushner

 

 

"An excellent book on what it means to BE Jewish and have a Jewish mindset."

$11.69   Used & New from: $1.93
Average Customer Rating:

 

 

16.  A Historical Atlas of the Jewish People: From the Time of the Patriarchs to the Present by Eli Barnavi

 

 

"An single-volume historical overview of the people Israel with excellent time-lines, articles, artwork and photographs."

$29.70   Used & New from: $24.62
Average Customer Rating:

 

 

17.  The Complete Idiot's Guide to Jewish History and Culture by Rabbi Benjamin Blech

 

 

"Rabbi Blech does a wonderful job at simplfying Jewish history and culture in an easy-to-read fashion that is amusing, easy to understand and yet not dumbed-down."

Used & New from: $0.01
Average Customer Rating:

 

 

18.  The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Judaism, 2nd Edition (The Complete Idiot's Guide) by Rabbi Benjamin Blech

 

 

"Like the book above, Rabbi Blech's "Understanding Judaism" is a wonderful overview that even those who dislike reading could manage with enjoyment"

$12.89   Used & New from: $4.99
Average Customer Rating:

 

 

19.  Essential Judaism: A Complete Guide to Beliefs, Customs & Rituals by George Robinson

 

 

"A great reference guide to just about everything you could want to know about Jewish religion and traditions.  Though written by a Reform rabbi, it presents all perspectives on issues"

$13.60   Used & New from: $7.50
Average Customer Rating:

 

 

20.  What Happens After I Die?: Jewish Views of Life After Death by Rifat Sonsino

 

 

"A great book that overviews all the various Jewish beliefs on the afterlife"

$12.95   Used & New from: $3.23
Average Customer Rating:

 

 

21.  The Book of Jewish Values: A Day-by-Day Guide to Ethical Living by Joseph Telushkin

 

 

"Excellent  book on how to begining living your life as an ethical Jew in an easy day-by-day process."

$19.77   Used & New from: $8.25
Average Customer Rating:

 

 

22.  Teach Yourself to Read Hebrew by Ethelyn Simon

 

 

"If you want to learn Hebrew, you have to start somewhere.  I suggest this book, which is the best book I've seen for learning to read (pronounce, not understand) Hebrew letters and words."

$9.75
Average Customer Rating:

 

 

23.  Moment Magazine Subscription The Center for Creative Change

 

 

"My favourite Jewish magazine that outlines multiple Jewish perspectives on religious, cultural and political issues of concern to Jews."

$14.97
Average Customer Rating: