Conversion Resources

This list highlights some of the most widely recommended books, though it’s by no means complete. I’ve chosen resources that can be helpful no matter which branch of Judaism you’re exploring, but keep in mind that what’s most relevant may vary depending on the community you join. Consider this a starting point—I’ll continue adding to the list as I discover more, so check back for fresh recommendations

The books listed below either deal specifically with conversion or are good introductions to various aspects of Jewish life

Conversion Guides

Lawrence J. Epstein – Conversion to Judaism: A Guidebook
A practical overview of the conversion process, including requirements, stages, and guidance for prospective converts.
Anita Diamant – Choosing a Jewish Life: A Handbook for People Converting to Judaism and for Their Family and Friends
One of the most widely recommended guides. Diamant explains the emotional, spiritual, and practical aspects of conversion, as well as how families can support loved ones going through the process.
Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson – It’s a Mitzvah! Step-by-Step to Jewish Living
Focuses on mitzvot (commandments) as a framework for Jewish life, helping both converts and born Jews understand how to live Jewishly day to day.
Rabbi Simcha Kling (rev. Rabbi Carl M. Perkins) – Embracing Judaism
A widely used introduction for Conservative Jewish converts, covering belief, practice, and community.
Rabbi Harold Schulweis – Judaism: Embracing the Seeker
Includes reflections and testimonies from over 50 Jews by Choice, alongside insights from rabbis.
Rabbi Ron Isaacs – Becoming Jewish: A Handbook for Conversion
A step-by-step guide to the conversion journey, blending practical advice with spiritual guidance.
Lena Romanoff with Lisa Hostein – Your People, My People: Finding Acceptance and Fulfillment as a Jew by Choice
Written by a convert, this book offers practical advice and emotional support for others walking the same path.
Rabbi Hayim Halevy Donin – To Be a Jew
A classic introduction to Jewish law and observance, often recommended to conversion students.
Rabbi Marc Angel – Choosing to Be Jewish
A thoughtful Orthodox perspective on embracing Jewish identity and practice.
Rabbi Maurice Lamm – Becoming a Jew
Another Orthodox introduction to Jewish conversion, traditions, and commitments.
Lydia Kukoff – Choosing Judaism
A Reform-leaning guide with a sensitive look at the spiritual journey of becoming Jewish.

Prayer & Practice

Joseph H. Hertz – The Authorised Daily Prayer Book (Siddur)
A traditional Orthodox siddur with English translation and commentary.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks – The Koren Siddur
A beautifully translated prayer book with thoughtful commentary, bridging tradition and modern meaning.
Hayim H. Donin – To Pray As a Jew
A guide to the structure and meaning of Jewish prayer, including customs, movements, and intentions.
Bernard Martin – Prayer in Judaism
A scholarly exploration of the role of prayer in Jewish thought and life.
Louis Jacobs – Jewish Prayer
Offers history and insight into the development of Jewish liturgy.
Haim H. Donin – How to Pray
A practical guide to building a personal prayer practice within Jewish tradition.
Evelyn Garfield – Services of the Heart
An accessible overview of Jewish prayer, focusing on meaning and spiritual depth.
Jakob J. Petuchowski – Understanding Jewish Prayer
A reflective and theological take on why and how Jews pray.

Jewish Life & Observance

Hayim H. Donin – To Be a Jew
A foundational guide to Jewish law and practice, widely recommended across communities.
Leo Trepp – Complete Book of Jewish Observance
Covers holidays, life-cycle events, and everyday practice in a comprehensive yet approachable way.
S. Levi & Kaplan – Guide for the Jewish Homemaker
Practical advice on maintaining a Jewish home, rooted in traditional practice.
Isaac Klein – A Guide to Jewish Religious Practices
A Conservative movement classic, outlining observance, prayer, and holidays.
Hayim Schauss – The Jewish Festivals
A classic introduction to the history, meaning, and customs of Jewish holidays.
Michael Strassfeld – The Jewish Holidays
Combines tradition and modern commentary, offering creative ways to engage with the holidays.
Michael Strassfeld, Sharon Strassfeld, & Richard Siegel – The Jewish Catalogs (3 volumes)
Often called “Jewish counterculture handbooks,” these guidebooks bring Jewish practice to life in creative and accessible ways.
James M. Lebeau – The Jewish Dietary Laws: Sanctify Life
Explores kashrut and its role in daily Jewish life.
Samuel Dresner & Seymour Siegel – The Jewish Dietary Laws: Their Meaning for Our Time
A deeper discussion of the significance of kashrut in the modern world.
N. Lamm – The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning
A practical and sensitive guide to Jewish funeral and mourning customs.
Central Conference of American Rabbis – Gates of Mitzvah
A Reform guide to Jewish life-cycle events and rituals.
Mordecai Kaplan – Questions Jews Ask
Kaplan addresses big questions about Jewish identity, belief, and practice.

History & Culture

Paul Johnson – A History of the Jews
A broad, accessible history from biblical times to the modern era.
Heinrich Graetz – History of the Jews
A classic, multi-volume 19th-century work of Jewish historiography.
Leo Trepp – A History of the Jewish Experience
A narrative history covering Jewish religious and cultural development.
Solomon Grayzel – A History of the Jews
A well-regarded single-volume history of the Jewish people.
Howard Sachar – Diaspora
A sweeping account of Jewish life in the diaspora.
Howard Sachar – The History of Israel
A detailed history of Israel in modern times.
Cecil Roth – A History of the Jews
A scholarly yet approachable historical survey.
Max Dimont – Jews, God, and History
A lively and readable introduction to Jewish history.
Henry Feingold – Zion in America
Explores the American Jewish experience in depth.
Rufus Learsi – Israel: A History of the Jewish People
A strong narrative of Jewish history with a focus on the land of Israel.
Milton Steinberg – Basic Judaism
A classic beginner’s guide to Jewish history, belief, and practice.

Holocaust & Antisemitism

Arthur Morse – While Six Million Died
A powerful account of the world’s response (or lack thereof) to the Holocaust.
Lucy Dawidowicz – The Holocaust
A definitive history of the Holocaust, exploring its causes and consequences.
Forster & Epstein – The New Antisemitism
An exploration of antisemitism in the modern era.
Jules Isaac – The Teaching of Contempt
Examines how Christian teachings contributed to antisemitism.
Jacob Glatstein (ed.) – An Anthology of Holocaust Literature
A collection of firsthand accounts, poetry, and reflections from the Holocaust.

Israel & Zionism

Arthur Hertzberg – The Zionist Idea
A foundational anthology of Zionist writings.
A.J. Heschel – Israel: An Echo of Eternity
A spiritual reflection on the meaning of Israel.
Howard Sachar – The Case for Israel
A historical and political defense of the Jewish state.
Collins & Lapierre – O Jerusalem
A narrative history of the 1948 War of Independence.

Interfaith Relations

Abba H. Silver – Where Judaism Differs
Explains Judaism’s distinct beliefs and practices.
Trude Weiss-Rosmarin – Judaism and Christianity
A comparative exploration of the two faiths.
Leo Baeck – Judaism and Christianity
Insights from a major Jewish thinker on commonalities and differences.
William Silverman – Judaism and Christianity
Another perspective on Jewish-Christian dialogue.
Solomon D. Goitein – Jews and Arabs: Their Contact Through the Ages
Explores Jewish-Arab relations throughout history.
James Kritzeck – Sons of Abraham: Jews, Christians, and Muslims
A study of the three Abrahamic faiths and their shared roots.
Charles Cutler Torrey – The Jewish Foundation of Islam
A historical look at Judaism’s influence on Islam.
Jakob Rosenthal – Judaism and Islam
A comparative overview of the two traditions.

Marriage & Family

M. Lamm – The Jewish Way in Love and Marriage
A classic guide to Jewish teachings on love, relationships, and marriage.
P. & H. Goodman – The Jewish Marriage Anthology
A collection of Jewish sources and traditions on marriage.
Routtenberg & Seldin – The Jewish Wedding Book
A practical and celebratory guide to Jewish weddings.
Hayyim Schneid – To Raise a Jewish Child
Focuses on building a strong Jewish home and raising children in Jewish tradition.
Alex Goldman – A Handbook for the Jewish Family
Offers guidance for families on Jewish home life, holidays, and values.

Ethics, Thought & Spirituality

Joseph Telushkin – Jewish Literacy
A comprehensive introduction to Jewish religion, history, culture, and values.
Joseph Telushkin – Jewish Wisdom
A collection of ethical and spiritual lessons drawn from Jewish texts and thinkers.
Joseph Telushkin – The Book of Jewish Values
Daily readings applying Jewish ethics to everyday life.
Abraham Joshua Heschel – The Sabbath
A spiritual meditation on the sanctity of time and Shabbat.
Samuel Dresner – The Sabbath
A more practical exploration of Sabbath observance.
Abraham J. Heschel – God in Search of Man
A classic work of Jewish philosophy, exploring faith, prayer, and relationship with God.
Louis Jacobs – Jewish Thought Today
A modern overview of Jewish theology and philosophy.
A.J. Heschel – The Earth Is the Lord’s
A meditation on Jewish life in Eastern Europe.

Memoirs about Conversion & Jewish Identity

Julius Lester – Lovesong
The story of an African American academic exploring his Jewish roots and choosing to convert.
Stephen Dubner – Turbulent Souls: A Catholic Son’s Return to His Jewish Family
A memoir of rediscovering the Jewish heritage abandoned by his parents.
Paul Cowan – An Orphan in History
A classic tale of reclaiming Jewish identity and tradition after generations of loss.
Harry Kemelman – Conversations with Rabbi Small
Fictional stories that weave Jewish life and thought into engaging narratives.

Reference & General Guides

Philip Birnbaum – A Book of Jewish Concepts
A concise reference covering key terms, concepts, and practices.
Edith Samuel – Your Jewish Lexicon
An accessible dictionary of Jewish life and thought.
Y. Newman Slvan – Judaism A–Z
A modern reference guide to Jewish practices and ideas.
JPS – The Torah, The Prophets, The Writings
The Hebrew Bible in authoritative Jewish translation.

The Chai Life