Torah and Jewish Idea > Torah and Jewish Idea
Is a conversion appropriate in this circumstance?
rafeli18:
--- Quote from: LKZ on July 18, 2013, 02:03:45 AM ---The book of Rachel has a lot on converts. There's one book in particular about orthodox Judaism, lol. My personal favorite.
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Thanks, I'll look into it
muman613:
--- Quote from: rafeli18 on July 18, 2013, 01:43:24 AM ---I'm aware of the potential consequences that could arise if I were to convert which is why I surely don't want to rush this through. Up until now all the books about judaism have been rather general paying no real amount of attention to the different strands if you like of Judaism. Therefore, would you advise any good books focusing on orthodox judaism?
Like I said converting to judaism is a tremendous effort which whilst having the potential to be fulfilling takes a lot of perseverance which I hope Hashem will give me.
I don't know I have a neshama inside of me but I still have a deep sense of connection with judaism and the jewish people that has to be said.
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I dont know what you are asking. Do you want academic books on what the world thinks about Orthodox Judaism or do you want books about worshiping Hashem as an Orthodox Jew?
Also I don't know what LKZ is referring to the 'book of rachel'.... There is no such book in the canon of Jewish holy writing. I think he is referring to the 'Book of Ruth' which is indeed a Jewish holy book and it does discuss the merit of the great convert Ruth who is the great grandmother of King David and thus the matriarch of the Messianic line.
Jewish books are divided into different categories. Some discuss Halacha (Jewish law) others discuss issues of Faith and Trust (Emmunah and Bitachon) and still others are called Mussar (books which concentrate on refining character traits).
I have already provided two links to two Kosher Orthodox Book publishers...
ArtScroll @ http://www.artscroll.com
Feldheim @ http://www.feldheim.com/
Go to those sites and browse... You will find Orthodox Jewish books there.
muman613:
Just looking at the Feldheim site I found the following which may be of interest to you:
--- Quote ---The Choice To Be
http://www.feldheim.com/jewish-thought-outlook/basic-judaism/the-choice-to-be.html
Winner of the 2011 National Jewish Book Award for Modern Jewish Thought and Experience
A sweeping exploration of the intellectual issues raised by a Torah worldview.
Written for both the serious outsider looking in, as well as for orthodox individuals interested in the basic questions of faith raised by modern experience. Rabbi Kagan, principal of Midreshet Tehillah seminary, brings together years of experience in education with the perspective gained from his transition from a student of philosophy at Yale University to a student of Torah in Jerusalem . The result is a compelling formulation of ancient ideas in modern idiom, capable of meeting the unique challenges of our times.
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--- Quote ---The Way of G-d
http://www.feldheim.com/jewish-thought-outlook/basic-judaism/way-of-g-d-derech-hashem.html
This classic 18th century philosophical work by The Ramchal presents his keen understanding of the complex topic of God and His workings -Divine regulation of the world.
With marginal notes by Rabbi Yosef Begun. Vowelized, facing Hebrew and English texts.
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--- Quote ---Bible Basics
http://www.feldheim.com/jewish-thought-outlook/basic-judaism/bible-basics.html
An ideal introduction to the world of the Torah and our rich heritage. Contains maps, timelines, lists of mitzvos and character traits, genealogy, and an English translation of the first three Torah portions.
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--- Quote ---Why Be Jewish
http://www.feldheim.com/jewish-thought-outlook/basic-judaism/why-be-jewish.html
Why be Jewish? Strange question, perhaps. After all, if you’re Jewish … you’re Jewish.
And yet, the question is not as strange as it once was. An increasing number of people regard being Jewish – and certainly openly identifying as such – as a lifestyle choice rather than an unchangeable fact. Jewish identity no longer survives automatically. To stay Jewish today, one needs to find his or her own reasons why our heritage is important, inspirational, and relevant.
Punchy, upbeat, and full of memorable stories, anecdotes, and jokes, this book is the consummate guide to the beauty and importance of Judaism. It's a thought-provoking, inspiring read - ideal for Kiruv Rechokim, Kiruv Krovim, and Chizuk for anyone.
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muman613:
http://www.chabad.org/theJewishWoman/article_cdo/aid/2142/jewish/The-Book-of-Ruth.htm
Our sages note several interesting connections between the biblical Book of Ruth and the festival of Shavuot:
a) Shavuot falls in the harvest season, and is defined by the Torah as the culmination of a seven-week count beginning with the first barley harvest; the story of Ruth unfolds against the background of the barley harvest in ancient Judea, with the mitzvah of leket (allowing the poor to "glean" the stalks that fall to the ground during the harvest) playing a pivotal role in the narrative.
b) Ruth is the ancestress of King David; David was born on the festival of Shavuot of the year 2854 from creation (907 BCE), and passed away on the same date 70 years later.
c) Ruth is the paradigm of the ger tzeddek, the "righteous convert" who with great sacrifice forsakes her or his former life and identity to be born anew as a Jew; in essence, however, we are all gerei tzeddek, having undergone that very process ourselves on the first Shavuot of history when we assembled at the foot of Mount Sinai to be born anew as G-d's people.
The entire Book of Ruth is included in the Tikkun Leil Shavuot, the Torah digest studied on the night of the festival. In many communities it is publicly read in the course of the morning services on Shavuot day.
muman613:
Some good books I recommend from ArtScroll:
--- Quote ---Gateways To Judaism
http://www.artscroll.com/Products/GTJH.html
Questions are the gateways to knowledge. After years of responding to the queries of people from all walks of life, Rabbi Becher saw the need for a single volume that would explain the fundamentals of Jewish living; the philosophy behind Jewish tradition, along with practical explanations of how Jews actually live. Gateway to Judaism offers an engaging insider's look at the mindset, values, and practices of Judaism in the 21st century.
Some of the fascinating questions which Rabbi Becher addresses in Gateway to Judaism are:
In the age of modern conveniences do we really need a Sabbath?
What is Judaism's view on death and the afterlife?
Why is Judaism so full of laws?
Why should I pray? Does God really want to hear my complaints?
Can Judaism enhance my marriage?
What does Judaism say about raising and educating children?
Isn't circumcision just an ancient rite of initiation? What relevance does it have today?
Why is Israel so central to Judaism? Does a religion need a land?
How can I conduct a Passover Seder if I can barely read Hebrew?
Each chapter includes:
* An overview and philosophical introduction to the topic, including rationale and sources
* Practical laws and instructions
* Extensive endnotes, which provide a valuable reference tool for scholars, teachers and students of Judaism
* Vignettes of the lively Levy family demonstrate how these topics apply in daily life
Rabbi Becher demonstrates the relevance of Judaism's timeless principles and its ability to transform and elevate the individual, the family and the community. His book opens the door for the newcomer to Judaism, while at the same time providing new insights into its significance for those already familiar with the joy of Jewish living.
Example Page
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--- Quote ---Understanding Judaism
http://www.artscroll.com/Products/UNDH.html
What does the Torah say that makes it relevant to today?
* How can we understand the mitzvos?
* Why should I believe?
* Why be Jewish?
* What does a Jew have to do?
* Is science an enemy of Judaism?
JEP -- the famous Jewish Education Program – has introduced thousands of young people to the exciting adventure of Torah Judaism. In addition to trips, Shabbatons, and rousing song and dance, it has presented the basics of Jewish history and belief in an attractive, compelling manner. This captivating book is the essence of the best of JEP. It distills the faith and experience of the Torah nation in a manner that makes it an excellent primer for adolescents and adults.
This book is filled with good question and better answers. Compiled by the leader of JEP, Rabbi Mordechai Katz, it contains the best teaching of Rabbi Katz and his colleagues, filtered though the wisdom of their spiritual leaders and relived by the reaction of tens of thousands of young people over many years.
Best of all, it’s a book that’s a pleasure to read, packed with stories and ideas. As an introduction to Judaism, Understanding Judaism is a great starting point. But it’s not just for beginners. The cast majority of yeshivah-trained observant Jews will find it filled with new information and approaches. And for anyone in a setting where he or she must answer questions about Judaism, it will be an invaluable aid.
Long awaited and much needed, this book is the answer to many a prayer.
Sample Page:
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