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Review: The Honey and the Sting

A practical guide for prospective converts

May 5, 2016 13:05
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By

Simon Rocker,

Simon Rocker

1 min read

Walter Rothschild
JVAB, £34

When the Reform Beth Din published a guide for prospective converts, Jewish By Choice, in 1994, its author, Rabbi Dr Walter Rothschild, believed it filled a gap as there was "almost nothing available that wasn't either American or Orthodox".

But times have moved on and Rabbi Rothschild, who moved from Leeds to Berlin in 1998, felt a more up-to-date book was required for those considering entry into Judaism. In Europe there has been growing interest among those who have one Jewish parent or grandparent.

He wanted to provide more than an introduction to Jewish observance but also convey some of the practicalities of living as a Jew, which involves not only knowing about Shabbat rituals but also understanding how a synagogue community works.