General Practice Books

Rabbi Marc Angel delivers a comprehensible, succint overview of the conversion process. He compassionately addresses all of the issues and concerns that a potential convert might have. Reading the book made me believe that conversion was an acheiveable goal.

Conversion to judaism is never an easy thing. Unfortunatelly, orthodox rabbis tend to dismotivate it and often create barriers to one who is trying to join our people. This book shows people that conversion isn't an impossible thing, although difficult and shows what people have been through when dealing with this factor.

To be absolutelly perfect, this book could contain a certain Orthodox Rabbis Directory who acepts dealing with such a delicate matter or, at least, tell how to aproach an orthodox rabbi to discuss this. Anyways, I really recommend the book to whomever is considering conversion.

I would like to thank Rabbi Marc D. Angel for writing this book. It gave us help and hope.

This is a book that is much needed today. The non-Orthodox movements of Judaism publish tons of material on conversion or for their converts. Those who desire to convert via the Orthodox route have a much smaller selection of resources which are available to them.

Rabbi Angel discusses conversion not only as a halachaic recipe; but as a process that involves many aspects -- most importantly, a non-Jew that has an incredible pull to become Jewish. Well clearly stating that Judaism does not seek out converts, Rabbi Angel also makes it clear that Orthodox rabbis should not completely shut them out either; which can cause the situation of them turning to non-Orthodox (hence non-halachaic) congregations for conversions. This only fuels the problem of having "Jewish identifying gentiles" caught up in this hopeless limbo status in Judaism (and for women, their children as well).

Rabbi Angel also does not skirt around the issue of the desire to convert after getting romantically involved with a Jew; a gray area that is a reality in modern Jewish life. A very helpful feature of this book are all of the personal essays from people who underwent an Orthodox conversion; many which have the person in a relationship with a Jew. These stories can give a convert-to-be a lot of encouragement and strength that they otherwise would not be able to get.

As much as I like this book, especially for presenting the crucial topics regarding Orthodox conversion, I could not give it 5 stars because in my experience (I've been pursuing Orthodox conversion for around 2 years), most Rabbis do not really share his attitude towards conversion. So while it's nice to read about how he handles conversion, there are no suggestions or help for the general reader of this book who may be faced with a more difficult* Rabbi and Beis Din (* - "difficult" meaning non-encouraging, or helpful. I am not implying at all the Rabbi Angel oversees conversions that are not up to the strictest halachaic standards, chas v'shalom). It is sorely lacking on practicalities. So basically, this book stands in as a "nice, bound companion"; and collection of very encouraging words and stories. But it provides no resources, no real suggestions to the reader as to how to make those "first steps", and no book list (which you REALLY surprised me...considering the subject matter, and many readers will just be starting their journey into Judaism). It seems that this book really should be paired together with "Becoming a Jew" by Maurice Lamm; and older book, but a book which is much more complete with practical suggestions.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who has even pondered converting to Orthodox Judaism. It is no-nonsense and straightforward. It answers a lot of questions that many converts-to-be stuggle to find the answers to.

When I lived in New York, I learned from Rabbi Angel during his Rambam classes at the Spanish Portuguese synagogue in New York and I will say that I truly respect his perspective in both class and in this book. Choosing to Be Jewish by Rabbi Marc Angel takes one through the historical and legal issues that revolve around the conversion process in Judaism. This book also covers the Orthodox format of such and the issues concerning conversions through other methods.

Yet, most important this is a person book that not only laments the problems that exist in some areas of how it is carried out today but it also covers the reliability of the process in the Orthodox community. Rabbi Angel provides stories of conversations that were successful due to a balanced approach to the process as well as the stories of the people who either returned to a lively and vibrant Judaism because of the process or who became observant Jews due to the process. He also does not bow to any pressure to assume that their is a problem in the tenants of Orthodox conversions, but Rabbi Angel deals with the reasons that a fresh look at how potential Geirim (Converts) should be handled.

As has been mentioned before this book is not meant to be a strict 1, 2, 3 this is how you convert, it is meant to help both those who convert and those who would convert them understand the Orthodox perspective, and some of the problems that exist with some of situations. So even though it is not a 1, 2, 3 how to it can help a potential convert understand the issues thus helping avoid shame or major problems. The book also gives pieces written by people who have completed the conversion process to Judaism, and their personal stories. These stories include people who found out that they had Jewish ancestry as well as people who converted for the sake of living as a Jew dedicated to God and the Torah.

I think anyone who studying to become a Rabbi should have this book as required reading. I also believe it should be required reading for anyone wanting to convert to Judaism.

Rabbi Angel addresses problems in the current system of conversion. The Talmud says that rabbis should push a convert away with the weaker left hand and draw them nearer with the stronger right hand, but nowadays many rabbis are apparently left-handed! Many converts perceive much more pushing away than being drawn near.

This book is not a "how to" guide for converts as much as a discussion of Rabbi Angel's philosophy of conversion for Orthodox rabbis and interested laiety. This is the second modern critique of the conversion system; the first was published by a left-wing Orthodox organization and could therefore have no effect. By contrast, Rabbi Angel is a true moderate, respected across the entire political spectrum, and his book could make a difference.

I like the writings of Thich Nhat Hanh, Gandhi, MLK, and the Dalai Lama. If you do too, you'll dig this guy.

If you have found it hard to reconcile Gandhi's deepest connections to his Hindu nonviolence being Christ's Sermon on the Mount and yet Christians saying Gandhi isn't "saved" this book will help. Andrews is a real practitioner and the lives of hundreds of people here in India's slums and in the boarding homes of Brisbane tell of this humble man's greatness. I think Andrews is a little christ, a little mahatma.

This book is for all those who are as turned on by Christianity as they are by the idea of their grandparents doing the bump and grind.

If you've ever been enchanted with the figure of Jesus and yet wouldn't touch Christianity with a bargepole because of the amount of BS, this book will resonate with your experiences and encourage and challenge you in living a life of radical justice and compassion.

This isn't just another undressing religiosity from the idea of following Jesus but Dave Andrews states Christianity must be thrown out!! (The Chapter "Christianity is Dead - Long Live Christi-anarchy" is amazing!) His brilliant uncovering of the brutality and violence of Christianity's histories is concise and easy to read and his deconstruction of ideological underpinning of Christianity is challenging.

This book will be hated by the religious and the status quo and written off, if not burned. But for those who earnestly seek a holistic spirituality of peace; it will become a close friend.

It returns the figure of Jesus to the marginalised and to the oppressed from the clutches of those who would use the symbols for control and oppression.

Read it... I dare you.

If I didn't respect the person so much that gave me this book I would never had read it. Until recently I've considered religion `the opium of the masses' and wanted nothing to do with this "Christ". Marx's critic is an excellent one; religion is a drug that stops the people from questioning the tyranny of the system. But after reading Dave Andrews I no longer associate the Jewish Messiah Jesus with Christianity. I now see that Christianity is a religion that has been irreversibly distorted by its neglect of the actual figure and teachings of Christ.

The most appealing thing about the book is that Andrews commitment to what he sees as the non-violence of Jesus is even carried into the way the book is written. He doesn't appeal to the reader to come over to where he stands and see it the way he does rather he (with the integrity of a true anarchist) is not a reformer but proposes a new open(!) construct that people can engage with total disregard for the drug that has met it's used by date: Christianity.

I have not yet finished but I would also recommend "Not Religion, but Love" which Andrew's also wrote. Both books are excellent.

This book is for all those who are as turned on by Christianity as they are by the idea of their grandparents doing the bump and grind.

If you've ever been enchanted with the figure of Jesus and yet wouldn't touch Christianity with a bargepole because of the amount of BS, this book will resonate with your experiences and encourage and challenge you in living a life of radical justice and compassion.

This isn't just another undressing religiosity from the idea of following Jesus but Dave Andrews states Christianity must be thrown out!! (The Chapter "Christianity is Dead - Long Live Christi-anarchy" is amazing!) His brilliant uncovering of the brutality and violence of Christianity's histories is concise and easy to read and his deconstruction of ideological underpinning of Christianity is challenging.

This book will be hated by the religious and the status quo and written off, if not burned. But for those who earnestly seek a holistic spirituality of peace; it will become a close friend.

It returns the figure of Jesus to the marginalised and to the oppressed from the clutches of those who would use the symbols for control and oppression.

Read it... I dare you.

A clear, concise explanation of best practices and pitfalls for those
who would offer caregiving in a compassionate and Christ-like way.
This is no sappy, do-gooder book... and it's no "fix-it" message
either.

This is an excellent book that we have used to teach Christian Care Giving in three churches. It also serves as a text book for the Stephens Ministry basic course. The book is good on its own, but works best when its contents are discussed in a class seting.

I am a Stephen Ministeries Leader and this has proven to be a vaulable tool to use in our continuing education time of our meetings. WONDERFUL!!!

It is a must read for every Caregiver that is in the business or volunteering to help in the "Care Industry".

The world needs people who care. This book is a practical manual for anyone who has ever felt uncomfortable comforting a friend or acquaintance.

Kenneth Haugk has written this book to address the real-life issues people confront when caring for others. Many find it easier to discuss sex than to discuss issues of their faith and religion. Even if we are comfortable sharing these matters, those with whom we deal may not be.

This practical, well-written book takes the reader beyond theories about the integration of psychology and theology. It strengthens and re-enforces your call to care for those about who you care.

How many of us have walked past this book whilst browsing in a book shop without even spotting it much less buying it, reading it and appreciating it for what it is? I have had a taste of the clearlight and I have had a taste of bliss. I know on a deep experiential level that the instructions are true and precious beyond words. Imagine as a christian walking over a the holy grail and the body of christ buried below the floor and not knowing they were there, not that the finding would ever do you much good. Clearlight of Bliss is the real holy grail becasue it tells how enlightenment works and how to get there in precise detail without any of the usual new age mumbo-jumbo or contradictions or loose ill-defined language prevalent elsewhere. It is exact, crystal clear and written with complete authority. I do not believe any other author comes close. However, It can not be readily understood if the reader has not read other books nor can it be readily understood by anyone who has not practised highest yoga tantra - the search for the holy grail is long but the way is mapped out, illuminated and the guide has gone before you and come back for you and will be your friend and companion on the way. This book is more than a spiritual travalogue of the path it is a precise set of instructions set out for all to see.
Many people have read books like the 'Da Vinci code' or 'the holy blood, holy grail' and are riveted with tales of knights and secret organisations, some have made the grail their life long study and yet none of them has the slightest idea that the real grail can be found on a shelf in a bookstore just around the corner?

This is my favorite of the 5 Kelsang Gyatso books I've read. Many other Vajrayana (Tibetan Buddhist) books refer to or even provide some explanation of the Vajrayana psychic system (which seems to me to parallel the Hindu Raja Yoga approach). But, in his usual thorough manner, the author provides a very organized and detailed description herein. I attended one of his weekend gatherings and was impressed with him, though I've heard he's had some falling out with other Vajrayana lamas. His New Kadampa school is, I believe, a follow-up to the now defunct Kadampa school of Tibet which, I believe, the present Gelugpas (headed by the Dalai Lama) evolved from. It seems to me that the Gelugpa "Mahamudra" is VERY different from the Kagyu Mahamudra. The latter is quite similar in many respects to the Nyingmapa Dzogchen. The four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism are: Nyingmapa (the oldest based on 9th century translations), the Kagyu and Sakya (evolved about the same time), and the Gelugpa (the newest, I believe). Though the relatively recent Rime ecumenical movement attempted (pretty successfully) to provide cross-over teachings across the four schools. In any case, this book, while certainly not easy reading, provides a great source of information on esoteric, hard-to-find Vajrayana principles.

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso makes very difficult Buddhist concepts and practices crystal clear. To me, his books are indespensible. All of his books are like textbooks to be referred to time and again for reference. This and Clear Light of Bliss are great tantric Manuals.
Dakini Land is another Tantric work by this author and is highly rated. I will be purhasing this one shortly.

Topics covered in the reviewed book- Isolated speech, Isolated Mind,
Isolated Body. Description of lower tantras and Highest Yoga Tantra.
How to advance from Generation stage to completion stage. In short, another great book by this author.

Based on oral teachings received by the author, as well as authentic works from great masters like Je Tsonkhapa and the first Panchen Lama, this book provides a detailed and precise explanation of the completion stage practices of Tantric Mahamudra. It takes the reader from the initial Meditation on the Subtle Body, through Inner Fire Meditation, to the final attainment of Full Enlightenment. Some of the topics include: Channels, Winds, and Drops, Clear Light and the Four Joys, Nine Mixings and the Two Mudras, the Nature of Mind, instructions to achieve Tranquil Abiding, Meditation on Emptiness, the Illusory Body, Clear Light and Union, and Resultant Mahamudra. Although the main purpose of this book is to explain the advanced practices of Mahamudra, students of different levels will benefit from the clear and practical explanations and instructions on many aspects of Vajrayana Buddhism. These include foundational issues, like how to develop meditative concentration, and how to meditate on emptiness. It also answers question like "what causes the dream body to enter the gross body when we wake from the dream state?" And on to instruction on how to mix with the Truth Body, Enjoyment Body, and Emanation Body during death. One gets as much out of this book as one is capable of, and cannot help but being inspired by it. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche has been residing and teaching in the West for more than twenty years, transmitting ancient wisdom to the modern world. A fully accomplished Tantric Master, he wants this book to especially benefit the Western Dharma practitioners. First published in 1982, this book is already a classic. The writing is simple and direct. The explanations and instructions are extremely clear, leaving nothing to guesswork. Especially valuable for the practitioners, are the superb and unparalleled descriptions of the inner states. Making this book more than just a philosophical discourse or a reference, but a veritable guide.

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's Clear Light of Bliss, gives extensive instructions on the generation stage and completion stage of Secret Mantra, the most profound and powerful teachings Buddha ever gave. Geshe Kelsang explains in great detail how we can generate a deeply peaceful mind and achieve powerful concentration by harnessing the subtle energy system within our own body. Utilizing this energy source, we can meditate powerfully and effectively on the true nature of reality, destroying the ignorance that prevents us from experiencing the supreme joy of permanent happiness and freedom from suffering.

I recommend this book to anyone that is searching for a deeper explanation of the inner-workings of our energy and how it can be used to improve our meditation practice and our minds so that we can be of greater benefit to others. These are advanced instructions so I would not recommend this book to someone who has no familiarity with Tantra at all. For a great introduction to Tantra I would recommend one of Geshe Kelsang's other books on the subject, Tantric Grounds and Paths.

I have been searching for a book like this for quite some time. It includes all the elements I have been wanting to include in my teaching of clinical psychology to post-graduate students. It has proven to be a very valuable find!

This book is comprehensive, easy to read, and based on a sound theoretical and evidentiary base. It is hard to find a text that assists clinicians to bridge the gap between meeting the client and implementing a suitable intervention. This book not only does this, but does so in a way that is respectful of the client, the clinician, and the diversity of excellent clincial formulation frameworks available.

Dr. Ingram's book is an essential part of each therapist's library. It is the complete guide to case formulations and conceptualizations. Dr. Ingram has an amazing way of presenting her clinical hypotheses and how they are incorporated in therapy, and in turn the role they play in creating therautic goals and interventions. It is a must-read!!

This is a how-to book that combines good clinical practice with the best of evidence-based treatment.

Without question this is the essential "psychological encyclopedia from A - Z" to have on your bookshelf. Dr. Ingram provides useful and effective tools for any therapist; no matter the orientation, client population or years in the field. As a recently graduated MFT Intern, I continuously refer to Dr. Ingram's Problem Oriented Method. Each and every chapter is full of helpful and expansive information and the Core Clinical Hypotheses target all relevant issues with which clients present. This makes a great gift for your therapist friend. I have and will continue to highly recommend Clinical Case Formulations to all of my colleagues.

Pauline Tesler is able to combine thought-provoking theory with practical process advice. This is an indispensable tool for collaborative practitioners as well as fascinating reading for anyone who is concerned about the emotional and financial toll of traditional divorce. Working with attorneys as problem-solvers, rather than adversarial litigators, is a revolutionary concept whose time has come. This book provides expert guidance for professionals and the public about the collaborative option. I highly recommend it!

Pauline Tesler's book, Collaborative Law, is an outstanding resource for attorneys interested in transforming the litigious divorce process into a client-oriented, principled, and efficient way to solve the problems associated with ending a marital relationship. It not only explains the principles of collaborative family law but provides substantial guidance in making the paradigm shift to this innovative approach and comes with a disk with a core collection of forms needed to get started as a collaborative lawyer. As a family law attorney for over 27 years and a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers I found this book to be invaluable. Nonlawyers will also find this book helpful in finding a better way to divorce. Collaborative family law is growing throughout the U.S. and Canada--and Pauline Tesler has played a leading role in this through her lectures and this fine book.

Pauline Tesler clearly explains this new form of lawyering that keeps family disputes, especially divorces, out of court. The book includes forms, checklists, and other essential practice aids for lawyers offering this service to clients. While it is addressed to lawyers, a person considering using Collaborative Law for his/her case will find it very informative.

Pauline Tesler's book is essential reading for any family lawyer who is interested in practicing collaborative law. It is a priceless resource that should be on the shelf of every family law practitioner who is willing to make the paradigm shift from adversarial gladiator to counselor and healer. The collaborative law movement owes Tesler a vote of gratitude for translating Stu Webb's simple concept into a brilliantly thought-out system that can be easily understood and followed. Since reading it the first time I have referred to it almost weekly.

As an attorney engaged in collaborative practice, I make more use of Pauline Tesler's book than any other practice resource. Beyond explaining the basic collaborative philosophy in clear terms, her book provides the practical, step-by-step tools that a practitioner needs to get through the challenging parts of the process.
Through the book, the collaborative process broken down into key stages with specific achievement landmarks and goals. Detailed forms and documents for the process are provided in the text and on a diskette. It is the kind of book you can pick up before a collaborative meeting to develop a concise checklist to cover.
For me, it's the Bible of Collaborative Practice. Although in-person training is preferable, I believe that just studying this book can provide an attorney with all the basic tools of collaborative practice.

Understanding the Mind is incredibly clear and precise. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso breaks down each mind we could possibly have, defines what it is, what its function is, and whether the mind is beneficial or not as we pursuit happiness and a spiritual path. There is no other book out there that describes in-depth the nature and function of the mind. I use it as a reference all the time because it is so helpful and inspiring. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a serious interest in learning about the inner workings of the mind from a spiritual perspective.

If you are interested in the details of the dharmic perspective of the mind and that path to enlightenment then this is a well detailed and thoroughly documented definition for any person to follow.

On a personal note:
I am currently going through this book, but one thing that sticks out is that there is no mention of the spirit. Now I have to admit that I have been born into and followed a path that has lead me to believe in the abrahamic (christian specifically) perspective, thus mind/body/spirit. So I am having a hard time incorporating the concepts in this book being that a third of my philosophy is missing, in dharma there seems to be only mind/body.

Thus, anytime I come to a point where I see the spirit involved and not accounted for, I hit a block in the content.

But notwithstanding my own personal bias, the book is well written, fairly dense and a wonderful tool to use to define the processes of the mind, so that we can regain control of the tool that is the mind.

Understanding the Mind by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso provides spiritual practioners with an accessible, insightful, detailed "manual to the mind" where different types of minds are broken down and dissected helping the reader determine what minds are beneficial to possess and what minds are harmful.
The second half of the book is particularly helpful in showing us how to nurture positive states of mind such as faith, love, effort, and patience that are of immense benefit to ourselves and others.

Understanding the Mind is a truly wonderful book that I refer to again and again for inspiration and insight into the inner workings of the mind.

This is a book for those unafraid to look into their minds, those who seek to know what is unknowable for most people. If it isn't unknowable then it is surely never contemplated. The"mind" is shown for what it is with such clarity. Not a single nuance is overlooked...Western psychology is light years behind as it heals the splits, soothes the rips and mends the tears of existence. One sees everything one is, was and can be in the text of this compact "Wisdom" teaching.

Tremendous insight and understanding of the mind, our thoughts and how they produce the world we experience. Tedious for those who won't explore their minds and enlightening for those who will!

This profound book will help you uncover the agenda your mind has in its ego's grip, and how to transform that by becoming fully conscious of what goes through your mind, and exactly how to transform the pain you may feel as a result of painful thoughts.

You will learn how your thoughts are actively producing the results you see as the life you are now living. You will learn how to transform your life, when you are willing to transform your mind.

A fantastic contribution to inner peace, and for the joy and happiness you deserve!

Controversial therapies for developmental disabilities is an excellent book that describes a variety of approaches for the treatment of children and adults with developmental disabilities. There are 28 chapters that point out inconsistencies amongst therapies that claim to be effective for treating autism and other disabilities. This book points out in detail the difference between what is pseudoscience and what is science by pointing out important information about therapies such as sensory integration, facilitated communication, and other ineffective treatments. Many of the therapies described in this book are advertised as fun, loving, caring, and able to create relationships between care givers and children, which sounds appealing to parents. These therapies are not science-based rather they are based on intuition, and personal values and opinions. Take sensory integration for example, which lacks evidence that its effective for children with autism or for people with developmental disabilities, however some parents and professionals provide this treatment to individuals based off of claims that are made from other people and from the therapists that used this so called treatment.
Because of such claims uninformed parents spend a lot of time and money on therapies that have not yet been proven to be effective. This book can help such parents avoid potential dangerous treatments for their children. It's unfortunate that there aren't any laws that prohibit the use of treatments that have not been proven to be effective for the treatment of developmental disabilities. I think that it's unethical to provide such "treatments" and this book advocates for people with developmental disabilities about the truth of bogus therapies.
The book also discussed why applied behavior analysis is an effective treatment compared to the other treatments described. It would have been great if the authors provided more information about the evidence for its efficacy in comparison to other methods. Nevertheless, this is an informative book for educators, parents, students and professionals. I enjoyed this book because I have new ways to articulate many of the fads described and provide rationales why it's not an effective treatment for people with disabilities.

As an teacher educator this is a breath of fresh air - common sense and a spotlight on the ridiculous fads in education abound.

Finally, a book that takes an objective view on the current "quick fix" and "miracle" treatments that are seen in developmental disabilities, specifically in autism.

Some notes about the book:

Each of the Editors wrote one or more of the chapters, some were the result of collaboration among the three of us.

Many chapters are both informative and humerous.

One chapter updates the critique of of facilitated communication.

One chapter provides a critique of Positive Behavior Support.

There are several critiques of education and special education.

Many chapters refer to the same fad or pseudo-treatments to illustrate different points, so different perspectives are the result.

I'm using the book in a graduate seminar at Ohio State University, and it seems to be interesting to the students as they work on identifying and studying new fad and unverfied treatments for various developmental disabilities that continue to emerge to tap into the love and frustration of parents of children with disabilities.

Controversial Therapies exposes the ugly, inconvenient truth about sensory integration, auditory integration training, facilitated communication, positive behavior support, and a host of other fads and bogus treatments. Jacobson, Foxx, and Mulick have complied a set of chapters, and written many themselves, that provides all the ammunition that anyone needs to shoot down these wasteful and chronic malignancies that pervade the field of developmental disabilities and especially autism.

I use this text in my ethics course along with Ethics for Behavior Analysts (Bailey & Burch) and find that the combination makes for a great foundation for logical and responsible thinking about important treatment issues in our field.

Jon Bailey
co-author "How to Think Like a Behavior Analyst"

I have written and deleted about five review for this book already, since this is such a sensitive issue for me, I will keep it short, I hope you forgive me.

- The book does not take for granted that your main reason for learning about conversion is a romantic interest in a jewish person.

- It shares with the readers experiences of people who went through the conversion process as well as incredible histories that are wonderful and interesting even outside the scope of the book.

- The author does a great job at balancing the spiritual aspect of life after conversion with its practical implications.

- It has a extremely good amount of information regarding holidays and rituals.

The author is just a great writer.

I hope this helps.

Anyone interested in conversion should read this book. It lays out, plainly and very readably, the necessary information about why people convert, how to go about conversion, and what the convert is getting her/himself into. Jewish Literacy Revised Ed: The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion, Its People, and Its History

CONVERSION TO JUDAISM, A GUIDEBOOK is an absolute must-read!! This book touches on just about every subject that is important to me. I wish that the author would have went into more detail with the history of the Jews. Oh well, have to read about that in another book anyhow! :)

Conversion to Judaism is a complex process. Whereas many faiths actively proselytize Judaism's traditional posture has been to discourage converts. In this work Lawrence J. Epstein provides a very useful guidebook for those who would nonetheless persevere in the effort.
He provides important historical information and background in regard to conversion. He discusses the subject in general including the reasons why people convert. He provides personal stories as examples. He looks at the Conversion process from the point- of - view of the major Jewish religious denominations. He answers questions potential converts are most likely to have.
This work which was initially published in 1994 at Jason Aronson under the supervision of the person who contributed more than any other in the past half- century to the publication of English- language Judaica, Arthur Kurzweil is even more vital today than it was then. For the numbers of those who are potential candidates for conversion has increased.Also given the demographic crisis the Jewish people is presently facing a number of important figures, including Epstein himself are calling for the changing of general policy on Conversion in order to facilitate the process.
A highly valuable and much recommeded work.

The author gives his heart to explain the what and why's of conversion. It covers all grounds you should know about basic judaism without drowning the reader with too much detail. It is very informative and full of insights that will guide you in the process of conversion. I highly recommend this book to those who like me is contemplating to be "a jew by choice".

On Father's Day, I received the Dad in the Mirror and quickly decided it would be the basis for my men's study at my church throughout the summer.

About a dozen of us went through each chapter each week and it was truly amazing. Here's a book that doesn't reinforce the hollywood stereo-type of "dad." That is, the "stupid guy" with the amazingly beautiful and smart wife (you know the shows I mean).

As a father, we have a tremendous responsibility with our children. Like it or not, believe it or not, our kids are watching and learning from us.

What can we do to make sure our kids don't grow up to be the guy in the clock-tower with a high-powered rifle? Listen to the ultimate dad - God.

The Dad in the Mirror takes us back to God and His Word. But it isn't a Sunday morning sermon. This is a book for dads by dads. 30 years from now your kids will thank you for the kind of dad you were as you follow the guide put forth in this book.

If you have read "The Man in the Mirror", dont' be mistaken in assuming this book is just a different wrapper on the same material. Morley and Delk use a familiar metaphor but lead men to a deeper, Biblically clear understanding of how to be the dad who will see Proverbs 20:7 fulfilled. How to be the father our heavenly Father desires we be. Short, powerful, true to the Word of our Creator - "The Dad in the Mirror" is a terrific book for any man with kids - or grandkids. Don't let this book pass you by.

This book moves from superficial "how tos" to that which will have eternal impact - fathering the heart of the child, as opposed to behavior modification. This book is a must for fathers and grandfathers who are interested in helping shape the true character of their children and grandchildren.

Since my wife and I first learned that we were expecting over 3 years ago, I've gone through several different books on how to be a great dad.

Unfortunately, most of the books just freaked me out and got me all panicked that my kid would end up the school bully or worse!

The Dad in the Mirror is the book that I was looking for all these years! Finally! This is a book written for the dad who's looking at the heart of his kids... not just the A's on the report card. It actually felt while reading it that this book was specifically written for me!

I found this book to be a great read and lots of the topics covered can easily be incorporate into my fathering skills.

I would strongly recommend this book to any dad, grand-dad, or soon-to-be-dad!

This book has had a tremendous impact on me as a dad! Patrick and David have done a superb job in describing the difference between 'fathering for performance' and 'fathering the heart'. I especially like the "Straight to the Heart" section at the end of each chapter. I highly recommend this book for all dads, soon-to-be-dads, and grand-dads.