"If something terrible happens, God forbid, our non-Jewish daughter-in-law anguished to our son, What will I do? I've never been to a Jewish funeral! Our son was about to travel across the country for his father's bypass surgery. It was Debbie's discomfort in not knowing what to expect or what was expected of her that convinced me to write this book. I wrote it for her, for her family and friends, for my children's non-Jewish in-laws, and for all those with Jewish connections who want to understand and know more about the Jewish experience. My goal is to provide basic information about Judaism and things Jewish in an easy-to-understand format, and so help non-Jews and others who want to know feel more comfortable when attending Jewish events and interacting with Jewish people.
As both the facilitator and administrator for the Oregon Board of Rabbis' Introduction to Judaism Course, I have worked with more than 800 adult students since I began writing this book. I work with them still. They come to the course seeking information about Judaism, for many reasons. Some are becoming Jewish, some are entering  an intermarriage or are already in one, some are beginning to reclaim their Jewish heritage after reaching adulthood. Regardless of why they come, they all are seeking to increase their comfort level with the Jewish experience. As I have worked with them, it has become clear that their families and friends are seeking to be comfortable, too.
I chose Welcome to the Family! as the title for my book because it was written as a personal welcome to you as you seek information about the Jewish experience, for whatever reason. I also chose it because I have extended this welcome in my own life, in my own family."
~ Lois Shenker
Welcome to the Family - Opening Doors to the Jewish Experience