Welcome to the Family! fills the need for a book written in a conversational rather than scholarly tone that explains the basics of Judaism for non-Jews and Jews seeking to deepen their understanding of Jewish life, beliefs, and culture. Welcome to the Family! provides not only basic information about Judaism, but evokes vivid stories and insights into the essence of the Jewish culture and religious practices. It is an essential guide for all those wanting to understand the Jewish experience, culture, and heritage.
Excerpt From the Book 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.
Endorsements As a Catholic I appreciate Lois Shenker's Welcome to the Family!, a 'bridging' book which we badly need to help us overcome prejudices and distrust. A book like this, chock-full of stories and information and the explanations of Jewish rituals, goes a long way in promoting interfaith understanding that is so crucial to our times. And the humor is great—it's the best bridge-builder of all.
—Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking
Welcome to the Family! is more than just a wonderfully engaging and clear overview of Jewish life. For Jew and non-Jew alike, it lives up to its title, answering key questions and addressing real life issues that allow the reader to be comfortable in a Jewish setting. And for those eager to learn about the Jewish traditions and values of their new family members, this delightful introduction to the Jewish experience is essential reading.
—Rabbi David Saperstein, Director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
Lois Shenker has written a warm, easy-to-understand and illuminating explanation of the basics of Judaism. For anyone who wants to understand Judaism's wonderful history and traditions, Welcome to the Family! is a delightful and educational resource for Jews and non-Jews alike."
—Rev. Mary Manin Morrissey, author of Building Your Field of Dreams
Welcome to the Family! fills a gap that much needs filling. Ms. Shenker provides all who wish to be included with a truly user-friendly guide to the Jewish heritage.
—Egon Mayer, Ph.D., Director, Jewish Outreach Institute, Director of Jewish Studies, CUNY
One of the greatest gifts of my life was growing up Catholic in a Jewish neighborhood. It is an experience I cannot give others. Instead I can offer Lois Shenker's book, Welcome to the Family! Written primarily for non-Jews who have children or family members that marry into Judaism, its appeal is far wider. The author's style is easy and intimate. I recommend it to Christians who are merely curious with the promise that it will teach them not only about the Jews, but also about themselves.
—Mary Jo Tully, Chancellor, Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon