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The New Jew – What Would Your Mother Say?

The road to Judaism is not always easy, but infinitely more difficult for a lapsed Catholic from the Midwest. Sally Srok Friedes, married to an upper class Jewish man in Manhattan, thought that allowing her future children to be raised as Jews was really going the extra mile. Initially it was enough for her to try to adjust to the culture clash of marrying into a Jewish family. But with the dream of finding a meaningful religion, Sally did try to uncover the mystery of Judaism for herself – only to be left confused, disappointed and alienated at the many doors that were closed to her. Soon she wanted nothing to do with Judaism at all. No one was more surprised than Sally when she discovered the spirituality of Judaism and embraced the religion for herself. The New Jew: An Unexpected Conversion (O-Books Publishing) is a true, spiritual chronology of a ten year journey of conversion to Judaism for the author, told with an abundance of humor, candor, and warmth.  

Sally was sure Bernice, her Jewish mother-in-law, had a vision of the ‘nice Jewish girl’ that her only son would marry someday – and Sally didn’t fit the mold! Sally loved Bernice, in part because Bernice had never made her feel like an outsider.  Not once did Bernice make her feel she did not live up to her expectations, so when Bernice asked her to join them for High Holy Day services – how could she refuse?  Sally hadn’t worried too much about Judaism before; she didn’t have to – her husband had made their interfaith marriage easy by thoroughly enjoying Christmas celebrations with their friends. Their biggest religious clash had been agreeing where to place the Christmas tree and the menorah!  This was about to change.  Since Sally would never insult Bernice, she accepted the invitation to attend synagogue.  The New Jew is the story of a journey to Judaism, made bumpy at times through encounters with rabbis who left her feeling an outsider, but recompensed by the overwhelming acceptance and warmth she felt from Jewish friends and family.  For Jews wondering how others see them, for non-Jews wondering what the mystery is all about, to those in an interfaith marriage, or anyone on a spiritual quest – this book is a must-read! 

Sally Srok Friedes has been a guest speaker about the road to her conversion at temples on both coasts.  She has written for parenting publications, appeared on television, hosted satellite tours, and worked as a panelist on a radio program.  Sally’s love of writing began as a young child and blossomed out of the stories she shared with her grandparents.  Visit her website at www.sallysrokfriedes.com for more information.

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TIP SHEET 

Praise from Rabbi Bernice Weiss, Founder and Director of the Washington Institute for Conversion and the Study of Judaism: “With heartfelt sincerity and eloquence, Sally Friedes very movingly captures the voice, hopes and fears of those who seek out Judaism.”

Karen Kushner, MSW; Director of Project Welcome (an outreach program welcoming interfaith families) wholeheartedly says, “With this inspirational story… Sally chronicles her journey from Catholic outsider to full member of the Jewish community ….revealing that there are comfortable seats at the family table of Judaism just waiting for seekers for other cultures and religions.  The welcoming warmth of her husband’s family…the rabbi she studies with…uncover this truth for her and us in this extraordinary narrative….An important addition to the library of rabbis and interfaith outreach professionals.”

Rave Reviews from Andi Rosenthal, author and columnist, InterfaithFamily.com: “Sally has created a gem of a book…the countless sensitive and moving moments of her personal faith journey are truly universal…beautifully crafted prose evokes a sense of both timeless searching and deep personal revelation…brings her readers through an enlightening journey of an open and loving heart, a deeply inquisitive mind, and a relentlessly seeking soul….ultimately united in their quest for understanding and belonging.  A must read for those considering converting to Judaism…and explorers of faith and ideas among those of all ages and backgrounds.”

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