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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 understandling that is so crucial to our
times. And the humor is great-it's the best bridge-builder of all.
"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."
"I think this book
will fill a gap that much needs filling...Ms. Shenker has provided all who wish
to be included with a truly user-friendly guide to the Jewish heritage."
"The pages of this work
reflect the author who lives up to the title of her splendid book, "Welcome
to the Family!" It is a warm, informal
and lucid introduction to Jewish living and embraces the reader with useful information
in a personal mode. It has something important to say to spiritual seekers of
Judaism whether they are unsynagogued or unchurched, Jewishly married or intermarried."
"I am pleased and delighted
to unqualifiedly endorse Lois Sussman Shenker's "Welcome
to the Family!" ... this timely and necessary
book... Ms. Shenker does not shy away from the conflicting emotions that families
experience when their children choose to marry outside their faith... Not only
does the book help the non-Jewish relatives to understand the beliefs and rituals
of their new Jewish family members, but it also instills in those of us who are
Jewish a new-found sense of pride in our tradition.
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.
"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 Sussman 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.
"Welcome
to the Family!" is excellent. The language is clear and crisp... I
am particularly impressed with the helpful and caring way it reaches out to non-Jewish
parents.
"Welcome
to the Family!" is the perfect guidebook for de-mystifying Judaism
and the Jewish experience. I found it to be informative, well written, and helpful.
I believe that many of my colleagues will find it extremely valuable."
"As an educator, I am truly
impressed by the way this book teaches. Clearly, Lois Sussman Shenker is a true
teacher. She does not simply lecture, rather she creates the opportunity to experience,
to join in intimate personal experiences that lead to real understanding. This
is a book that engages and encourages the reader, not only to learn, but to actively
participate."
"Lois Sussman Shenker has
done all non-Jewish families whose sons or daughters are marrying Jews a mitzvah
(good deed) by writing this book. My wife and I had so many questions when my
son (a Christian) announced he was going to marry a Jewish woman. Welcome
to the Family! answered these questions for us in a clear and straightforward
manner. I was particularly pleased with its positive message. I would recommend
this book highly to anyone who wishes to learn more about the Jewish experience--those
contemplating intermarriage, their parents, relatives and friends, and anyone
else who wants to better understand their Jewish friends and colleagues."
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