Here All Along: Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and a Deeper Connection to Life--in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There)

First off, thank you for reaching out. It sounds like you are interested in converting to Judaism, or at least learning more about Jewish beliefs, history, and culture. That is great! I converted to Reform Judaism years ago, and becoming Jewish has been one of the best parts of my life. Since the war started, American synagogues have had increased security, and sadly it sounds even more serious over in Spain because of the anti-Semitism. My advice is to reach out to the synagogue (or synagogues near you and explain your situation). Tell them that you are interested in learning more about Judaism, that you feel drawn to being Jewish, and that you are possibly interested in converting. Ask about next steps. Call and email them. They will likely want to speak with you over the phone first and gather more information, to make sure you are who you say you are. In the meantime, see if there are books you can read about Judaism and Jewish life, to find out if you would like. Here are a few suggestions: "Choosing a Jewish Life" by Anita Diamant: https://anitadiamant.com/books/choosing-a-jewish-life/ "To Life: A Celebration of Jewish Being and Thinking" by Harold Kushner: https://bookshop.org/p/books/to-life-a-celebration-of-jewish-being-and-thinking-rabbi-harold-s-kushner/91cb29480167e83c?ean=9780446670029&next=t&next=t&affiliate=3250 "Here All Along" by Sarah Hurwitz: https://www.amazon.com/Here-All-Along-Spirituality-Life/dp/0525510710 You might also see if there are other Jewish groups near you, and reach out to them, and express your interest in learning more about Judaism. It can't hurt. I am sorry about all this--hopefully things quiet down in the Middle East and the security and anti-Semitism lessens. There is also an entire subreddit about converting to Judaism where you can post these questions an hopefully others can help: https://www.reddit.com/r/ConvertingtoJudaism/ Please reach out anytime if you have questions or if I can assist. Good luck with your journey!

cracks knuckles These were not all assigned by my rabbi, some have been just general interest reading. Emet V’Emunah Statement of Principles of Conservative Judaism (Favorite) Jewish Literacy — Joseph Telushkin (Large book, indispensable) (Favorite) To Life!: A Celebration of Jewish Being and Thinking — Harold Kushner (Probably the best primer that I read.) (Favorite) A Letter in the Scroll — Jonathan Sacks - I am a big fan of R. Sacks and I also use the Koren Sacks Humash. Choosing a Jewish Life — Anita Diamant Living a Jewish Life — Anita Diamant Here All Along — Sarah Hurwitz As a Jew — Sarah Hurwitz Why the Jews? — Dennis Prager & Joseph Telushkin (I still don't know why the jews) (Favorite) Essential Teachings — Zalman Schachter-Shalomi - Not part of the Conservative curriculum, but my rabbi knew R. Zalman and was influenced by him. People Love Dead Jews — Dara Horn Judaism Is About Love — Shai Held (Favorite) The Sabbath — Abraham Joshua Heschel This Is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared — Alan Lew Learn Talmud — Jacob Neusner Forbidden: A 3,000-Year History of Jews and the Pig — Jordan D. Rosenblum. Just for fun.