Essential Judaism: Updated Edition: A Complete Guide to Beliefs, Customs & Rituals

I converted to Reform Judaism eight years ago in 2018, and it has made me a much happier and better person. After reading many books about Judaism I took an Introduction to Judaism class, started studying with a rabbi and attending services, and converted after a year and a half of study. I'm an active member of a nearby Reform synagogue which is quite vibrant, with a lot of groups doing things like learning about Jewish history, making meals for people in need, welcoming refugee families, and participating in all sorts of Jewish festivals and rituals. Our services have about equal amounts of English and Hebrew, and our members have a wide range of observance. Some members only come a few times a year, but others are very devout and participate in all sorts of mitzvot and rituals, including many that I didn't know about. And our rabbis are excellent--thoughtful, compassionate, and dedicated to Judaism and the Jewish people. The first steps I would recommend are: reach out to a nearby Reform synagogue and ask for a meeting with the rabbi. Tell them you are interested in Judaism and would like to know more. If you can, enroll in an Introduction to Judaism class-that was how I started out, and it was quite helpful. Here are some books that I also found helpful. They are: "Settings of Silver: An Introduction to Judaism" by Stephen Wylen: https://www.amazon.com/Settings-Silver-Introduction-Stephen-Wylen/dp/080913960X "To Life: A Celebration of Jewish Being and Thinking" by Harold Kushner: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Celebration-Jewish-Being-Thinking/dp/0446670022 "Choosing A Jewish Life" by Anita Diamant is very good: https://www.amazon.com/Choosing-Jewish-Life-Revised-Updated/dp/0805210954 "Essential Judaism" by George Robinson: https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Judaism-Updated-Complete-Beliefs/dp/1501117750/ref=pd_sbs_d_sccl_1_7/147-8395398-7552238?pd_rd_w=RImmi&content-id=amzn1.sym.aa738fbd-ad05-4d11-aae2-04b598db6305&pf_rd_p=aa738fbd-ad05-4d11-aae2-04b598db6305&pf_rd_r=QEZNB3FQFAGND55FTVZT&pd_rd_wg=9s9QS&pd_rd_r=fe615844-3d64-4612-adfc-1c6d5e181c58&pd_rd_i=1501117750&psc=1 Your Introduction to Judaism class will involve a lot of reading, talking about Jewish customs, participating in Jewish culture like a Shabbat dinner and a synagogue service, and discussions with the rabbi. Judaism encourages asking questions, so please do that! Please reach out anytime if I can answer more questions or help in any other way. Good luck!