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JAMES D. BESSER
SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

I

t's a fact that many rabbis
openly acknowledge: Converts
often make the most enthusi-
astic and serious Jews.
But joining the fold isn't
always easy, which is why a
Long Island, N.Y., professor
who has written books on the
subject now offers a home page
on the World Wide Web with a
wealth of information about con-
version.
The Conversion to Judaism
Home Page, a project of Dr.
Lawrence J. Epstein, is simplic-
ity itself— a series of articles and
resources designed to help ease
prospective converts over some
of the hurdles on the road to Ju-
daism, and along the way, to prod
Jewish leaders to be more wel-
coming.

A wealth
of information
about
conversion.

At the top of the page is an ar-
ticle on "Should I Convert To
Judaism?" In practical, straight-
forward language, Dr. Epstein
offers suggestions for soul-
searching. He tells prospective •
converts that it's important to
learn about both Jewish religion
and culture; he suggests study-
ing religious texts, but also lis-
tening to Jewish comedians to
get a handle on our community's
special ethnic style. He doesn't
say whether a study of Jackie
Mason might encourage or dis-
courage conversion.
Other sections include a
streamlined comparison of Ju-
daism and Christianity, advice
on setting up congregational out-
reach committees and a guide to
Jewish books and videos for
those on the conversion path.
There are also interesting and
sometimes touching real-life sto-
ries about converts and a rea-
sonably objective description of
the different streams of Ju-
daism.
The most useful section is a set
of links to other sources of infor-
mation and guidance, including
direct e-mail links to more than
60 Conservative and Reform rab-
bis.
Though Dr. Epstein is not a
rabbi, his home page provides a
low-key, friendly gateway for
prospective converts and for the
Jews who want to help them
along.
Check it out at: http ✓/mem-

bers.tripod.com/-epst/ ❑

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