Americans and the Birth of Israel tells the dramatic story of how a ragtag group of Americans of all religions worked, often in secret and facing the possibility of arrest and imprisonment, to make sure that after the Holocaust a refuge for Jews would be born. It is a story that is not well-known but deserves to be. The book tells the story of how Americans raised money, gathered munitions, ships, and planes, rescued Holocaust survivors and sneaked them past the British patrols, helped Israel prepare militarily, engaged in dramatic political efforts in Washington and the United Nations to secure Israeli statehood, participated in cultural activities to support the Zionist cause, and in other ways made a decisive difference in allowing Israel to be born. From well-known figures like Golda Meir to little-known individuals, Americans and the Birth of Israel brings these compelling stories to light and explores the complex relationship between the United States and Israel historically and today.

The Dream of Zion tells the story of the Jewish political effort to restore their ancient nation. At the First Zionist Congress in Basel, Switzerland, in August 1897 Theodor Herzl convened a remarkable meeting that founded what became the World Zionist Organization, defined the political goals of the movement, adopted a national anthem, created the legal and financial instruments that would lead to statehood, and ushered the reentry of the Jewish people into political history. It was there in Basel that Herzl, the man some praised and some mocked as the new Moses, became the leader. The book provides an overview of the history that led to the Congress, an introduction to key figures in Israeli history, a discussion of the climate at the time for Jews-including the pogroms in Russia-and a discussion of themes that remain relevant today, such as the Christian reaction to the Zionist idea. As political debates continue to swirl around Israel, this book opens a window into its founding.

From the biblical story of Ruth to the star conversion of Elizabeth Taylor, Converts to Judaism tells the stories of people who have converted to Judaism throughout history. The book introduces readers to origins of Judaism and shares the first conversion stories of the people who helped the early Jewish faith grow. Subsequent chapters trace the trajectory of Judaism through the ages while highlighting the stories of converts-both well-known and lesser-known-and how they shaped the tradition. The book includes not only the story of Warder Cresson, who was put on trial for insanity after converting to Judaism, but also famous celebrities who became Jewish such as Marilyn Monroe and Sammy Davis, Jr. Written by a noted expert on the conversion process, Converts to Judaism serves as a unique resource to people considering the challenging path of conversion and an illustration of the important, and sometimes surprising, role Jewish converts have always played in Jewish life.

In his third book about the conversion to Judaism, Lawrence J. Epstein collects essays and memoirs that frame the debate around conversion. These essays cover a wide-range of topics to sharpen the focus around the many disputes about conversion to Judaism, such as appropriate motivations, requirements for conversion, and who may legitimately conduct a conversion. Readings on Conversion to Judaism aims to present various position in the Jewish community on many of the important points for debate.

The easy-to-read format invites readers to explore some of the most sensitive and troubling questions about becoming part of the Jewish community. Plenty of inspirational anecdotes and true stories about converts illustrate the vibrant and exciting spiritual path of conversion and highlight the topics explored with real-life examples. The first section of the book deals with issues about becoming Jewish and includes questions about who converts and why, how to tell parents about the decision to convert, asking someone else to consider conversion, where to obtain more information and advice about conversion and Judaism, and the steps of the conversion process. Following these discussions, post-conversion concerns are dealt with, including such emotional aspects as the convert's relationship to Israel and feelings about the Holocaust, as well as painful points of conflict such as honoring one's gentile parents, telling children about conversion, and the Christmas dilemma. The final section of the book focuses on conversion in Jewish thought, history, and in the modern community. While this unique reference book is mainly intended for those who are considering becoming Jewish and are looking for answers to their initial questions, it will also prove helpful to those who have already converted, to Jewish communal professionals who work with converts, and to anyone else interested in the subject. Of course, anyone seriously interested in conversion should consult with a rabbi, but the information and advice contained in these pages will serve as a useful beginning and a convenient guide for those who wish to embark on the rewarding and fulfilling journey of conversion to Judaism.

Conversion to Judaism provides information, advice, and support for individuals contemplating conversion to Judaism, as well as those who have converted and the families affected by this decision. With sensitivity and compassion, Lawrence J. Epstein offers an informative volume that warmly welcomes the newcomer to Judaism.

This is a chronological survey of American films with significant Jewish content that made an important statement about America. Both familiar and lesser known films are included. An introduction discusses why American Jews were attracted to films as audiences, performers and business people, and evaluates how films help audiences think about their lives. The book starts with the first Jewish silent films and continues by historical era, focusing on representative and important films and placing them in their cultural contexts. One of the aspects of American Jewish life brought out by the films in general is the tensions between an American and a Jewish identity and between a Jewish identity and a broader human identity. Other themes are assimilation and acculturation, interfaith relations, Israel, marriage and family relations, the role of women, Jews and American politics, and anti-Semitism including the Holocaust.

One of the oldest monotheistic religions known to humankind, Judaism has withstood the tests of time. So what exactly are the tenets of this ancient faith that have been passed down over the millennia, and how do they apply to our lives in the 21st century? The Basic Beliefs of Judaism gives an updated overview of the belief system on which the Jewish faith is based. Epstein takes a contemporary point of view, looking at how the basic beliefs of Judaism fit into the lives of modern Jews. He does this with an eye toward helping the reader form his/her own understanding of Judaism. The book touches upon beliefs relating to creation, God, and the cosmos, as well as beliefs relating to day-to-day issues of family relations, social interactions, and ethics. Epstein draws from the Torah, the Talmud, Jewish folklore, and Jewish history to give the reader an understanding of how these beliefs were formed and have continued to evolve.

Having entered the world in 1896 as a poverty-stricken child named Nathan Birnbaum, George Burns rose from New York's Lower East Side to the uppermost heights of celebrity in the entertainment industry. His storied romance with Gracie Allen led to their success in vaudeville, films, radio and television as one of the greatest comedy teams in history. Burns experienced both tragedy and triumph during his 100-year lifespan, ultimately recovering from the death of his beloved Gracie in 1964 to re-emerge as a solo performer and an Oscar-winning actor. This all-inclusive biography explores George Burns' career against the backdrop of American entertainment history in the 20th century. His loves, his close friendship with Jack Benny, his rivalry with Groucho Marx, and his latter-day success in films are all carefully detailed.