We’re often asked what our favorite Jewish books recommendations are. Over the years, we’ve had countless forms of Amazon bookstores, downloads and other offerings. We’ve decided to simplify that into this list of “must have” books that we love. In addition, these make a great addition to our Judaism For Beginners program.
Why Be Jewish?
“All beginnings require that you unlock new doors.”–Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav
In this short and inspiring text, Rabbi David J. Wolpe addresses all who seek to enlarge the spiritual side of their lives. For those considering a return to the faith of their forebears, for those drawn to conversion, Why Be Jewish? is a learned, graceful, and welcoming introduction beckoning readers into the heart of this venerable and enduring religion.
Jewish Living: A Guide to Contemporary Reform Practice
This definitive guide for Reform Jewish practice leads the reader to an understanding of the whole of Jewish life.
The revised edition features an index, cross-references to Mishkan T’filah, and new sections exploring the impact of changes in the movement and the world at large over the last decade, including same-sex marriage, conversion, bioethics, and justification of war. Jewish Living is an ideal gift for b’nei mitzvah, confirmation, and graduation, and deserves pride of place on the bookshelf of every Reform Jewish library, classroom, office, and home.
The Jewish Way: Living the Holidays
Called “enriching” and “profoundly moving” by Elie Wiesel, The Jewish Way is a comprehensive and inspiring presentation of Judaism as revealed through its holy days.
In thoughtful and engaging prose, Rabbi Irving Greenberg explains and interprets the origin, background, interconnections, ceremonial rituals, and religious significance of all the Jewish holidays, including Passover, Yom Kippur, Purim, Hanukkah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, and Israeli Independence Day. Giving detailed instructions for observance—the rituals, prayers, foods, and songs—he shows how celebrating the holy days of the Jewish calendar not only relives Jewish history but puts one in touch with the basic ideals of Judaism and the fundamental experience of life.
Insightful, original, and engrossing, The Jewish Way is an essential volume that should be in every Jewish home, library, and synagogue.
Jewish With Feeling
“Virtually anyone remotely affiliated with Judaism should read this book,” wrote Publishers Weekly, which listed Jewish with Feeling among its Best Religion Books of the Year.
“Without question the best, most readable introduction to Reb Zalman’s philosophy of Judaism, it is also the best beginner’s guide to Jewish spirituality available today,” wrote the Forward, “the perfect book for both the spiritual seeker and the curious skeptic.”
Entering Jewish Prayer: A Guide to Personal Devotion and the Worship Service
This engaging and informative book provides an introduction to the liturgy of the Siddur–the Jewish prayerbook.
More than a “how-to” guide, this resource deals with basic issues for the modern worshiper, the historial compilation of the Siddur, and much more.
Disclosure: these are Amazon links and we receive a very small commission upon your purchase of these items. Note that typically this is less than $75 per year from Amazon to Darshan Yeshiva.
Additional Resources
available online and free of charge
All Jews should have the basic Jewish texts, whether those be digital or physical. Many of these texts are now available for free online and/or to download. The following resources are recommended and may be accessed online free of charge.
 | Sefaria is a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering open, participatory Jewish learning for the digital era. Here you will find the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) amongst other key texts. |
 | Mechon Mamre is Hebrew for “the Mamre Institute.” Mamre is a place name for the place where Abraham, our patriarch, lived. Here you will find the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) and the Mishneh Torah (the RaMBaM’s restatement of the oral law). |
 | Chabad.org, the flagship website of the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic movement, offers the complete Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) with modern, English translation and Rashi’s commentary. |
 | ALHATORAH.ORG is a one-stop Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) study resource, providing the texts, tools, and technology to make Torah come alive in the home, class, and synagogue. |
Books by our Darshan Yeshiva students
created and edited by Rabbi Barbara Aiello
Our Darshan Yeshiva students are a unique and diverse group of individuals from all over the world. Many students live in isolated areas where attendance at a weekly conversion class is not possible; others have work schedules that prohibit joining in a Shabbat service or holiday celebration at a brick-and-mortar synagogue or community center.
It’s great seeing my work in print.
— Guided Comprehensive Jewish Studies student
Through these books, several of our students share their experiences living a Jewish life — creating Shabbat and seders, singing and praying — sometimes on their own and other times joined by family or friends. Comments range from, “It’s great seeing my work in print,” to, “I see now that I’m not out here all alone!”
I see now that I’m not out here all alone!
— Conversion to Judaism student
We’d like to acknowledge and thank Rabbi Barbara Aiello for creating these and other opportunities for our students.
Darshan Yeshiva Students Chanukah 5778 eBook
Darshan Yeshiva Students Purim 5778 eBook
Darshan Yeshiva Students Passover 5778 eBook
Darshan Yeshiva Students High Holidays 5779 eBook
Darshan Yeshiva Students Shavuot 5781 eBook
Darshan Yeshiva Students High Holidays 5782 eBook
Darshan Yeshiva Students Chanukah 5782 eBook
Darshan Yeshiva Students Tu B’Shevat 5782 eBook