Jewish Just Like You

By Kylie Ora Lobell

(ISBN 9798697156018)

Review by Meira E. Schneider-Atik

One group of Jews that never seems to fit inside the Orthodox “box” is that of Geirim (converts to Judaism). There are many people who were born and raised in a non-Jewish home but who followed their souls’ calling and went through the very difficult process of converting to Judaism.

Kylie Ora Lobell knows that it’s not only important for all of us Jews to remember that converts to Judaism really are Jewish, but that it’s important for us to teach our children that. She’s correct on that one—it really all starts with our children. Her book, Jewish Just Like You, is specifically aimed at young children. 

Ms. Lobell explains the conversion process from start to finish without getting bogged down in small details, making a difficult topic much more child-friendly. She describes having to learn and practice and acknowledges that there’s a lot of work to do and that it’s not easy. She also tells it in a rhyming format and that rhythm and rhyme makes it easier for children to read and understand. The fact that she is telling it from her own perspective as a Giyoret (convert) makes it much more relatable. I like the way it’s formatted as a mother’s letter to her child. It feels as though the author is speaking directly to the reader. 

The illustrations are colorful and joyous and that serves two purposes. First, children respond well to colors. Second, the author feels good about her place in Hashem’s world and that joy comes out in the book. Children in particular respond well to that kind of genuine joy.

In this day and age, we Jews need unity more than ever before and we need to remember that Jews By Choice are Jewish just like we are and deserve respect and Derech Eretz. I believe that Jewish Just Like You will give our children a start on learning that.