Each couple anticipating the arrival of a child is tuned into the Jewish saying that, "With each child, the world begins anew." Planning for the arrival of a newborn is filled with hope, excitement, nervousness, and profound love. Beyond these wonderful feelings are all the reality issues of how to choose a name and how to welcome this new being into the family and community. For Jewish families expecting a new arrival, Anita Diamant's "The New Jewish Baby Book" is an invaluable resource.

As someone who creates personalized birth announcements for couples who want to announce the arrival of their newborn in a special way, I am very aware of how helpful "The New Jewish Baby Book" is. I see well-used copies, with clips and markers pointing to elements that speak to the couple as they plan for their baby. Anita Diamant's in-depth descriptions and presentations of a wide range of issues help couples focus on what is important and meaningful as they prrepare for their awesome new adventure.

Particularly helpful are a myriad ideas for ritual welcoming ceremonies for both boys and girls. The Brit Millah (Covenant of Circumcision) ceremony for boys has been in use since Biblical times. There must not be a parent through the ages who hasn't agonized over this ritual. "The New Jewish Baby Book" provides a sensitive assessment of this ancient ceremony, bringing contemporary questions and issues to the discussion of circumcision in an attempt to help couples come to terms with this practice. For those anticipating having a boy, reading the section on the Brit Millah will help families understand the ceremony and know what to expect, including a checklist of items that need to be on hand. Until relatively recently, there was no official ceremony to welcome a girl into the Jewish community. "The New Jewish Baby Book" was one of the first resources published to provide ideas, prayers, blessings, and readings for a Brit Bat (Covenant for a Daughter) ceremony. For this, Anita Diamant is to be commended.

In addition to enhancing traditional ceremonies with contemporary prayers, "The New Jewish Baby Book" suggests other ways of beautifying the arrival of a new born, whether with hand-crafted ritual objects or with a unique and personalized birth announcement with a Jewish look. The book also addresses the reality of an increased intermarriage rate in modern times, raising common concerns when some family members are unfamiliar with Jewish ritual and practice. Also addressed are adoption issues, ways to include extended family members in the welcoming of a new born, and genetic diseases for which Jewish couples should be tested and aware of. All of these issues are discussed with Anita's usual thoroughness, sensitivity and compassion.

Like all of her books, this is a great resource for Jewish parents. Diamant includes everything you need to know to plan a brit milah or brit bat. Also she gives suggestions on how to create your own ceremony. She includes a list of Jewish baby names as well as Jewish baby announcements. The book is easy and enjoyable to read. This is a must read for pregnant Jews whether they are reform, conservative, or orthodox.

This is a very good overview of Jewish values and rituals related to bringing a boy or girl into the world. Well reseached and very non judgemental so it is good for Reform, Conservative or Orthodox Jews, and non Jews who want to understand rituals without being embarrassed.

This is a wonderful book written from a generally liberal point of view. It explains the traditions surrounding Jewish death and mourning and gently encourages the reader to follow them, without being judgmental of those who choose other paths. As I await my mother's death, I am learning many things about my faith... and as the author points out, expanding one's knowledge of Judaism is a mitzvah for the mourner.

Whether you are a lost Jew, the spouse of a Jew, or just someone who is interested in Jewish observances and traditions, this is a worthwhile book to own. The authors emphasize Judaism as a series of choices that you can make or not make. They discuss, in admitted brevity, the various facets of Jewish life and Jewish customs as they have evolved since the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D. Each chapter concludes with a list of books for further reading. You will be tempted!

this book is wonderfully inspiring. it presents jewish values and traditions in a non-intimidating fashion. it's not written like a text. the language is engaging, interesting, and informative. not only is this book a reference on different jewish customs, but it includes reasoning behind each and every one; reasoning that can fit into your lifestyle regardless of faith. it provides numerous ideas for implementing different aspects of judaism into your home. it does this so well that i found myself want to jump into everything all at once. it presents judaism in a new and refreshing light, something that is joyous and most likely you haven't heard before. it also includes wonderful ways to pass on these traditions to kids.

This book is perfect for the young Jewish family, or for an individual to use after converting. I found it very informative and helpful. It is easy to follow and understand, a great follow-up for those who read Anita Diamont's book, "Choosing a Jewish Life."

I have read most of this author's books, and I have found all to be quite helpful. Good guidelines for choosing camps, schools, and shuls.

This book is the best jewish parenting guide I've ever come across, and I use it all the time.

This wonderful, accessible book is a great start for a new or not-so-new Jewish family. The explanations, historical accounts, resources, and suggestions are all shared with sensitivity and clarity for those not familiar with their Jewish heritage, but eager to learn so that they can transmit our memories and traditions to another generation. A "must buy" for Jewish parents who want to share Judaism with their children but are unsure or insecure about how to begin. It is also a great gift. Use it well.

As a traditionally-observant Jew, I feel I should point out that the only thing I didn't enjoy about Diamant's book is her assertion that the principles she introduces do not apply to Orthodox conversions.

Any convert, regardless of denomination, would do well to read this book to find a better grasp on the *spiritual* gifts that Judaism can bestow on their life.

I am currently in the process of conversion, after being married to a Jewish man for many years. I found this book to have a particularly welcoming tone, and it covers the different steps one goes through, privately as well as publicly, in choosing Judaism. Diamant gives good advice on finding a rabbi to work with, courses of study, as well as questions that might be asked by the Bet Din (a council that interviews you and decides whether you are ready to convert.) These questions themselves formed the basis of discussions with my husband, and a lot of journal writing as I thought about the issues she raised.

She gives a good description of the visit to the mikvah which does not diminish the mystery of what goes on spiritually, but does take away any anxiety I might have felt about what going to the mikvah entails.

Diamant also gives some historical perspective on conversion during different time periods, discusses issues regarding family, holidays, and becoming part of the Jewish community.

I read the book through once quickly, and had a good feeling from it. Then, after I met with the rabbi, I found myself re-reading sections pertinent to where I am in the process. I have a feeling I will be turning to the book many times as I go through this important change in my life.

I picked this book up at my local store because I am considering conversion to Judaism. I have been reading a lot on the subject including Maurice Lamm's "Becoming a Jew" (also highly recommended). I got Anita Diamant's book because I liked the conversational tone of it and her suggestions on how to handle questions from family and friends.
I have since passed it on to my family who don't understand my new life. This book is highly recommended for all who are considering conversion or for anyone loving a potential convert.

Many of my new invitation or "ketuba" clients walk in my door with Anita Diamant's "The New Jewish Wedding" in hand, with page markers sticking out and underlined text throughout. If they don't, I pull out my copy to show them why they need this book to prepare for their wedding. Just as my clients know they need a "ketuba," yet don't necessarily know anything about the meaning, history and purpose of this marriage contract, they also don't know about many of the other Jewish wedding customs. This is totally understandable, for they have never needed to know until now.

The richness and meaning of Jewish wedding customs and rituals is enhanced immeasurably when couples understand why they are included in their celebration and ceremony -- and not just because "it's tradition!" Once they read "The New Jewish Wedding," couples have a much better understanding of the historical perspective of the rituals, helping in decision making about which rituals to include and what form they should take. They also have nuts and bolts information about everything from how to choose a rabbi, caterer, musicians, and location to seeking a personalized and artistic Jewish invitation and "ketuba." The dilemmas of mixed marriages and gay/lesbian ceremonies are handled with sensitivity, designed to help couples and their families approach complex issues.

Poignant stories share how previously married couples enhanced various rituals to personalize them. The detailed descriptions of the parts of the ceremony help couples know what to expect and to be more comfortable with the Jewish wedding tradition. Suggested readings and blessings provide those who want to give their ceremony their own personal twist with ideas for adding to the core elements. Anita clearly did her homework and interviewed many couples in order to provide a wide variety of possibilities to consider when planning a wedding.

My "ketuba" clients have all found "The New Jewish Wedding" to be extremely helpful in planning their special day and beyond, ever since the first edition came out in 1985. It is nice to know that times have changed sufficiently so the second edition could include some of the important information about sensitive issues that could not be addressed in the first edition.

My daughter lives and will be married 600 miles away, so when she told me that the rabbi wanted her and her fiance to read this book, I bought it, too. It has been a great help in planning this wedding. We had already read a number of general wedding books. Even though we already knew the general basic traditions and laws of Jewish weddings, we needed a resource for all the options and creative ideas. We found it in this book. Almost every phone call (often several a week) has a discussion of some element of the wedding and what Anita Diamant says. I not only recommend this book to brides and grooms, but it should be required reading for their parents as well.

I was especially gratified with the inclusion of information related to including non-Jewish family, as my husband is a convert to Judaism. Other Jewish resources, I have read only deal with problems in an interfaith marriage. The book was also helpful in equalizing the differences in Jewish knowledge of my daughter and her fiance.

I wrote a not quite positive review of another book in this category and received several responses wanting to know which book I DID recommend. Now that my wedding is over, the thank-yous are (nearly) done, and the scrapbooks are being put together, I can finally write the review I wanted to write for this book!

THIS IS THE BOOK! I have directed everyone who has asked to read it, cover to cover (if time permits) for its excellent guidance through the religious aspects of wedding planning.

When I recently relinquished my dog-eared and tabbed copy to another bride to be, I was amazed at how much of the information I found relevant/meaningful enough to "tab" for inclusion in our wedding disscussions/ceremony/program. The whole first section "Making the Tradition Your Own" really got me off on the right foot. My fiance converted about a year ago, and it was really important to both of us that the wedding speak not only to us, but to our non-Jewish family members and friends. This book really deals with these issues in a modern, egalitarian way.

A good deal of the text from our wedding program was culled from this book. It is clear and concise, without being preachy or didactic. It speaks to the beauty of the Jewish wedding traditions without making one or the other better.

In addition, this book does not discount the groom's role in crafting the wedding of HIS dreams! So many other wedding guides are filled with frilly verse and discussions of dresses and flowers. This one gives you the information you need so that you, your spouse, and your guests will remember the ceremony, not just the weather and the "franks in blanks!"

Whatever book you choose, and whatever you decide, I wish you ease of planning, and a day in which you are surrounded by the love of your family and friends! Mazel tov to all brides and grooms to be!

I'm a midwife, so this book ought to have been a natural 5-star review from me....but I just didn't like it anywhere near as much as I expected to.

First, what I liked: I loved the beginning, actually about the first 2/3 of the book, which interweaves known biblical tales with 'facts' and characters of the author's invention to flesh out the story of Dinah, daughter of Leah and Jacob. At puberty, she enters the Red Tent, the inviolate space among the tribes of Israel in which the women gather for menstruation, childbirth, and the initiation of the girls into religious and sexual knowledge. All that was good stuff. And I loved, of course, the scenes in which midwives played a major part.

What I didn't love was the last third of the book, in which Dinah is in Egypt, separated from her son, working as a midwife (the only part of this section that I DID like), and living as somewhat of an outcast on the fringes of royal society. I felt this part went on waaaaay toooo looooong, for no purpose that I could discern.

Love came at last for Dinah, late in her life, and its portrayal, along with her marriage and married life to a good and loving man, was beautifully rendered. Her death scene at the end was spectacular - think about it: a death scene told from the point of view of the dying person. Masterful.

But overall, it could have been a much shorter book and been better for the editing.

I read this book and thought it was really good becasue it showed you what it was like a long time ago and how hard it was for women, to have to live. If you think you have a hard time with child birth and that little thing you get every mounth read this book and you might just change your mind. The women have to go thought so much hardsiph and do things to please the men you will be glad you live to day. I would recamend this book to any women or man who wants a new way to think about things. I hope this helps you decied to enjot this book.

My family doctor, a female, insisted that I read this. I am so glad she did--I had looked at the book several times at the bookstore but it sounded rather boring. It was not only NOT boring, I was sorry when the book was finished. I hope to read more from this author. She interwove factual information about the time period with compelling characters that I came to care deeply about. One of the best books that I have ever read.

Although I was never able to get into Diamant's "The Red Tent" (I tried twice), I knew many people loved it, so I was willing to give her another try with her new book.

I finished "Good Harbor", but do not know why.

The topic of the book, women's friendship and cancer, has been done so many times, and so much better by other authors. This book was just plain ordinary. Forgettable. My mind cannot even hold onto the title and I keep calling it "Safe Harbor"!

This was a most unsatisfying read: it was not particularly well-written, there were no great insights, the characters were not well- developed, and there was a good amount of contrivance, a device that really annoys me. It is a very commercial book, in my opinion. To wit: Diamant combined Judaism, Catholocism, miracles, cancer, love affairs, drug running, and the death of a child. Some of these topics were just thrown in, as if they were afterthoughts rather than woven into the body of the story.

The best parts were the descriptions of the beach area and how the beach comforts one's soul. This rang very true to me.

My recommendation: buy JoAnn Mapson's "Bad Girl Creek" if you want to read a very good depiction of women's friendships, how women help each other through the bad times, and how they celebrate the good times.

When you are the renowned author of "The Red Tent," how do you top yourself? Unfortunately, "Good Harbor" was not able to do that. However, "Good Harbor" captured my attention and I was taken in about the story of a friendship.

Kathleen, recently diagnosed with breast cancer, meets Joyce, a romance writer. The friendship flourishes immediately as they enjoy walks together on Good Harbor. Through the walks, each woman feels safe in confiding with the other. There are many issues that "Good Harbor" addresses: cancer, religion, parenting, death, infidelity, and relationships.

Diamant is a master at setting the scene. She describes the beauty of Good Harbor and Kathleen's garden so precisely that the reader is able to create a mental image. This was the strongest feature in the novel.

"Good Harbor" is a novel with its own merit, however many will find it difficult not to compare it with "The Red Tent." I encourage readers to try "Good Harbor" and see a different side of Anita Diamant. I eagerly anticipate Diamant's future work.

With her debut novel, Red Tent (1997 Anita Diament chronicled the lives of women in ancient times by fictionalizing a Bible story. Once again the author's novel examines relationships between women but this time in a very contemporary setting. Linda Emond gives sympathetic reading to this affecting tale.

We are introduced to almost 60-year-old librarian Kathleen Levine of Gloucester, Massachusetts when she is diagnosed with breast cancer and must undergo radiation treatments. The diagnosis and ensuing therapy throws her life into a whirlpool of stress. She is understandably frightened and further burdened by long held secrets.

Joyce Tabachnik, a free lance writer who has recently enjoyed considerable success with a novel, has just bought a small home in Gloucester where she hopes to continue writing and enjoy visits from her family. But Joyce, too, is beset by woes of a different nature.

The two women meet, walk the nearby beach together, and share their thoughts. Out of a chance meeting a bond of friendship develops which is both supportive and affirming.

Definitely a woman's book for those who wish to lose themselves in another's travails.

- Gail Cooke