Choosing to Be Chosen - by Kylie Ora Lobell (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Choosing to Be Chosen is journalist Kylie Ora Lobell's journey from a broken, secular Christian home, to teenage atheism, to a chance encounter with a lapsed Jewish stand-up comedian--culminating in a spiritual quest for conversion to Orthodox Judaism.

Kylie Ora Lobell grew up in a typical American home: religiously lukewarm, where they only went to church on Christmas and Easter. Though she believed in God when she was a child, after her parents' divorce and her grandmother's untimely death, twelve-year-old Kylie lost her faith. She began experiencing depression and anxiety, and constantly asked herself, "What am I living for?"

In college, she meets Danny, a stand-up comedian who is Jewish but gave up practicing Orthodox Judaism after some negative experiences. The one event he still attends is Shabbat for Friday night dinner, and once they start dating, Kylie comes along. Sitting at the Shabbat table, Kylie has an epiphany: This warm feeling in her chest is none other than God. God is real, and she wants to convert to Judaism with the help of an Orthodox rabbi. But Danny vehemently rejects her decision to pursue an Orthodox Jewish conversion, which threatens the future of their relationship. Despite the many challenges--including potentially losing the love of her life--Kylie knows she must move forward. In Choosing to be Chosen, she details the spiritual journey she must take to become the person she was meant to be all along.

Review Quotes

"In Choosing to Be Chosen: From Being an Atheist Non-Jew to Becoming an Orthodox Jew, Kylie Ora Lobell finds the God she didn't know she was searching for within a Judaism she didn't know existed."--The Jerusalem Post

"Choosing to Be Chosen is a deeply personal and thought-provoking memoir chronicling Kylie's journey to embrace Orthodox Judaism--not out of heritage or romance, but out of conviction. In a world where faith is often inherited or influenced by relationships, Kylie's story stands apart. She invites readers to ask: What compels someone to take on the immense spiritual and practical commitment of an Orthodox life, entirely by choice? With honesty, humor, and heart, this book opens the curtain on one woman's search for purpose, belonging, and divine truth--and what it truly means to choose faith."--Bethany Mandel, commentator, author of Stolen Youth

"I have been reading Kylie Ora Lobell for years. I have never read anything of hers that I did not love, and I always feel her whole heart beating inside every page. Kylie is a very gifted writer. Get this book and join the Kylie Lobell fan club, of which I am a very proud member."--Mark Schiff, comedian, opener for Jerry Seinfeld, and author of Why Not?

"I've long been a fan of Kylie Ora Lobell's writing--honest, insightful, and full of heart. In Choosing to Be Chosen, she brings those same qualities to the remarkable story of her transformation from an atheist non-Jew to an Orthodox Jew. With a real-world perspective and emotional openness, she explores faith, identity, and the courage it takes to transform one's life. This is a moving account of an inspiring personal journey."--Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz, senior rabbi of congregation Kehilath Jeshurun in Manhattan

"Kylie's story is one of curiosity, courage, and devotion. With heartfelt openness, she shares what's inside her heart, illuminating the beautiful journey that led her to join the Jewish people."--Kassy Akiva, video journalist at The Daily Wire

"Choosing to Be Chosen is an inspiring exploration of what we can become when we listen to the divine rhythm all around us, and how beautiful and satisfying an adventure figuring it out can be. Kylie is a skilled thinker; detailing an awareness that grows and thrives concurrent with her love and her faith. There is something unique and special in Kylie becoming the woman God meant for her to be. This book glows with humility and devotion as well as providing a fresh lens on serendipity and the power that oversees all of our journeys."--Mayim Bialik, actress

About the Author

Kylie Ora Lobell is an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles, Newsweek, New York Magazine, Time Out, Aish, Chabad.org, and Tablet Magazine. She is known for her inspirational essays and speeches on Judaism. When she isn't writing articles, she is also a ghostwriter for her clients through her agency KOL Digital Marketing, where she writes op-eds and books and provides publicity services. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Daniel, their three beautiful children, and their wonderful pets: two dogs, three chickens, a tortoise, and a cockatiel.