Benjamin Errett’s memoir about his conversion to Judaism upon becoming engaged to a Jewish woman has at its centre a potentially interesting subject, but the author squanders opportunities to explore his spiritual journey in any kind of depth. Problems plague Jew and Improved and ultimately undermine its impact.

The author trivializes his subject right off the bat, with an opening that likens converting to Judaism to “preparing for a job interview,” for which you need “the appropriate necktie.” Another ill-chosen comparison likens the venue of the beit din (the panel of rabbis considering his conversion) to Superman’s Fortress of Solitude.

To his credit, Errett does not avoid grappling with weighty subjects like the Holocaust, but in doing so he states the obvious and fails to pierce beneath the surface. “Every facet of modern Judaism, from Israel to the way prayer is said, is shaded by the Holocaust,” Errett writes. But what does this mean? What about Israel? Which prayers, and what about the way they are said? Errett watches a DVD of his fiancée’s grandmother bearing witness as a survivor of Auschwitz, but this testimony, moving though it may be, is out of sync with the book’s otherwise superficial tone.

Errett’s noncommittal stance as narrator ultimately sabotages his story. He is uncertain about whether he wants to convert to Judaism – and if so, why – and thus hems and haws every step of the way. Readers will crave a strong hand to guide them through this journey, or at the very least, some sense of progression. Does Errett become a mensch once he converts? Toward the end of his tale he says, “I now had a set of rules by which to live my life. Even if I didn’t follow them, they were there.”

Some readers may find Errett’s light and  humorous style entertaining. Connoisseurs of coy turns of phrase will enjoy chapter headings like “Goy meets girl,” “Religion Schmeligion,” and the cringe-worthy “The Unkindest Cut.” The author strains to be funny, but the writing often comes off as merely shmaltzy. Shmaltz is grease or fat, and though tasty, has little sustaining value.