I want to hike the JMT, but don't know how to start – not an american

HI! im having a few months vacation in USA, and i want to include in my vacation a long hike, i've heard about this trail, but it have no idea how to start preparing. Is there any good guidebook? How and where can i get the trail permit? Are there any organized group, which i can join? where can i get food supply? how intense is the trail for non-professional hiker? what is the overall cost for hiking (food,water,permit) (without gear costs)? Thank you, Alon