The Authors
When Philadelphia editor Joyce Eisenberg met Philadelphia writer Ellen Scolnic, it was a match made in publishing heaven. The two met while Joyce was editor at the Jewish Exponent newspaper and Ellen was a regular contributor. One day they were looking for more information about the krenzel, the crowning ceremony that honors parents when they’ve married off their last child. They realized that they needed a handy Jewish dictionary (and couldn’t find one), so they decided to write one!
They’ve been writing partners ever since – dispensing advice to President Obama, their husbands, and anybody who will listen. Their essays have appeared on The Philadelphia Inquirer's Commentary pages: In December they told President Obama how to throw a perfect White House Hanukkah party; in May they wrote “Many Happy Returns,” about their college-age kids coming home for the summer.
“You made my day! Amid all the serious news and dreary projections was your delightful Hanukkah description... very funny and educational. Your enthusiasm was contagious. Thank you for the morning lift!” — Myra, an Inquirer reader
Joyce and Ellen tackle all of their projects with that same enthusiasm. From traveling to China to check out the local cuisine to interviewing teenagers who communicate through cell phone text messaging, they’ve written, reported and commented on it all. They can put their passion for words to work for you.
