The Column
Drawing on their JPS Dictionary of Jewish Words (A JPS Guide, 2006) and their popular Book Talks, Joyce Eisenberg and Ellen Scolnic write informative and entertaining newspaper columns. They use words from their dictionary as a jumping off point to focus on Jewish holidays; customs; and unique, lesser known aspects of many Jewish traditions. Click here to read their article on charoset.
They also write for InterfaithFamily.com, an online resource for interfaith families who are exploring Jewish life. Recent columns include “What Is a Jewish Word” and “The Word Mavens Explain Passover Foods”.
Other columns are geared to a secular audience to educate non-Jewish readers about aspects of Jewish life they may encounter living in a diverse community.
Topics include:- Machetumin: Meet the in-laws.
- Shivah: Jewish customs of the condolence call.
- Kabbalah: Beyond the red string.
- Bedeken: The biblical roots of the custom of veiling the bride.