The Reviews Are In

From the Press

“An entertaining resource...where else will you find sekhel defined as ‘using one’s noodle’? All told, The JPS Dictionary of Jewish Words is geshmack, so enjoy!”

“The book’s easy-to-read, easy-to-find format makes it ideal for both Jews and non-Jews wishing to learn more about Jewish ritual, culture, traditions, holidays and customs.”

“This breezy, alphabetical listing of Jewish words would be valuable in a number of contexts. Those who regularly consult literary works dealing with Judaism will find that this handy guide substantially enhances their experiences.”

“The JPS Dictionary is a treasure chest of Jewish vocabulary... the book does a good job of boiling down some very large and complex words to their essentials.”

From our Readers

“Thanks so much for your Dictionary. I'm having fun already and I haven't gotten past the “A” words yet!”

“At last! Here is the book you’ve been waiting for if you:

• want to understand all the things your grandparents said when you were little.
• are part of an intermarried couple and would like to do a better job on holiday observance in your home.
• want to check out the true meaning of words, phrases, and expressions that you may have heard or even used.
• want a few laughs while learning about Yiddish from two delightful writers.”

“This book is a great resource. As a Christian family in a predominantly Jewish community, we have often felt a little confused by some of the words that would come up in conversation. Now I know where to go for help. We were invited to a seder this year and found our new knowledge from the book made the experience much more meaningful.”

“For those who grew up without a Jewish background or for those whose knowledge of general Jewish vocabulary is lax, this is a wonderfully written book. The authors narrowed down the scope to include words that one might hear in daily life. It would be ideal for non-Jews who simply want to figure out some of the words in conversations that their Jewish friends use! This book is very helpful without seeming overwhelming.”