cover image The JPS Guide to Jewish Women

The JPS Guide to Jewish Women

Emily Taitz, Sondra Henry, Cheryl Tallan. Jewish Publication Society of America, $30 (384pp) ISBN 978-0-8276-0752-1

Jewish Publication Society adds a jewel to its JPS Desk Reference series with JPS Guide to Jewish Women: 600 B.C.E. to 1900 C.E., a comprehensive guide edited by Emily Taitz, Sondra Henry and Cheryl Tallan. The scope is sweeping, covering Jewish women from the time of the Babylonian exile to the dawn of the 20th century. The editors do a fine job of sketching each time period, outlining historical realities and how they affected women. The book also takes great pains to include the Jewish experience of both East and West. Each historical section includes short biographical entries on notable women, including some relative unknowns among the familiar names. The design is attractive, with informational boxes and illustrations adding to the book's appeal.