Where does the word ‘Yenta’ come from?
Molly Picon (right) as Yente the Matchmaker in the 1971 film Fiddler on the Roof (via Digital Yiddish Theatre Project).
Published May 26, 2022
How did a popular Yiddish woman’s name come to mean gossip and busybody? In the first of our new Word of the Week mini-series, we trace the evolution of the word yenta. Producer Jen Richler talks with Fiddler on the Roof scholar Jan Lisa Huttner, comedian Judy Gold, author Lizzie Skurnick, and Tik Tok star and Torah commentator Miriam Anzovin. And in a special cameo…Yente the Matchmaker herself!
The Jewish Women’s Archive
The St. Louis Jewish Light is proud to announce a new partnership with the JWA. Together, we will bring many parts of the JWA collection to St. Louis readers, as well as promote the “Can We Talk?” podcast by sharing both current and past relevant episodes each week.
The Jewish Women’s Archive is a national organization dedicated to collecting and promoting the extraordinary stories of Jewish women. JWA explores the past as a framework for understanding the issues important to women today; inspires young people with remarkable role models; and uses Jewish women’s stories to excite people to see themselves as agents of change.
This website is the world’s largest collection of information on Jewish women and draws 2.5 million visitors a year seeking information, inspiration, community, and a sense of identity. We hope you enjoy exploring the thousands of stories of inspiring women here! JWA also hosts public programs; trains the thought leaders of tomorrow through the Rising Voices Fellowship; sparks conversation with its blog, podcast, and social media presence; and is a leading voice in feminist and Jewish spheres.
Join us! There are many ways to get involved with JWA, including:
- Subscribe to JWA’s podcast, “Can We Talk?”
- Read with the JWA Book Club
- Follow “Jewish Women, Amplified,” JWA’s popular blog on feminism, history makers, and current events
- Teach for a variety of educational settings
- Create a tribute to a special woman in your life (and add her to the archive) with We Celebrate
- Find unique merchandise, including the “Feminist History-Makers” series, in the JWA Shop
- Make a donation to support a resource and community like no other
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