Words of the Week: On Jewish Joy
I’ve been catching up with some podcasts this week—including a bonus episode of Ronit Plank’s Let’s Talk Memoir that was organized largely around Manna Songs: Stories of Jewish Culture & Heritage. The episode features three contributors to the Manna Songs anthology (Plank among them) as well as the book’s editor, Diane Gottlieb.
This was perfect end-of-year listening for me for a few reasons—including the fact that being asked to write the foreword to this book was one of the signal honors of my own 2025. But I also appreciated the reminders within about Jewish joy, as well as the affirmation of the power of community during trying times (including trying times within the literary sphere).
So I thought I’d share it with all of you, too.
Thank you, dear Erika, for this lovely, joyful spotlight! (And many thanks to Ronit for hosting us and putting the bonus episode together!) Editing Manna Songs has been an my great honor, as has connecting–and spreading Jewish joy–with so many of the contributors to the anthology. I know I speak for the whole Manna Songs crew when I say how grateful we all are for your wonderful foreword and your continued, generous support! Here’s to strengthening community in 2026!
Amen, Diane, and thank you!