Rabbi Ellen Jaffe-Gill
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  • Lifecycle Officiant
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    • No Big Deal
    • Embracing the Stranger
    • The Jewish Woman’s Book of Wisdom
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Ellen has produced three books, all issued by major publishers: 
  • No Big Deal, a novel for middle-school kids 
  • Embracing the Stranger: Intermarriage and the Future of the American Jewish Community, a nonfiction book about Jewish-Gentile intermarriage 
  • The Jewish Woman’s Book of Wisdom, a collection of short writings by Jewish women. 

You can buy all three books right here! 


Ellen is also a versatile and engaging journalist and commentator. She’s been writing for publication since she was a teenager, and has contributed to both Jewish and general publications. Ellen has written major feature stories and op-ed columns for Moment magazine and The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles, and she’s reviewed dozens of books, both fiction and nonfiction, for publications as disparate as the Baltimore Jewish Times and The Hollywood Reporter. Many of her pieces have been reprinted in other periodicals and posted on websites. 

Here are a few of Ellen’s pieces:
The Silver-Haired Bar Mitzvah Boy 
The Jewish Journal, August 12, 2005 
Ellen’s husband had his bar mitzvah ceremony at 47: think about it, guys. 

No News Is Bad News
The Jewish Journal, January 25, 2002

Midlife Rabbis (PDF) 
Moment, December 2000 
A look at rabbis and cantors whose callings not only led to second or third careers but who didn’t complete their training until after — often well after — age 40. 

A Modest Proposal 
The Jewish Journal, December 15, 2000 
Let’s give gifts on a Jewish holiday other than Chanukah. 

Called to the Torah
The Jewish Journal, May 12, 2000 

Does The Reader Deserve Oprah? (PDF)
JBooks.com, April 1999

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom (PDF) 
Baltimore Jewish Times, December 19, 1997 
includes interview with the author 

Converts: Reminding Us What Being Jewish Is All About (PDF) 
Moment, August 1996 
As more and more people join the tribe, they bring fresh enthusiasm to a community that often takes itself for granted.