5 Common Writing Mistakes Jewish Authors Make and How to Avoid Them

As a Jewish author or writer incorporating Jewish themes, characters, or history into your book, it's essential to navigate the unique challenges that come with accurately portraying Jewish culture and identity. Whether you're working on a historical novel, memoir, or contemporary fiction, these five common writing mistakes are easily avoidable with the right knowledge and guidance. By understanding the nuances of Jewish life and culture, you can ensure that your work resonates authentically with readers.

In this post, we'll explore common mistakes Jewish authors make and provide tips on how to avoid them to ensure your book reflects the richness and diversity of Jewish life.

Jewish culture is not one-size-fits-all. Jewish communities span across the globe, from Ashkenazi Jews in Eastern Europe to Sephardic Jews from Spain and the Middle East, as well as Mizrachi Jews from North Africa and Jews from Ethiopia and other regions. A common mistake is portraying all Jewish characters as if they share the same customs, dialects, and experiences.

How to Avoid It: It's crucial to recognize that Jewish culture is incredibly diverse. If your book includes Jewish characters, research the specific background and traditions of the community they belong to. Whether you're writing about a Sephardic family in Israel or an Ashkenazi family in America, make sure their customs, food, language, and experiences reflect their specific heritage.

If you're unsure, consider working with a Jewish editor or sensitivity reader who has a deep understanding of the different Jewish cultural groups.

From keeping kosher to observing Shabbat, Jewish religious practices can vary widely depending on the level of observance. Misrepresenting these practices or using the wrong terminology can confuse your readers and undermine the authenticity of your writing.

How to Avoid It: Take time to learn about Jewish religious practices, especially if you're writing about a specific sect (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform) or religious observance. Whether it's explaining the intricacies of Jewish prayer or accurately depicting kosher food laws, make sure you understand what you're writing about. If you have doubts, reach out to a Jewish editor who can guide you.

Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, and Arabic are languages deeply intertwined with Jewish culture, particularly for Jews who have lived in various countries and regions throughout history. Using these languages incorrectly or out of context can lead to misrepresentation.

• Hebrew is the language of Jewish religious texts and modern Israel.
• Yiddish is often associated with Ashkenazi Jewish culture and is widely spoken by Jewish communities in Eastern Europe and North America.
• Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) is used by Sephardic Jews and contains elements of Old Spanish, Hebrew, and other regional languages.
• Arabic has deep ties to many Jewish communities, particularly among Mizrachi Jews from the Middle East and North Africa.

How to Avoid It: If your book features Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, or Arabic phrases, make sure you're using them appropriately and in the right context. For example, Hebrew-speaking Jews might incorporate Arabic phrases into their speech due to the historical overlap of Jewish and Arabic communities in the Middle East. If your characters are from a Sephardic or Mizrachi background, consider how they might use Ladino or Arabic expressions.

But it's also crucial not to make assumptions about language. For example, a Yemenite character could very well use Yiddish expressions if they grew up with Ashkenazi neighbors, or a Mizrachi character might have learned Ashkenazi cooking traditions and passed them down. Jewish culture has always been fluid, with shared traditions and exchanges between communities. My own Yemenite grandmother learned Yiddish from Ashkenazi neighbors, while my father, who spoke Hebrew and Arabic, often used Yiddish expressions, something that might be unfamiliar to many but is deeply authentic. Never assume that cultural boundaries are strict or unbreakable—they're often much more porous than we think.

If you're unfamiliar with these languages, it's essential to work with an editor who is fluent in Hebrew and has knowledge of Ladino and Arabic phrases. As someone with expertise in these languages, I can help ensure that your use of these terms is accurate and culturally appropriate.

Jewish history is incredibly rich and spans thousands of years, from ancient Israel to the Holocaust, the creation of the State of Israel, and beyond. Overlooking the historical context of Jewish life or simplifying complex events can lead to inaccuracies and misrepresentations.

How to Avoid It: Research the historical period your story is set in thoroughly. Whether your novel takes place during the Holocaust, the founding of Israel, or the modern day, understanding the historical significance of events and how they shape Jewish characters is vital. If you're writing about a specific historical event, consult credible sources or work with a Jewish sensitivity reader to ensure that your depiction is accurate.

Jewish identity is layered and complex. It's more than just religion; it's tied to family, community, culture, history, and personal experiences. Many writers make the mistake of oversimplifying Jewish identity or reducing their characters to stereotypes.

How to Avoid It: When writing Jewish characters, think about how their cultural background influences their worldview, relationships, and decisions. Does your character struggle with the weight of Jewish history? Do they have a deep connection to their faith or a complicated relationship with it? Show the emotional complexity of your characters to reflect the diversity of Jewish identity.

By avoiding these common writing mistakes, you can create a more authentic and nuanced portrayal of Jewish characters and culture in your book. Whether you're writing historical fiction, contemporary fiction, or memoir, respecting the diversity and complexity of Jewish identity will enhance your storytelling.

Are you a Jewish author in need of an experienced editor?

If you want to ensure your book reflects cultural accuracy and authenticity, working with a Jewish book editor or sensitivity reader can help you avoid these common pitfalls. As a professional editor with deep knowledge of Jewish culture, fluency in Hebrew, and expertise in Ladino and Arabic, I can assist in refining your manuscript to ensure it resonates with readers while maintaining the integrity of your characters and themes.

Contact me today to discuss how I can help bring your Jewish-themed manuscript to its fullest potential!