Jewish Women in Medieval Times - Recommended Reading List

Jewish Women in Medieval Times
Recommended Reading Lists

There have not been many books written that specifically address the history of Jewish Women in the Middle Ages. However, here are a few dedicated books on the subject, along with a few that included relevant information on the topic.

Four Centuries of Jewish Women's Spirituality: A Sourcebook, by Ellen M. Umansky and Dianne Ashton.
The first section of this book covers the period from 1560 to 1800, and as such does contain some, although not much, information on the writings of Jewish women from the 16th centurie. Most of the works in this volume are more modern in nature, however it is still a helpful resource for those studying the lives of Jewish Women during the Medieval period.
The Jew in the Medieval World: A Source Book, 315-1791, by Jacob Rader Marcus.
This book contains several sections that pertain specifically to Jewish women during the Medieval period.
Memoirs of Glueckel of Hameln , by Gluckel.
A detailed memoir that begins in 1690, which was written by a German Jewish widow.
Mothers and Children: Jewish Family Life in Medieval Europe, by Elisheva Baumgarten.
Pious and Rebellious: Jewish Women in Medieval Europe, by Avraham Grossman.
The Woman Who Defied Kings: The Life and Times of Dona Gracia Nasi, by Andrée Aelion Brooks.
This is a biography of Beatrice de Luna Mendes (1510-1569), best known as Dona Gracia. She was a wealthy Marrano who became one of the most influential women of her time.
Written Out of History: Our Jewish Foremothers, by Emily Taitz and Sondra Henry.
This book includes references to several medieval Jewish women.

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