Language:
English
Year of publication:
2019
Titel der Quelle:
Jewish History
Angaben zur Quelle:
32,2-4 (2019) 411-418
Keywords:
Sisters
;
Correspondence
;
Scribes History To 1500
;
Families History To 1500
;
Cairo Genizah
Abstract:
Any discussion of women’s letters involves a consideration of levels of literacy, the use of scribes, and an examination of linguistic registers. The use of a scribe does not necessarily mean that the sender was illiterate but possibly means that she was interested in having a more appropriate literary style featured in the letter. The frequency of travel in Geniza society augmented the need for epistolary exchanges, especially for families contending with separations, which were often lengthy. The sample letter presented reflects the strong ties between two sisters as well as their concerns. These women cared for one another deeply and did not hesitate to express their feelings clearly. Correspondence was often problematic as the mail did not always reach its destination; thus, family members constantly worried about one another.
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