Cynthia Ozick (born April 17, 1928) is an American short story writer, novelist, and essayist. She is known for her sharp wit, intellectual depth, and exploration of Jewish identity. Ozick's work often focuses on the conflict between assimilation and tradition in modern Jewish life. Her works have received numerous honors, including two O. Henry Awards, the National Book Critics Circle Award, and the PEN/Nabokov Award.