Jean Meltzer has the unique distinction of being the world’s only Emmy-award winning, chronically-ill and disabled, rabbinical-school drop-out. Yet, it is this extraordinary background—coupled with a firm belief in holding onto your joy and seeking out happy endings—which forms the basis of her diverse work.
Jean received her BFA from New York University, Tisch School of the Arts, Department of Dramatic Writing in 2002. After graduation, she served as Creative Director of Tapestry International, an Oscar-winning television and film production company, where she oversaw the writing, development, and production for over 250-hours of children’s television, and won numerous awards for her work. In 2006, Jean moved to Israel to pursue a career in the rabbinate, and studied at several colleges and seminaries for five years.
She also became an outspoken advocate for the disease, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). In 2012, Jean ended her rabbinical studies and spent many years homebound due to this disease.
Today, Jean lives a joyful, chronically-fabulous, Jewish life in Virginia. She is the author of the internationally bestselling books The Matzah Ball, Mr. Perfect on Paper, and Kissing Kosher, and the recipient of several writing honors including Amazon Best Romance, Apple Best Book of October, Apple Best Audiobook of the Year, and Booklist Top Ten Romances for 2023. Her fourth book, Magical Meet Cute, publishes August 24 th, 2024.
Jean’s passion for joyful living extends beyond the page. Jean is an experienced speaker, having shared her incredible story with countless organizations across America. She is also the creator of the group Jewish Women Talk about Romance Books and The Jewish Joy Book Club, a monthly meet-up of over eight-hundred women reading novels that focus only on Jewish Joy and celebrating Jewish life. She is also a founding member of The Artists Against Antisemitism, established in 2023, which works with a diverse group of artists to combat antisemitism through fundraising and education.
She is also the host of the podcast, Chronically Fabulous with Jean Meltzer, produced in partnership with Zev Hurwich at Aeaea LLC, which highlights the achievements of the chronically disabled.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Jean prefers to work directly with her clients in order to tailor-craft an event that best suits their needs. Given her varied background, she has a unique understanding of the needs of the Jewish world, and is also able to speak from personal experience on issues of health, disability, aging, chronic illness, and advocacy. She is available for ted-talk style speeches, which she sprinkles with her signature brand of unapologetic joyfulness and humor, before summing it up neatly with her life-affirming and always-inspiring words of Torah, and Jewish wisdom.
In addition to creating a memorable event specially tailored to your needs, Jean is also able to include book readings, audience breakout sessions, sneak peeks of future books, and signings into any event.
No matter what the needs of your organization may be, Jean’s ultimate goal is simple. She wants to inspire all in attendance at one of her events to go out and create their own happy endings. She believes that brokenness is the key to crafting and creating a better world for all of us. To that affect, she has a personal interest in working with non-profits and organizations that are fundraising for good causes.
WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES
For those seeking longer or more specialized events from Jean, she is also available for a wide variety of workshops and classes. Some of the topics that Jean enjoys teaching and speaking about are:
- Writing Jewish Joy: Re-envisioning Jewish stories for a modern age.
- Making the Invisible Visible: Writing chronic illness and invisible disability on the page.
- Craft Basics: How understanding film structure can improve your novel.
- Pitch-Perfect Romance: Learn the secrets to writing tension-filled romance.
- Find Your Funny Bone: Improve comedic elements in your own work.
- Clergy Writing Seminar: For religious professionals interested in improving their sermon writing skills.
SELECTED PRESS
“The Matzah Ball had me laughing out loud… an all-around terrific read!” – Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times Best Seller
- A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK SELECTED BY *POPSUGAR *BUSTLE * BUZZFEED *BOOKRIOT *BOOKPAGE *GOODREADS MEMBERS
- BEST APPLE AUDIOBOOK OF 2021
- SOON TO BE A MAJOR MOTION FILM
https://deadline.com/2022/02/sugar23-jean-meltzer-the-matzah-ball-lance-ball-1234926423/
VIDEO LINKS
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=881266216083785
To book Jean Meltzer, contact Rob Firing at speakers@transatlanticagency.com.