This week we are joined by Jean Meltzer! Jean has the unique distinction of being the world’s only Emmy-award winning, chronically-ill and disabled, rabbinical-school drop-out. She is the author of the internationally bestselling book 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, published August 27th, 2024. 

Jean is an experienced speaker, having shared her incredible story of chronic disability and found Judaism with countless organizations across America, from Jewish philanthropic groups to Google. She is also the founder Jewish Joy, LLC and the creator of Jewish Women Talk about Romance Books and The Jewish Joy Book Club, a monthly meet-up of over two thousand women reading novels that focus only on Jewish Joy and celebrating Jewish life. In July 2024, she also launched The Jewish Joy Box, the first Jewish book box exclusively focused on joy. (www.thejewishjoybox.com)

In addition, Jean continues to use her large social media platform for advocacy. In 2023, she became a founding member of The Artists Against Antisemitism, 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 tips, tricks, and achievements of the chronically disabled.

In this episode, we discuss growing up in New Jersey, writing as escapism, being business savvy, having a chronic illness, antisemitism, authenticity, and so much more. You don’t want to miss our discussion about Jean’s regiment to manage her busy life while also being disabled. Give this episode a listen! 

Recommendations From This Episode:

Magical Meet Cute 

Shiva Baby

When Harry Met Sally

Follow Jean Meltzer: @jeanmeltzer

Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag

Follow Emily: @thefunnywalsh

Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod

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