“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
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 television, and won numerous awards for her work, including a National Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Series.
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 the next decade homebound due to this disease.
Today, Jean lives a thriving, chronically-fabulous, Jewish life in Virginia. She sees her challenges as part of a larger journey and is eager to share her stories with others. Her first book, The Matzah Ball, was published by Mira in 2021. It has been optioned for film, and is currently in development with Sugar23, Lance Bass Productions, Brett Gursky, and Ben Savage producing.
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
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.