About Jean
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 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, publishes August 24th, 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. And, she is 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.
Jean is represented by Carolyn Forde and Marilyn Biderman at Transatlantic Agency (literary), Addison Duffy and Jasmine Lake at United Talent Agency (film), and Rob Firing at Transatlantic Agency (speakers).
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For rights inquiries and blurb requests: Carolyn Forde and Marilyn Biderman at Transatlantic Agency
For film and television: Addison Duffy and Jasmine Lake at United Talent Agency
For media inquiries, publicity, and ARCs: Laura Gianino at HarperCollins
For speaking engagements and private events: Rob Firing at Transatlantic Agency
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 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, publishes August 27th, 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. And, she is 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.
Jean is represented by Carolyn Forde and Marilyn Biderman at Transatlantic Agency (literary), Addison Duffy and Jasmine Lake at United Talent Agency (film), and Rob Firing at Transatlantic Agency (speakers).
***
For rights inquiries and blurb requests: Carolyn Forde and Marilyn Biderman at Transatlantic Agency
For film and television: Addison Duffy and Jasmine Lake at United Talent Agency
For media inquiries, publicity, and ARCs: Laura Gianino at HarperCollins
For speaking engagements and private events: Rob Firing at Transatlantic Agency