Welcome back, Just For This listeners! Each week, host Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch (she/her) interviews women in leadership about women and leadership. Inspired by the story of Esther, we feature powerful stories of women who stand out in their fields, who have stepped up just for this moment. 

Our guest today is Jean Meltzer, bestselling author of books like The Matzah Ball, Kissing Kosher, Magical Meet Cute, and more. Jean's commitment to uplifting Jewish stories and voices had made her a leading figure in Jewish literary advocacy.

Jean is the founder and CEO of Jewish Joy LLC, the umbrella organization to Jewish Women Talk About Romance Books, The Jewish Joy Book Club, and The Jewish Joy Box. Her work is informed by personal experience—most notably her decades-long journey with chronic illness and her background in Jewish learning and media.

We discuss how all of her stories about Jewish life also involve Jewish holidays, what it means to hold on to faith when it feels impossible, and the importance of Jewish stories with happy endings, especially after the last few years in the Jewish world.

Jean's books are available for purchase from major book distributors and on her website. Follow Just For This on Instagram: @justforthispodcast

Welcome back, Just For This listeners! Each week, host Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch (she/her) interviews women in leadership about women and leadership. Inspired by the story of Esther, we feature powerful stories of women who stand out in their fields, who have stepped up just for this moment. 

Our guest today is Shira Berkovits, President and CEO of Sacred Spaces. She has worked with Jewish communities across five continents to prevent, handle, and heal from institutional abuse. Bringing a uniquely Jewish lens, Shira partners with leaders to build healthy and accountable institutions, whose culture and daily operations foster sacredness and reduce the risk of harassment, abuse, and other forms of interpersonal harm.

We talk about curiosity, the importance of community and self-care in this heavy profession, and the ways that we shift our work as professionals to meet the moment.

Follow Just For This on Instagram: @justforthispodcast