From Johannesburg to Jerusalem, with a stopover in Manhattan, Jodi Samuel’s mission is to change the world, one small, unique step at a time. As an entrepreneur, international speaker, special needs advocate and super mom, on any given day you may find Jodi starting a new business, organizing a community event or conducting an interview with the Wall Street Journal while riding a camel in Morocco.
But if you’re one of the thousands who’ve attended her events, you may be surprised to learn that Jodi was once petrified to take the stage. Jodi’s ability to lead grew with experience, determination, faith and courage. Jodi recounts the seminal moments that shaped her life from being held up at gunpoint in South Africa to living under rocket attacks in Israel and the shocking diagnosis of Down syndrome for her youngest child that turned her into a passionate advocate for children with special needs.
Jodi shows us that with passion, resilience and humor, we can face life’s challenges and come out on top. Her inspiring journey, peppered with a dose of irreverence, is about learning to overcome fear, adapting to unexpected situations and applying time-honored Jewish values to everyday challenges. In short, it’s a story of playing — and winning — the hand you are dealt.
“Chutzpah, Wisdom, and Wine is a thought-provoking memoir written by an author who lives Judaism in the most active and positive way possible. This book shares with the reader profound insights about her experiences of the world in a fun, relatable way.”
Michael Bassin, Author of I am not a Spy
“Having worked closely with Jodi for over a decade as chairman of JICNY, I’m so excited for you to read her story. I’ve already had the privilege to observe, and sometimes ride, in real time, much of this rollercoaster of a book. That’s why I recommend that you read it the way I tried to experience it in real time; twice. Once for the stories that will tug at your heartstrings and inspire your spirit. And once for the invaluable personal lessons you can glean from these true tales if you work to apply them to your own difficult struggles and joyous opportunities.”
Jeff Stier, Former Chairman at JICNY, senior fellow at Taxpayers Protection Alliance
“If anyone understands the challenges of busy mom-entrepreneurs it is Jodi Samuels. Chutzpah, Wisdom and Wine is a recipe for women who are balancing family and career while also not giving up on our passions. We can glean much from Jodi’s example of Jewish outreach as a super hostess of hundreds of events and Shabbat dinners a year. Jodi’s experiences are both inspiring and hilarious as she carved her own path and niche in the world on her long route to Israel.”
Jamie Geller, Israeli-American food writer, celebrity chef, television producer and businesswoman
“Jodi Samuels has written a book that is highly inspirational and engaging—a true-life account that weaves bold honesty with unrelenting courage.”
David J. Lieberman, Ph.D., Noted Psychotherapist, internationally acclaimed speaker and New York Times bestselling author
“Holding no punches, Chutzpah, Wisdom and Wine is a fresh reminder of the relevance of one’s heritage in today’s demanding world. Jodi takes us on her journey from downtown New York to Jerusalem, with a behind-the-curtain look as to how Jewish values shape her everyday life as mother, wife, community leader and immigrant. Expect to laugh a lot along the way.”
David Kramer, Author of State of The Heart and social entrepreneur
