Chutzpah, Wisdom and Wine: The Journey of an Unstoppable Woman

by Jodi Samuels

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

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 29, 2020

About the author

Jodi Samuels is an author, speaker, super mom and wife living in Jerusalem. She challenges mindsets and brings her passion for life to her work as a not-for-profit leader, community activist, disability advocate and entrepreneur.

In her memoir, Chutzpah, Wisdom and Wine: The Journey of an Unstoppable Woman, Jodi shows how she uses resilience — and a lot of humor — to face life’s challenges and come out on top.

Jodi founded Jewish International Connection in order to provide community for Jews living abroad and hosts hundreds of events a year.
She started Jodi’s Voice to inspire people to live their lives to the fullest, to overcome limiting perspectives and to challenge them to recognize how they can make a difference in their own world.
Jodi’s writing appears on her own blog as well as The Times of Israel, The Jerusalem Post, Aish HaTorah and the Jewish View.
Jodi lives in Jerusalem with her husband, Gavin, and their three children.

Reviews

[Heidi Slowinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally from South Africa, Jodi Samuels is a speaker, activist, author, and super mom. In her book, Chutzpah, Wisdom, and Wine, Jodi shares her inspiring mission to change the world. Her story is one of resilience and living Judaism in every way possible.

Samuels’ memoir demonstrates the importance of living the Jewish faith out loud. When life takes unexpected turns, Samuels approaches each challenge with grace, and a little humor. Her ability to overcome her shyness to become an activist to find her own voice is inspiring. Her writing style feels like siting down with a friend over a glass of wine. It’s hard to walk away from this book and not find yourself motivated to pursue your own goals.

[Andrew Blitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whatever you are reading at the moment, please put it aside and read this instead.

I have had the good fortune of meeting Jodi several times, and have always enjoyed reading her blogs and posts. She has consolidated her experiences and accomplishments into this book which is totally inspiring. Her down to earth approach, love of Judaism and hachnassat orchim, family, travel, and her advocacy for her daugher Caila is simply a joy to read.

[Gabor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I expect three things from a good autobiography, besides getting familiar with the author’s life: I gain new knowledge about an aspect of the world, through reading about a life I have not lived, I learn something about myself by comparing the author’s experiences with mine and I am entertained while reading it. You get all of this and much more from Jodi Samuels’ “Chutzpah, Wisdom and Wine: The Journey of an Unstoppable Woman.” The most inspiring, at least for Jewish readers, from these, is an outstanding example of how to live Torah/Jewish values with integrity and without compromise. The book also exposed me to the inner and outer challenges one can face as a parent of a child with Down syndrome and its systemic level causes of effects.

I am a subjective reader and reviewer. I am very conscious that when I read I compare and contrast the subject to my own experiences. I found quite a few similarities between Samuels and me, including actively working on being a (better) parent and a spouse, a fascination with peoples and places, an interest in traveling, a deep desire to make the world a better place. There are of course significant differences, but those are less interesting. I challenge you to read the book, discover how you are different from the author, and find out what you can learn from her. Or you can just enjoy the ride along with her as the book is filled with funny anecdotes, exciting adventures and sweet memories. Ironically, as she wrote on “No matter how much we study or read, experience is a more valuable education.” (page 229). So go ahead and internalize her motto too “My life motto is Lech lecha. Go. Or, just do it.” (page 174)

My full review

[Adam Klein · Rating 1 out of 5]

The reality is Jodi Samuels works for various Modern Orthodox organization and they are completely against women Rabbi's, even one is too much. She supports these Rabbis and quotes them. They are completely reactionary and to be honest it promotes misogyny that somehow one women Rabbi will change the character and making us not religious Jews. The fact is in the Torah Miriam and Deborah took on public roles. Deborah as a judge and the world didn't end. It is just an absurd position that promotes misogyny. Jodi basically supports this and of course she is successful because she is a good token women for this mentality and is so in love with herself she doesn't even realize that. The MO world needs token women to hide their problems. She instead picks on easy target men or complains that less men sign up for her events. Maybe they have less time or aren't interested but again she is oblivious that in her world the Rabbis are 100% men and are against any women in their profession and that she is fine with and openly supports. Yes, the best way to be a successful women sadly is to be the women that is a token women for men who are reactionary and exaggerate threats of allowing women in their ranks. Misogyny is a problem and I think Jodi is only enabling it.

[nalini singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks Jodi for writing this book! I bought it in Tel Aviv on my last trip (from Ireland) and read it to immerse myself in your life, imagining each big move, each decision you took in life! Thanks for being so outspoken and basically being you! it really made it easier for me to empathize/relate to the Israelis I know and work with :) More non Jewish people need to read such stories to propagate more empathy in the world ♥️ would love to have you on localhomey.com! We need more homeys like you!!

[Bonnie Berkovits · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book to all!! What an adventure!!! I cried, I laughed, it provoked thought. Jodi writes so beautifully, heartfelt, smart, hitting every possible note. She's so relatable, she's a tour de force!
You will want her to be your new best friend!! Here's to Chutzpah, Wisdom and Wine!

[Sara Goldenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed her journey. Quite good!!!!