New York Jewish Travel Guide sat down (virtually) with Jodi Samuels to ask a few questions about her new book, “Chutzpah, Wisdom, and Wine: Journey of an Unstoppable Woman”. The following interview is edited for clarity and length.
NYJTG: As a busy mom-entrepreneur “Chutzpah, Wisdom and Wine” is a highly inspirational and engaging true-life account and a recipe for women who are balancing family and career. Can you share some examples of how you are balancing all of these tasks?

NYJTG: You and your husband have devoted considerable time and energy to hosting Shabbat dinners to thousands of Jews from all over the world over the years. Can you share with us some of the great stories from these Shabbat events such as couples meeting, new business connections being formed, etc.?
NYJTG? Learning from your book, you are a strong advocate for Children with Down’s Syndrome and this topic was a major portion of your memoir. Can you shed some light on why and what had prompted you to take this stand?
Jodi Samuels: I never expected that living in Manhattan in 2010 in one the wealthiest Jewish communities in the world that my daughter would be denied the right to a spot in a 2-year-old program in a local Jewish Day School based on her diagnoses. I soon realized we were not the only people and I needed to take a stand for what was right. Without awareness and education, you cannot make a change.
NYJTG: You and your family are world travelers, originally from South Africa, and have shared experiences with thousands of people from all over the world through all the Shabbat dinners and events. Can you highlight the challenges of your travel for keeping kosher and observing the Shabbat?

NYJTG: Thank you, Jodi, for your time and all the information you shared with us. I really appreciated it, as will our readers.
For more information, visit:
https://jicny.com/content/jodi-samuels-1
Meyer Harroch – New York Jewish Travel Guide
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