The New York Jewish Travel Guide conducted a virtual interview with Jodi Samuels to delve into her latest book, “Chutzpah, Wisdom, and Wine: The Journey of an Unstoppable Woman.” The edited conversation is presented below for clarity and conciseness.
NYJTG: In “Chutzpah, Wisdom, and Wine,” you offer a captivating true-life narrative and a guide for women navigating the delicate balance between family and career. Could you provide specific examples of how you effectively manage these diverse responsibilities?
Jodi Samuels: I firmly subscribe to the belief that true success encompasses various dimensions. Balancing family, community, and work is key. Personally, I maintain a lifestyle with minimal sleep and a nightly ritual of outlining the next day’s tasks. Moreover, I adhere to the principle of working hard and playing hard, ensuring my husband and I have a dedicated night out every evening without exception.
NYJTG: Your dedication to hosting Shabbat dinners for a diverse range of Jews worldwide is truly commendable. Could you share some memorable stories from these events, such as couples finding love or new business connections being forged?
Jodi Samuels: Absolutely! We’ve witnessed 128 couples tie the knot at our events, many of whom met at our Shabbat dinners. It’s become a running joke that the best matches are often the friends who first meet at our Shabbat table and later become roommates.
One heartwarming story involves a young lady from Australia whom we hosted for a meal before she was married. Years later, in Jerusalem, while house hunting, she recognized us from New York. Despite a bidding war for the property, she insisted her husband sell it to us, knowing we would use it for a good cause. Interestingly, the real estate agent we used was also a frequent guest during her time in New York.
Our guests come from diverse backgrounds, including politicians, campus leaders, and business professionals, all with the aim of portraying Israel positively. Once, we hosted a group of Palestinians who had immigrated to Canada. Initially hesitant about joining Israelis for a meal, by the end, there were tears and messages of goodwill. Their perception of Israelis had completely transformed.
We also host Chinese business missions keen on understanding the impact of Jewish values and Torah on global success. I often joke that it takes two South Africans in Jerusalem to influence Israel’s foreign investment over a Shabbat meal.
NYJTG: In your book, you strongly advocate for children with Down’s syndrome, making it a significant part of your memoir. What inspired you to take a stand on this issue?
Jodi Samuels: Living in Manhattan in 2010, in one of the wealthiest Jewish communities globally, I was shocked when my daughter was denied a spot in a local Jewish Day School’s 2-year-old program based on her Down’s Syndrome diagnosis. This experience, unfortunately, wasn’t unique to us, and it became clear that standing up for what was right was necessary. I felt compelled to raise awareness and promote education because change can only happen with understanding.
NYJTG: Being world travelers originating from South Africa, your family has engaged with thousands of people globally through Shabbat dinners and events. Could you share some challenges you’ve faced while traveling to keep kosher and observe Shabbat?
Jodi Samuels: Traveling while adhering to kosher and observing Shabbat comes with its own set of challenges. For instance, in India, we carried five bags—two filled with clothes and three with food. Cuba posed unique difficulties, especially in obtaining eggs and fresh produce. I’ve become quite adept at preparing meals using a toasted sandwich machine.
Once, at a lodge in a national park, all concessions were closed for the season, and the BBQs were put away. We were left without the basics, like bread and cereal. With meat in a cooler box from New York, cooking in the room was prohibited, but with some persuasive efforts, the manager reluctantly allowed my husband to use a grill outside.
Setting up our pop-up sukkah in unconventional places is another adventure. Last year, it was in an African game park on the terrace of our cabin, sharing the sukkah with monkeys—a truly unique experience!
NYJTG: Thank you, Jodi, for generously sharing your time and insights with us. We truly appreciate the valuable information you’ve provided, and we believe our readers will find it equally enlightening.
For those seeking more information, you can visit:
Amazon – “Chutzpah, Wisdom, and Wine: Journey of an Unstoppable Woman”
Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide
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