ABOUT US
​Jewish Joy, LLC—registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia—was founded by international bestselling author Jean Meltzer, who envisioned a new, non-traditional way to build lasting Jewish community through a shared love of literature, storytelling, and culture. What began as a personal mission to celebrate Jewish joy through fiction has since grown into a vibrant umbrella organization encompassing Jewish Women Talk About Romance Books, The Jewish Joy Book Club, The Jewish Joy Box, Jewish Joy Con, Jewish Joy Publishing, and Jewish Joy Media.
OUR TEAM
Jean Meltzer, Founder and CEO
Dubbed “The Queen of Jewish Romance,” Jean Meltzer is an international bestseller and the author of five novels: The Matzah Ball, Mr. Perfect on Paper, Kissing Kosher, Magical Meet Cute, and The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah. Her work has been widely recognized, earning accolades including Amazon Best Romance, Apple Books Best Book of October, Apple Best Audiobook of the Year, Booklist’s Top Ten Romances of 2023, and LibraryReads.
Jean’s commitment to uplifting Jewish stories and voices has made her a leading figure in Jewish literary advocacy. She has served as a judge for the National Jewish Book Awards, is a founding member of The Artists Against Antisemitism, and is the creator and host of the podcast Chronically Fabulous with Jean Meltzer, where she explores storytelling, chronic illness, disability, and resilience with wit and heart.
A sought-after speaker and panelist, Jean regularly speaks on topics such as authentic representation, Jewish joy, and writing through adversity. Her work is informed by personal experience—most notably her decades-long journey with chronic illness and her background in Jewish learning and media. Prior to becoming an author, she studied dramatic writing at NYU Tisch and built a successful career in television, earning multiple accolades including a National Daytime Emmy Award.
In 2006, Jean left the entertainment industry and moved to Israel to study in rabbinical school, seeking a deeper connection to her faith and identity. Though her studies were eventually cut short due to her health, the experience profoundly shaped her voice and purpose as a writer. When her father encouraged her to write a book—“just not a Jewish one, because no one reads those”—she defied that advice, and, in doing so, helped transform the landscape of Jewish commercial fiction.
Jean is represented by Carolyn Forde and Marilyn Biderman at Transatlantic Agency (literary), Addison Duffy and Jasmine Lake at United Talent Agency (film), and Rob Firing at Transatlantic Agency (speakers).
Jannete Djemal, Creative Director
Jannete Djemal is a Sephardic-Jewish designer specializing in everything from marketing, to packaging, to branding design. When she isn’t out solving creative problems, she’s probably out somewhere exploring the city, spending many hours in bookstores, or yelling about fictional characters.
Xhevair "Jev" Maskuli, CTO
Xhevair "Jev" Maskuli is a U.S. Army Veteran with over 20 years of experience in the public sector and IT industry across a diverse portfolio of products, missions and government organizations. He has numerous awards from his time in the U.S. Army, as a Government Consultant, and Solution Architect. He is also a lover of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Jewish Romance novels.
Shiying Gao, Procurement Manager
Originally from China and bringing over a decade of experience in production and design, Shiying Gao brings an expert eye and a refined touch to everything she creates at Jewish Joy. She is passionate about elevating everyday items into meaningful, beautiful pieces that resonate with our community. On weekends, you can find her treasure-hunting at estate sales for vintage jewelry, where her love for craftsmanship and unique design truly shines.
Tracey Kumer, Publicity & Events
With over 20 years of combined experience in consultative sales, customer service, and destination wedding/event planning, Tracey is thrilled to be your Publicity & Events Manager. She finds fulfillment in creating and participating in meaningful experiences that inspire, educate, and celebrate life, learning, connection and love. A curious and creative soul, she is an avid reader (Jewish Romance, of course), explorer of natural wonders, and enthusiast of Jewish/world cultures, history, music, food and the arts.
Heidi Shertok, Contributor
Heidi Shertok is a romance author, breast cancer survivor, and Jewish activist. She is a founding member of Artists Against Antisemitism, and Facebook group Jewish Women Talk About Romance Books and The Jewish Joy Book Club. When she isn’t writing or arguing with bots on social media, she can be found talking to herself while admiring other people’s gardens.