Jewish Joy Con, Easy Gourmet & Lamb Koftas with Jean Meltzer

On this episode of Taste Buds with Deb, host Debra Eckerling speaks with Jewish romance author Jean Meltzer, founder of Jewish Joy Inc, which includes the Jewish Joy Book Club and the Jewish Joy Box.

Last week, Meltzer announced the inaugural Jewish Joy Con. The three-day cultural convention, set for March 13 to 15, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, will celebrate Jewish pop culture, storytelling and creativity through the lens of joy.

“This is a time right now where we need joy, especially Jewish joy,” she explains. “I just thought, ‘Let's get together and throw ComicCon meets Jewish summer camp.”

A romance author by trade, Meltzer has long been an advocate of joy. She says romance authors only have one rule in their books: “Your story must have a happy ending.”

While a lot of Jewish stories are focused on trauma - and rightly so - Meltzer tries to center her stories on happier moments. She has been chronically ill since age 18, so holding onto joy has helped her get through the most challenging moments.

To bring more joy into your life, Meltzer suggests taking a few seconds every day to be present, doing something you love; recognize the beautiful moments. It could be playing with your children, walking your dog or seeing someone you love laughing.

“And if it can be Jewish, even better, but it doesn't have to be,” Meltzer explains. “Joy is what will connect you to your universe.”

Jean Meltzer talks about Jewish Joy Con, more ways to bring joy into your life, and the importance of remembering to “stop and smell the rosemary.” She also shares some early food memories and tips for cooking “easy gourmet,” as she does, as well as her recipe for lamb kofta, which you can find at JewishJournal.com/podcasts.

Follow @JeanMeltzer on Instagram and Threads and JeanMeltzerAuthor on Facebook. Check out JeanMeltzer.com, Jewish-Joy.com and TheJewishJoyCon.com

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