Gruen’s columns in Jewish and secular media highlight a fearless infusion of traditional Jewish values, presented with wry humor and trenchant insights, for a general audience.
A self-described “reluctant ba’alat teshuva,” Judy Gruen writes with keen insights and sharp wit about marriage, motherhood, women’s issues, and trying to live within a Torah framework in the modern world. Her latest book is the memoir, “The Skeptic and the Rabbi,” and her essays have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Jewish Journal, Aish.com, and dozens of other media outlets.
To book Judy as a speaker at your next event, please contact bookings agent Niva Taylor at nivayael@gmail.com.
Programs:
1. WHAT A 3,300 YEAR-OLD BOOK TAUGHT ME ABOUT LIFE, LOVE, AND BECOMING MY BEST SELF
This presentation offers entertaining and poignant readings from the memoir, “The Skeptic and the Rabbi: Falling in Love with Faith,” why this book needed to be written, surprising reactions to it from Jews and non-Jews, and a Q and A with the audience.
2. WHAT’S A NICE FEMINIST LIKE YOU DOING ON THIS SIDE OF THE MECHITZA?
Women who are Torah observant have enormous impact in their communities, far beyond the limiting stereotype of a home-bound woman shackled by many children and even more loads of laundry. Shining a light on how traditional Jewish women have been changemakers, from the times of the Bible until now.
3. WOULD YOU LIKE TO WRITE A MEMOIR?
Memoir writing is hugely popular these days. Whether you want to provide a lasting legacy for family and friends, or write a memoir with commercial appeal, this nuts-and-bolts presentation will explain the difference between autobiography and memoir; identifying a theme; and how to organize your material to shine the light on your most defining experiences. Memoir writing can be enormously gratifying creatively but can quickly become emotionally overwhelming. This workshop will get you started on the right road, and will include resources with recommended books and in-depth courses on memoir writing.
Genres: Comedy, Family, Women & Judaism
Endorsements
The Reception Was Overwhelmingly Positive
“Judy’s appearance drew a larger crowd than normal and the reception was overwhelmingly positive. She discussed her latest book, reading excerpts and also sharing her impetus for writing it. The Q and A was lively, and I received very positive feedback from attendees and regrets from many who couldn’t attend. It was a pleasure working with her and I would highly recommend Judy as a speaker.”
Judy Was Phenomenal!
“Judy Gruen spoke at my JWWS 2019 both as a main speaker — which was phenomenal — and as a workshop leader. Her workshop was so popular that we had to close registration down early because it was filled to over-capacity!
I’ve worked with many speakers and writers over the years as the Director of the JWWS — Judy stands out as someone who not only speaks and presents well, but delivers content that is relevant, useful and full of immediate takeaways for the whole audience.”
Touching and Amusing
“Judy’s wonderful presentation was both touching and amusing. She drew a full-house crowd, and inspired all of us to think about our interactions with all of our fellow Jews and to strive to show warmth and understanding rather than judgment. I have had very positive feedback about her talk.”
