By Sue Littauer

The Center for Jewish Learning( CJL) Book Club is bringing us an early Chanukah present! On Dec. 10, Jewish romance author Jean

Meltzer will join us over Zoom to discuss her new book The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah as well as her broader body of work and the personal challenges she has faced for decades.

I was hooked on Meltzer when I read her debut, The Matzah Ball, about a popular author who loves Christmas but keeps her Jewish identity a secret. In Mr. Perfect on Paper, she tells the story of a Jewish matchmaker, whose own“ Mr. Perfect list” is broadcast on air by her well-meaning bubbe. Her next delightful rom-com Kissing Kosher is an emotional“ rivals-to-romance” novel about two long-established kosher family bakeries vying for the best babka recipe. And in Magical Meets Cute, readers are left wondering whether the“ lawyer-turned-potter” heroine has met the man of her dreams— or somehow summoned a golem.

Considering how much I enjoyed those novels, I couldn’ t wait to read The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah, published Oct. 21. Described by Amanda Elliot, author of Love You a Latke, as“ a tender second-chance romance bursting with Jewish joy,” this Hanukkah novel does not disappoint. As in all Meltzer’ s work, the themes of love, romance and Jewish joy are woven together through the story of a protagonist living with a chronic illness.

Dubbed the“ Queen of Jewish Romance,” Meltzer is a sought-after speaker and panelist, as well as a leading advocate for Jewish

literary representation. She regularly speaks on topics such as authentic representation, Jewish joy and writing through adversity. Her work is deeply informed by her own experiences— including her decades-long journey with chronic illness and her background in Jewish learning and media.

Before becoming an author, Meltzer studied dramatic writing and built a successful career in television, earning numerous awards including a Daytime Emmy. She later moved to Israel in 2006 to study in rabbinical school to deepen her faith and Jewish identity. Though her studies were cut short due to her health challenges, those experiences shaped her voice and purpose as a writer. For more information, visit www. jeanmeltzer. com

Jean Meltzer will join the CJL Book Club over Zoom on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 10:30 AM. For the Zoom link or more information about joining the Book Club, email sueb. littauer @ jewishcharlotte. org.

If you’ re looking for warm,

heartfelt, uplifting reading infused with Jewish tradition, look no further than the novels of Jean Meltzer— all available in the Levine-Sklut

Judaic Library and Resource Center.

The CJE Book Club meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 10:30 am in Room A110 at Shalom Park. All books are available at the Levine-Sklut Judaic Library at the Center for Jewish Education.

Dec. 10 The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah by Jean Meltzer. Jean Meltzer will be joining via zoom

Contact sueb. littauer @ jewishcharlotte. org for questions

By Elizabeth Breyer Johnson

On a chilly Saturday night, the Levine JCC transformed into a lively scene of lights, laughter and countless hands of luck as partygoers gathered for the first-ever Casino Night, featuring the thrill of poker, blackjack, roulette, craps and more.

The crowd mingled over music

and cocktails, cheering as chips stacked high across the tables. Between hands, guests sampled delicious hors d’ oeuvres, toasted new friends and soaked in the spirit of connection that defines the Levine JCC.

The event supported the launch of the JBORHOOD Program, a new initiative designed

to bring members together through shared experiences, friendship and fun. True to the Levine JCC’ s mission, kehilah— community— remains at its core.

Exciting raffle prizes, animated conversation and the pulse of jazz carried the night, setting the tone for what many hope will become a new Levine JCC tradition.

With more JBORHOOD gatherings already in the works, soon, members can look forward to even more ways to connect.