Thoughtful takes on life through a Jewish lens
Bylines and Blessings is a phrase that is very meaningful to me. It’s the name of my memoir published in 2024 that relates stories about the clash between my ambition to build a career as a journalist and my growing dedication to make Jewish values primary, personally and professionally. These inspiring and often very funny stories reveal how I eventually found the blessings through the bylines, spreading small sparks of Jewish wisdom through my essays and features.
I began this Substack to connect with more readers who wouldn’t otherwise find me through my columns in the Jewish Journal or elsewhere. In this space, I write about life from my Jewish lens: spiritual struggles, perspectives on marriage, motherhood, grandmotherhood, book reviews, and life’s absurdities, large and small. I’ll also share helpful ideas about developing a writing craft.
No paywall, but paid subscriptions are most appreciated
Every two weeks (more or less) you’ll receive a newsletter, available to all. However, a paid subscription brings you a gift copy of Bylines and Blessings (digital downloads for subscribers outside the U.S.) and discounts on my editing and coaching services. It also supports my work.
About me
Growing up, I was drawn to written words–both reading them voraciously and writing them continuously.
I began my writing career in the health care field, and sold my first freelance humor pieces by age 22 to the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner, the scrappy underdog newspaper to the Los Angeles Times.
Since then, I’ve written 5 books, including my memoirs Bylines and Blessings and The Skeptic and the Rabbi, both works of my heart. I’m an award-winning columnist for the Jewish Journal, where in 2024 my work earned First Place in Commentary from the American Jewish Press Association’s Simon Rockower Awards, and Second Place for Book Reviews from the L.A. Press Club’s Southern California Journalism Awards.
My work has also been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, Christian Science Monitor, Boston Globe, New York Daily News, Los Angeles Times, Aish.com, Jewish Action, Chabad.org, and many other outlets.
I am also an experienced, insightful, and sensitive editor, and love working with clients as either a writing coach and/or developmental editor. In either role, I guide them through the organic and revelatory process of realizing their visions of a professionally written and edited article or book. I’ve worked with writers on memoirs, as well as on Jewish philosophy, business communications, alternative health journeys, and more.
“Judy has been a book coach exemplar, guiding and encouraging me along the way to help take my writing to an entirely new level, from a great story to a deep and enriching memoir. I am extremely grateful for her skill and expertise, and of course, her sensitivity and humor, evident in everything she does.” — Terry Magady, Attorney at Law, The Elder Law Center
“Judy enhanced my book in so many ways with her professionalism and attention to detail. At the same time, she really works with the client, never heavy-handed, but rather with a sense of respect and collaboration. I recommend her work highly!” — Ruchi Koval, author, Soul Construction: Shape Your Character Using 8 Steps from the Timeless Jewish Practice of Mussar"
It is a privilege and joy for me to be able to share my writing with you, and I welcome your readership and your feedback on my newsletter.
