From Struggle to Strength

YOU MAY KNOW Jackie Goldschneider from “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” (RHONJ), but this longtime Tenafly resident has built a multifaceted career that reaches far beyond reality television. With experience as a lawyer, writer and now an advocate, Goldschneider has always felt called to use her voice and platform for meaningful impact.

Before settling in Tenafly, Goldschneider lived in Manhattan with her husband, working as a lawyer specializing in mergers and acquisitions, later transitioning into divorce and real estate law. As her family began to grow, she realized that life in the city was no longer suitable. She began searching for a home in the suburbs, close enough for her husband to commute to work but spacious enough to raise a family.

“We loved Tenafly. The houses were beautiful, the schools had a great reputation, and I had a few friends who connected me to people in town,” says Goldschneider. With four young children and a busy household, commuting to New York City to practice law was impractical, so Goldschneider decided to pivot to another passion of hers: writing. She began writing a parenting column for The Suburbanite and quickly grew a following. From there, she began writing articles for 201 Magazine, The Bergen Record, Huffington Post, Scary Mommy, Good Housekeeping and more.

A LIFE-CHANGING MESSAGE

In 2018, Goldschneider had a small following on an Instagram account @minivanmusings, which she had started to promote her column. While sitting in her minivan and scrolling through her phone, Goldschneider received an unexpected Facebook message that would soon change the trajectory of her life. A casting director from RHONJ wanted to speak with her.

Initially hesitant, she considered ignoring the message. However, something told her to say yes. “I’ve always been the type of person who likes to say yes until I know something’s not for me. I believe in doing things that scare you and taking chances,” she shares.

Next thing she knew, she was a cast member on RHONJ. “My life was really just writing from home and being a mom. I had my Tenafly friends, and I lived a very local life. Being on a TV show never even crossed my mind,” she says. Once she joined the cast, everything changed.

A HIDDEN STRUGGLE

While Goldschneider’s new life as a reality TV star appeared glamorous, she was quietly battling an eating disorder that had taken over her life since 2003. Her anorexia was affecting her health in serious ways. “My entire life was dedicated to being thin and staying thin,” she admits. By 2021, she hit a breaking point. “I realized that if I didn’t stop now, I probably never would. I didn’t know how long I would live.”

She contacted the producers of RHONJ and told them she was ready to recover and that she wanted to do so publicly. “I could never stop when it was only me holding myself accountable, so I figured if the whole world was watching, there was no way I could fail,” she explains. She was determined to show viewers that they too could overcome an eating disorder.

Goldschneider’s on-air recovery became a defining moment of her time on the show, and more importantly, a defining moment in her life. “It was the greatest gift the show gave me,” she says.

BACK TO HER WRITING ROOTS

Once deep into her recovery, Goldschneider began writing the book she wished she had during her darkest days. “The Weight of Beautiful” offers readers a look at how eating disorders start and how to break free. When she shared the story of her struggles, Goldschneider was met with love. Her inbox flooded with messages of support. Sharing her story sparked honest conversations about a taboo topic, and fans began reaching out to share their own experiences and asking for help. Today, she continues to advocate for eating disorder awareness, working closely with the National Eating Disorders Association and last year hosted their annual gala.

A LOOK AHEAD

Today, Goldschneider is living a life she’s proud of. She continues to use her platform for good as she fights anti-semitism and works with Holocaust memorials and organizations. She is busy with mom life, as she guides her four children through the Tenafly school system. This summer, she is writing her second book, a novel. She also hosts an iHeart radio podcast, Two Jersey Js, with her RHONJ cast member Jennifer Fessler, where they spill on menopause, motherhood, making the most out of your 40s and 50s and more.

When she’s not working or with her family, Goldschneider loves dining with friends and having a cocktail at Tenafly staple, Spring House.

“I love Tenafly. I feel fortunate that we chose a town where everyone in my family is thriving, and we have amazing friends. It’s been great.”

BY GABRIELLE WALTERS