Tell us about yourself.
I am a Miami-based cantor, board-certified music therapist, and author of the new children’s book "Modeh Ani: I’m Glad to Be Me." My work is rooted in one mission: to help individuals and families connect — or reconnect — to Judaism in a way that feels meaningful, welcoming, and emotionally resonant.
Through my practice as an independent cantor, I officiate life-cycle events and create personalized, inclusive Jewish experiences for people of all backgrounds, especially those who feel disconnected from traditional institutions. My music therapy practice, Gladly Music, serves clients of all ages with a focus on emotional safety, confidence-building, and self-expression. My debut book introduces children to the Jewish morning prayer of gratitude through a singable story and inclusive lens. With a background in both therapeutic and spiritual care, I bring a unique, accessible voice to Jewish education — meeting people where they are, honoring diverse identities, and helping everyone feel like they belong.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Long Island, New York, which has a large Jewish community. Because being Jewish was so common and visible around me, there was less pressure or purpose placed on really exploring my own Jewish identity or understanding the deeper meaning of the religion. It felt like it was just part of the background, something everyone did without much reflection.
This experience has influenced my writing because I want to create works that encourage children and adults to engage more thoughtfully with their spirituality and heritage. I believe it’s important to invite curiosity and personal connection, especially for those who might not have grown up in such a large, easy-to-access community.
What was your journey to getting published like?
My journey to getting published was a learning experience full of surprises. I explored both traditional publishing and self-publishing, ultimately choosing to self-publish because I thought it would be faster—though I quickly realized it’s still a long process!
Self-publishing gave me complete creative control over every aspect of the book, which was incredibly important to me since "Modeh Ani: I’m Glad to Be Me" blends music, storytelling, and spirituality in a very specific way. I was able to collaborate closely with my illustrator and music producer to bring my vision to life without compromise.
While it wasn’t always easy, the process taught me a lot about patience, perseverance, and the importance of trusting my own voice. I’m grateful for the journey and excited for what’s next.
What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve ever received?
The best piece of feedback I’ve ever received came from a father who shared after introducing "Modeh Ani: I’m Glad to Be Me" to his son. He felt it was exactly what their family needed. He and his child’s mom are separated, and while the mom is very observant Jewishly, he wanted to find a way to share his own version of Judaism with his son—one that felt comfortable and authentic to him.
Hearing that my book helped bridge that connection and honor multiple expressions of Jewish identity really touched me. It reinforced why I wanted to create something inclusive and flexible, so every child and family can find a meaningful way into their heritage.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
My advice to aspiring writers is simple: just start. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or for everything to be perfectly clear. Writing is a process, and it unfolds one step at a time.
Find your unique voice and trust it. Write about what matters to you, because authenticity resonates with readers. And remember to be patient—with yourself and with the journey. There will be challenges, but persistence and passion will carry you through.
What’s a fun fact about you that your readers might not know?
A fun fact that many readers might not know is that I have a kitty named Luna who’s actually a bit of a TikTok star! Luna’s videos have gone viral a few times, and he’s got quite the fanbase online. He definitely keeps life entertaining and reminds me to find joy and playfulness every day—even when I’m busy writing or working on my books.
What’s your guilty pleasure book or genre?
My guilty pleasure author is definitely Colleen Hoover. I love getting lost in her emotionally gripping stories. They’re the perfect escape when I want something intense, heartfelt, and impossible to put down. Sometimes you just need a page-turner that pulls you in completely!
What’s your favorite quote about writing?
{One of my favorite quotes about writing is from Julia Cameron:
“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.”
This quote really resonates with me because it reminds me that writing is a process of exploration and discovery. It’s okay to take risks, experiment, and sometimes fail—because that’s how true art is made.
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
When I’m not writing, I love spending my time making music, whether that’s for fun, working as a cantor or in my music therapy practice. Music is such a big part of who I am—it’s both my passion and my profession.
I also enjoy crafting with my Cricut, which lets me get creative in a hands-on way, and cooking, especially experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. And of course, I love playing and relaxing with my best friend and fur baby, Luna.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The first story I remember really connecting with was "Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch. I loved it so much that I asked my dad to read it to me every night. That story’s themes of unconditional love and enduring connection left a deep impression on me as a child.
It’s a beautiful example of how a simple story can create lasting memories and emotional bonds—something I’ve always hoped to capture in my own writing for children.
What has inspired you and your writing style?
My writing style is inspired by a blend of my experiences as a cantor, music therapist, and educator.
I’m also inspired by the desire to create inclusive, accessible stories that honor diverse identities and learning styles. I want my writing to feel warm, engaging, and meaningful—inviting readers of all backgrounds to connect with the themes of gratitude, self-acceptance, and spirituality in a way that feels joyful and developmentally appropriate.
How do you deal with negative reviews?
I wrote this book knowing that it might be a bit controversial or not resonate with everyone—and I’m okay with that. Not every book is for every reader, and if someone doesn’t connect with "Modeh Ani: I’m Glad to Be Me," it usually means they’re just not my target audience.
I try to focus on the readers and families who do find meaning and joy in the book, and on the positive impact it’s making. Constructive feedback is always valuable, but I don’t let negative reviews shake my confidence or derail my vision.
How do you connect with your readers?
I connect with my readers in a few meaningful ways. I love hearing directly from families and educators who use Modeh Ani in their daily routines—whether it’s through messages, emails, or at events. Knowing how the book and song become part of children’s lives and rituals is incredibly rewarding.
I also engage with readers and followers on social media, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where I can share behind-the-scenes glimpses, answer questions, and create a community around gratitude, music, and spirituality.
Ultimately, my goal is to create stories and experiences that feel personal and relatable—so that every reader feels seen and included.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m currently working on a new children’s book inspired by the Jewish bedtime prayer Hashkiveinu. This book is a kind of “prequel” to "Modeh Ani: I’m Glad to Be Me" and focuses on guiding children into rest and reflection at night.
Just as Modeh Ani encourages gratitude and mindfulness in the morning, Hashkiveinu offers a soothing and comforting way to end the day, inviting peace and sweet dreams as children prepare for sleep.
Like my first book, it will be singable, inclusive, and thoughtfully designed to support children’s emotional and spiritual development. I’m excited to continue creating books that help families build meaningful rituals and connections throughout the day.
Are there any Easter eggs or hidden messages in your work?
Yes! I’ve hidden several Jewish symbols throughout the illustrations in "Modeh Ani: I’m Glad to Be Me." It’s like a little treasure hunt for readers—see if you can find them all! These subtle details add an extra layer of meaning and connection to the story and they’re a fun way to invite curiosity and discovery.
How do you approach writing dialogue for your characters?
I actually don’t write a lot of traditional dialogue in my books, especially in "Modeh Ani: I’m Glad to Be Me." Instead, I focus on creating a lyrical, rhythmic narrative that flows like a song or poem. Since the book is designed to be singable and accessible for young children, I want the words to feel simple, memorable, and inviting.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
I want to share this with my fans: it’s completely okay to feel like you’re “not Jewish enough.” Judaism is a deeply personal and varied experience, and it can mean something different to each person. Your relationship with your heritage and spirituality is unique—and it’s perfectly valid to define it in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you.
There’s no single “right” way to be Jewish. Judaism can be whatever it means to you.
Rebecca Gladstone’s Author Websites and Profiles
Website
Amazon Profile
Rebecca Gladstone’s Social Media Links
Instagram
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.