Q&A with Kerry Olitzky

  

 

Kerry Olitzky is the author, with Samantha Orshan Kahn, of the new children's picture book The Right Blessing: An Identity Story. His many other books include An Etrog from Across the Sea. He is a rabbi, and he lives in New Jersey. 

 

Q: What inspired you and Samantha Orshan Kahn to write The Right Blessing? 

 

A: Throughout my rabbinic career, I have tried to reach out to those on the periphery of the Jewish community and help them see that there is a place for them within Jewish life.

 

As more transgender children and their families become visible in our community—and as the current political climate can make their lives more difficult—we felt it was important to tell a story that reflects a real and loving family experience.

 

The Right Blessing explores what it means to navigate Jewish ritual and tradition while affirming a child for who they truly are. This project is deeply meaningful to both of us as rabbis, and especially to Samantha, who brings her perspective as the parent of a transgender child.

 

Q: What do you think Violet Tobacco’s illustrations add to the story? 

 

A: I’ve always believed that a truly gifted illustrator should be able to tell the story even without the words on the page.

 

Violet Tobacco absolutely does that here. Her illustrations bring warmth, emotion, and nuance to the story, allowing readers to feel what the characters are experiencing even before they read the text. She adds another layer of meaning that deepens the story and helps make it accessible and affirming for children and families alike.

 

Q: The Kirkus Review of the book says, “The authors have crafted an affectionate yet realistic portrait of a family who make a few mistakes along the way but whose love and support for their child is never in doubt.” What do you think of that assessment?

 

A: Since Kirkus is widely considered the gold standard for book reviews, I was grateful for its affirmation of what we hoped to accomplish with the story.

 

We wanted to present a family that feels real—one that sometimes makes mistakes, as all families do, but continues to grow and learn together. We didn’t want to shy away from the challenges that can arise in everyday life.

 

At the same time, the heart of the story is the belief that love, support, and a willingness to listen can carry a family through those moments.

 

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the book?

 

A: We hope that transgender children and their families will see themselves reflected in the story and feel affirmed and uplifted by it. At the same time, we hope the book helps other readers develop a deeper sense of empathy and understanding.

 

Ultimately, our goal is for every child to feel that they belong—and that Jewish life and tradition have a place for them exactly as they are.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I am always working on new ideas and new storylines—it’s one of the joys of writing. I’m especially excited about a project that has already been accepted and is now in production: ABC Jewish Heroes and Me, which will be published by Apples & Honey Press and is scheduled for release in October.

 

I do have a few other projects in the works as well, but my publishers are understandably a bit protective of those ideas until they are ready to be formally announced.

 

Q: Anything else we should know? 

 

A: One piece of news I’m especially excited about is that my recent book Across the Jewniverse, written with Deborah Bodin Cohen and published by Apples & Honey Press, has been selected by PJ Library for its PJ Our Way series for slightly older readers. It’s a real honor, and we’re thrilled that the book will be reaching so many young readers and families.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Kerry Olitzky.