Podcast Summary: New Books Network – Tami Lehman-Wilzig, "Rembrandt's Blessing" (Kar-Ben Publishing, 2025)
Date: October 26, 2025
Host: Mel Rosenberg
Guest: Tami Lehman-Wilzig
Episode Overview
This episode of the New Books Network’s Children’s Literature Channel features a warm and lively conversation between host Mel Rosenberg and prolific children’s author Tami Lehman-Wilzig. Celebrating the release of three new books in the same year—On the Wings of Eagles, The Henna Helper, and Rembrandt’s Blessing—they explore the stories behind these works, the author’s creative drive, the nuances of Jewish culture and heritage in literature, and Tami’s personal journey from New York to Israel. The primary focus is the September 2025 release Rembrandt’s Blessing, which introduces young readers to Rembrandt’s relationship with Amsterdam’s Jewish community.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Tami’s Three New Books: A Year of Remarkable Productivity
[01:52-03:23]
- Tami published three books in the same year—a scheduling “fluke” but a personal challenge to promote.
- On the Wings of Eagles (Apples & Honey Press, April 2025): Tells the true story of the dramatic airlift of Yemenite Jews to Israel by Alaska Airlines, seen through the eyes of a young girl.
- The Henna Helper (Apples & Honey Press, October 29, 2025): Explores the colorful Yemenite Jewish henna ceremony for weddings; focuses on a modern child connecting with family traditions.
- Rembrandt’s Blessing (Kar-Ben Publishing, September 2025): Explores Rembrandt’s artistic fascination with his Jewish neighbors in Amsterdam, and his documented relationship with Rabbi Menashe ben Israel.
2. On Cultural Representation and Appropriation in Children’s Books
[08:00-09:31]
- Mel raises the question of “own voices” and cultural appropriation, since Tami, an Ashkenazi Jew, writes about Yemenite Jews.
- Tami: “If you research something very well and really get to know the people, you can definitely pull it off.”
- She describes her immersion in Yemenite communities and working closely with subjects whose stories she tells.
3. The Mosaic of Jewish Culture in Israel
[09:31-10:13]
- Mel: “One of the many things that people don’t understand about Israel is that we have here Jews from, I don’t know, 150 different countries, most of them kicked out refugees, and each tribe... preserving its own unique Jewish customs.”
- Both observe the tremendous diversity and culinary richness this brings, sparking ideas for future stories.
4. The Inspiration for Rembrandt’s Blessing
[10:25-12:58]
- Tami’s personal link: Her father’s family, originally from Portugal, later “Ashkenazified” in Vienna, which inspired research into Sephardic history.
- Rembrandt lived by accident in Amsterdam’s Jewish neighborhood, which influenced his art and choice of models.
- A visit to Rembrandt’s house in Amsterdam decades apart ignited her curiosity about his connection with the Jewish community.
5. Art, History, and Rembrandt’s Jewish Neighbors
[13:48-15:22]
- Tami reads a passage:
“Many of his neighbors had dark eyes and hair, olive skin, and unfamiliar names like Rodriguez, Pinto and Da Costa. They were Jews whose families had originally come from Portugal. Rembrandt was happy to be surrounded by the people of the book, the same people he imagined when he painted Bible scenes.”
—[14:28, Tammy reading from the book] - The book showcases the lush illustrations by Anita Barghigiani, which bring this community to life.
6. The Historical Rembrandt and Rabbi Menashe ben Israel
[15:22-16:26]
- Rembrandt’s friendship with Rabbi Menashe ben Israel is documented; both loved the Bible and printing (“They both became printers. So this was one of the things that bound them together.” – Tami, [16:22]).
- Rembrandt illustrated a book for Menashe ben Israel, and the rabbi played a crucial historical role—he convinced Cromwell to allow Jews to return to England.
7. Tami’s Upbringing and Path to Writing
[17:45-21:34]
- Raised in Manhattan’s Jewish “bubble” on the Upper West Side, Tami remembers the close-knit, foodie, and culturally rich environment.
- Early writing encouraged by high school English teacher Mrs. Martha Weingarten.
- Her move to Israel was a “love story” after repeatedly visiting and falling in love with the people and family connections.
8. Writing Career and Focus on Jewish Themed Books
[24:37-27:54]
- Transitioned from 35 years in advertising copywriting to children’s books after business slowed during the Second Intifada.
- First major concept: combine Bible stories with matching recipes, leading to The Melting Pot.
- Kar-Ben Publishing became a key partner.
9. Economic Realities of Children’s Publishing
[28:19-29:05]
- Advances are modest (“It’s $1,000 plus” — Tami, [28:46]).
- Publishing children’s books is not a path to riches, especially with small specialty publishers.
10. Why Write Jewish Books?
[29:55-31:14]
- Tami: “I’m just so enamored with our rich history and heritage. That’s where I want to be.”
- Her goal is to instill pride and connection in Jewish children, emphasizing that Judaism is a culture and history, not just a religion.
11. The Role of PJ Library and Audience Connection
[35:54-38:35]
- PJ Library has chosen The Henna Helper as a Spring 2025 selection—Tami’s fifth book with them.
- Heartwarming anecdote: a young reader writes to Tami about loving Susi the Horse that Saved Shabbat, leading to a personal Zoom reading and showcasing PJ Library’s reach and impact.
12. Advice to Aspiring Authors
[39:53-41:07]
- Rejection is universal—even from publishers with whom she’s already worked (“I cannot tell you how many rejections I’ve received from all three and continue to receive.” — Tami, [39:53]).
- Perseverance matters: Keep writing; even stories that are initially rejected, like Susi, can eventually succeed.
- “It’s very important for authors to find their voice.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On juggling three book releases:
“I have to say I’m having a hard time keeping up with myself trying to promote the books. It’s a fluke. It’s the way the publishers scheduled the release dates.”
(Tami, 02:19) -
On the diversity of Israeli Jewry:
"We have here Jews from, I don’t know, 150 different countries, most of them kicked out refugees, and each tribe... preserving its own unique Jewish customs, which are different."
(Mel, 09:31) -
On ‘cultural appropriation’ concerns:
“If you research something very well and you get to know the people really, really well, you can definitely pull it off.”
(Tami, 08:26) -
On being motivated to share Jewish stories:
“I’m just so enamored with our rich history and heritage. That’s... where I want to be.”
(Tami, 29:55) -
On the economic reality:
“Do you want to know the first thing that Judy Groner said to me when she sent me the contract?... ‘Don’t give up your day job.’”
(Tami, 29:04) -
On rejections:
"I cannot tell you how many rejections I’ve received from all three [publishers] and continue to receive."
(Tami, 39:53) -
Heartfelt advice for writers:
"If you’re passionate about writing and writing about specific topics, do it. Just keep on writing, writing, writing."
(Tami, 40:17)
Important Timestamps
- [02:19] – Tami discusses the accidental confluence of her three book releases
- [04:01] – Introduction to On the Wings of Eagles
- [08:26] – On cultural appropriation and deep research
- [10:25] – Introduction and context for Rembrandt’s Blessing
- [13:48] – Tami reads from Rembrandt’s Blessing and shows illustrations
- [15:38] – Rembrandt’s documented friendship with Rabbi Menashe ben Israel
- [17:45] – Childhood stories from Manhattan’s Upper West Side
- [24:37] – Transition from advertising to children’s author
- [28:42] – Mel asks about advances; Tami on the realities of children's publishing
- [29:55] – Why Tami continues to write Jewish books
- [35:54] – PJ Library’s impact; anecdote on connecting with a young fan
- [39:53] – Advice to aspiring writers: on rejection and perseverance
Closing
The episode concludes with Tami teasing future projects (a biblical character, an Israeli female scientist, a tale set in Venice), advice for writers, and warm farewells. Mel notes the rarity of interviewing a fellow “dinosaur” who lives nearby and commends Tami’s dedication to Jewish children’s literature.
Summary prepared for the New Books Network audience by an expert podcast summarizer.