I’m Heidi Rabinowitz and I am so happy to be Jewish. The beautiful and varied customs, the focus on deep thought and learning, and the historical connections going back over the centuries, all bring me joy. That’s why I’ve dedicated my career to synagogue librarianship and why I’ve been podcasting about Jewish children’s literature for over a decade. In fact, the 20th anniversary of The Book of Life Podcast will take place in December 2025 – stay tuned, I’m making celebratory plans!
What?
I’m thrilled to share this Jewish Joy series for Multicultural Kid Blogs with you. I’ll be bringing you Q&A’s from diverse intersectional Jewish authors, showcasing the variegated tapestry of Jewish life and books. I’ll link each interview to the author’s Book of Life Podcast episode so you can hear their voice and learn more.
Why?
In these turbulent times, with antisemitism at record highs, Jewish joy is crucial. As poet Toi Derricotte says, joy is an act of resistance. Joyful books invite everyone in, so that Jewish stories can, in Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop’s words, become windows and mirrors, bringing hope, demystifying the Jewish experience, and building empathy and understanding.
Who?
In my first Jewish Joy post, you met Ruth Behar, a Latina Jewish author and cultural anthropologist. This time, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Richard Ho (he/him), a Chinese Jewish picture book author. Richard appeared on The Book of Life podcast in 2023 with illustrator Lynn Scurfield to discuss Two New Years. This award-winning picture book is a celebration of both Lunar New Year and Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year (which was celebrated October 2-4 this year).
Richard’s exquisite writing is all about emotional truth and connection. His books breathe personality into inanimate objects, turn the postal system into an epic journey, and radiate pride in his Chinese heritage and Jewish identity. I’m pleased to bring you this exclusive interview for Multicultural Kid Blogs. If you’d like to hear more from Richard in his own voice, please click on the podcast link below.
Q&A with Richard Ho
THE BOOK OF LIFE: Richard, please describe your Jewish identity and any other aspects of your identity that you’d like to share.
RICHARD HO: I consider myself a Chinese American Jew. My parents immigrated to the United States from Hong Kong in the 1970s, so I grew up in New York as a first-generation Chinese American. I converted to Judaism when I was in my 20s. Religiously, I am Orthodox.
TBOL: Why is it important to you to include Jewish representation in your writing?
RH: Because a significant portion of the Jewish population has mixed cultural backgrounds! In general, Jewish representation in publishing isn’t where it needs to be – all the more so with mixed Jewish representation. Letting kids see themselves in books is vital for building self-esteem and pride in their identity.
TBOL: About being Jewish: what is hard, and what brings you joy?
RH: Being Jewish means being a member of an extremely small but highly scrutinized minority. It’s especially hard to be Jewish in the current climate of rising antisemitism. On the other hand, so much of Judaism as a religion and culture is rooted in joy. In hard times, remembering the joyful essence of the holidays, emphasizing family and community, and celebrating life’s enduring beauty is the balm that always heals.
TBOL: What do you want the world to know about Jewish people?
RH: That we are joyful. That we treasure love and peace. We are moral, loyal, and resilient. That we think deeply, feel deeply, and care deeply. That we always strive to find light in the darkness.
Disclosure: “This post contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, Multicultural Kid Blogs will receive a small commission that will be used towards maintaining the site
TBOL: Please tell us about the Jewish books you’ve written for kids.
RH: My first Jewish Book was Two New Years, illustrated by Lynn Scurfield and published by Chronicle Books in 2023. It’s about a family that celebrates both Rosh Hashanah and Lunar New Year… like mine! Most recently, my book A Taste of Home, illustrated by Sibu T.P. and published by Roaring Brook Press this year, featured a Jewish boy who joins his friends to explore the various cultural foods of New York City’s Lower East Side. I also have several upcoming Jewish books scheduled to arrive in the next few years!
TBOL: What other Jewish books are you excited about, and why?
RH: There are so many! To mention just one very recent one, I’ll go with Mixed-Up Mooncakes by Erica Lyons, Christina Matula, and Tracy Subisak. Like Two New Years, it also explores the delightful intersection of Jewish and Chinese holidays – in this case, Sukkot and the Mid-Autumn Festival!
TBOL: Richard, I’m excited that you mentioned Mixed-Up Mooncakes because Erica Lyons and Christina Matula will be my guests on The Book of Life Podcast in October 2024! Thank you for that recommendation and also for the wonderful books you write!
Related Posts
Until the Blueberries Grow, a review for Multicultural Children’s Book Day
Talking Antisemitism with Kids: It’s Easier than You Might Think
Heidi Rabinowitz
Latest posts by Heidi Rabinowitz (see all)
- Jewish Joy with Rachelle Burk - August 24, 2026
- Jewish Joy with Adam Gidwitz - July 13, 2026
- Jewish Joy with A.R. Vishny - June 15, 2026
Wonderful interview, Richard and Heidi!
I really appreciate diverse Jewish children’s stories. Richard did a great job explaining the antidote to antisemitism: Jewish Joy!