Rembrandt Chooses a Queen

See Rembrandt's Ahasuerus and Haman at the Feast of Esther in a new light

Editor’s Note:

Rembrandt Chooses a Queen, by Kerry Olitzky and Deborah Bodin Cohen and illustrated by Cinzia Battistel will open the eyes of younger readers to the world of 17th century art while also exploring the holiday of Purim. It’s a story about the story behind the artwork and a fascinating look at the relationship between Rembrandt and the Jewish community.

Excerpted with permission from Kerry Olitzky. Rembrandt Chooses a Queen is published by Apples & Honey Press (January 7, 2025) and is available through the publisher and wherever books are sold online.

Dr. Kerry M. Olitzky is a prominent leader in the field of Jewish education and innovation, having contributed significantly through his role as the long-time executive director of Big Tent Judaism, an organization dedicated to integrating interfaith families and the unaffiliated into Jewish life. He has also enriched the academic and spiritual landscape as a visiting professor at the Abraham Geiger Kolleg/University of Pottsdam in Germany and as a Fellow at the City University Graduate Center (NY) in its Jewish Studies Program. Recognized as one of the 50 Leading Rabbis in North America by Newsweek, Olitzky's influence extends beyond traditional educational settings, having served as vice president of the Wexner Heritage Foundation and the national Dean of Adult Jewish Learning and Living of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. A prolific author, Olitzky has published nearly 100 books and numerous articles, including recent titles like Heroes with Chutzpah and The Heroes Haggadah: Lead the Way to Freedom, contributing valuable insights across a variety of fields.

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5 Tiny Jewish Delights

1. The prayerful tones of early morning minyan. It's like liturgical comfort food to me.

2. Listening to the music of Deborah Sacks Mintz, especially her singing Min Hameitzar.

3. Breathing the air in Jerusalem.

4. Making havdalah with my grandchildren.

5. Eating halvah from the Machane Yehudah market in Jerusalem.

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5 Tiny Delights

1. Walking on the boardwalk at the Jersey shore hand-in-hand with my wife of almost 50 years.

2. Going to an auto show.

3. Seeing a child cuddling up with one of the books that I have written.

4. Classic car shows.

5. Sharing a newly discovered wine with friends.