Rembrandt's Blessing
Inspired by the true story of the friendship between Rembrandt and Rabbi Menashe Ben Israel.
Painting scenes from Bible stories is Rembrandt’s passion. Many of his Amsterdam neighbors are Sephardic Jews, and the children often come to play with the costumes at the renowned painter’s house. Rabbi Menashe Ben Israel encourages his neighbors to pose for Rembrandt’s biblical scenes. He helps the painter understand the descriptive words in the Hebrew bible. At the rabbi’s home for Sabbath dinner, Rembrandt watches his friend cup his hands over his children’s heads and say a blessing, which gives him an idea for a very special painting.
| Format | Your Price | Add |
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979-8-7656-2066-3
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$19.99 | |
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979-8-7656-7577-9
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$24.99 | |
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979-8-7656-8609-6
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$34.99 | |
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979-8-7656-8607-2
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$6.99 |
| Interest Level | Kindergarten - Grade 3 |
|---|---|
| Reading Level | Grade 2 |
| Genre | Picture Books |
| Copyright | 2025 |
| Publisher | Lerner Publishing Group |
| Imprint | Kar-Ben Publishing ® |
| Language | English |
| Number of Pages | 32 |
| Publication Date | 2025-09-09 |
Author: Tami Lehman-Wilzig
Tami Lehman-Wilzig is an award-winning author of sixteen Jewish content picture books, including On the Wings of Eagles, SOOSIE, The Horse That Saved Shabbat; Keeping The Promise; Nathan Blows Out the Hanukkah Candles; Passover Around the World; and Hanukkah Around the World. PJ Library has selected five of her titles for its English language markets, two for its Spanish speaking markets, and one for its Russian speaking market. Living in Israel for forty-eight years with her husband Sam, Tami is a busy grandmother of a tween and teen. For more on Tami and her books: https://www.tlwkidsbooks.com/
Illustrator: Anita Barghigiani
Anita Barghigiani was born near Pisa, Italy. She is a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts of Florence. When she attended the Bologna Children’s Book Fair for the first time, she fell in love with children’s books and decided to study illustration and entertainment design. She lives in Florence, Italy.
Reviews
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)
“Barghigiani’s engaging illustrations evoke the texture of Rembrandt’s era and help bring this little-known slice of art history to life. The format succeeds beautifully as a gateway to discovering art, faith, and friendship across different religious faiths Reviewer Rating: 5”—Children’s Literature
Justus Lange
“Tami’s book Rembrandt’s Blessing is a lovely story about Rembrandt and the Jewish milieu in Amsterdam. The painting “Jacob Blessing Ephraim and Manasse” is a key piece not only for our collection in Kassel but in the story of the book. It is a fascinating example of Rembrandt’s capacity of showing love, peace and harmony in an artwork."—Justus Lange, Director of the Old Masters Gallery in Kassel
School Library Journal
“This little-known slice of history embellished with an engaging kid-friendly storyline is a worthy addition for most libraries.”—School Library Journal