Featured Interview With Cantor Rebecca Gladstone
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hi! I’m Cantor Rebecca Gladstone. I was born and raised in Long Island, New York., and I now reside in Miami, Fl. I am an independent freelance cantor, board-certified music therapist, and author of the open-minded and inclusive sing-a-long Jewish children’s book “Modeh Ani: I’m Glad to be Me.” Through my practice as an independent cantor, I officiate life-cycle events and create personalized, inclusive Jewish experiences for people of all backgrounds, especially those who feel disconnected from traditional institutions. My music therapy practice, Gladly Music (gladlymusic.com), serves clients of all ages with a focus on emotional safety, confidence-building, and self-expression. Outside of work I love to sing and make music, craft and DIY, cook, and hang out with my cat, Luna.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve had a mixed relationship with books over the years. As a child, I loved them, but I often found it more difficult than other kids to recall information from what I read. While some of my peers seemed to effortlessly absorb material from school readings or textbooks, I struggled to focus and retain it. In contrast, I always found it much easier to listen to music and write lyrics. That kind of learning came naturally to me.
More recently, I’ve discovered a passion for audiobooks. Listening helps me stay engaged and actually remember what I’m taking in. For the past two years (and now going on three) I’ve listened to 50 books each year. It’s completely changed my relationship with reading and learning.
This is a big part of why I created “Modeh Ani: I’m Glad to Be Me” as a singable book. By combining illustrations, music, and text, it supports multiple learning styles—especially kids like me, who might struggle to absorb written words alone. I wanted to make something that feels joyful and accessible to all kinds of learners.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love to read a variety of genres, depending on my mood. I often rotate between self-help and spirituality, neuropsychology, and light, easy-read fiction. Some of my favorite authors are Emily Henry, Jen Sincero, Jodi Picoult, and Mary Kay Andrews.
As a kid, I loved “A Bad Case of Stripes,” “Pinkalicious,” and “Love You Forever.” Looking back, I realize those books all had something in common: colorful illustrations, themes of love and self-acceptance, and gratitude. In many ways, I think I subconsciously created “Modeh Ani: I’m Glad to Be Me” as the kind of book my younger self would have loved.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
I decided to create a children’s book about three years ago, inspired by reflections on my own Jewish education and how I wish I had been introduced to prayer and spirituality. I believe that telling children what to believe and how to believe it can often feel disconnected and even off-putting. Instead, I wanted to introduce Judaism through a lens of gratitude—something children can genuinely understand and connect with in a developmentally appropriate way. My hope is that this approach helps nurture a healthier and more personal relationship with religion from an early age.
My debut book, “Modeh Ani: I’m Glad to Be Me,” introduces young readers to the Jewish morning prayer of gratitude through an inclusive, singable story. The main character, Jamie, is never assigned a gender or pronouns. This was an intentional choice, so that any child, regardless of identity, can see themselves in the story.
In the book, Jamie drifts off to sleep and enters a magical dreamworld filled with adventures, dragons, and rainbows. Upon waking up, Jamie reflects on the beauty of the dream and the joys of real life, recognizing that both can exist side by side. Jamie then recites the Modeh Ani prayer as a way of expressing gratitude for the magic of real life.
The story is accompanied by a sing-along track and video (available on all streaming platforms), which brings the book to life through music. The song is intentionally simple, repetitive, and catchy—making it easy for young children to remember and enjoy.
As a music therapist, I drew on my knowledge of child development and the power of music to inform every creative decision in the book. I especially love hearing from preschools and families who now use Modeh Ani as a daily ritual to begin the day with intention and joy.
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