RAS’ 1st Children’s Book & Song are Out

Thank You, Modeh Ani

“The Jewish ritual of reciting the daily morning prayer called “Modeh Ani” is explored for all children as a mindful way to begin each day. . . A positive, conscious approach to a stress-free morning routine before the day ahead.” –Kirkus Reviews

Thank You, Modeh Ani - Book Launch Video

Learn more about RAS’ writing journey and the joy of embodied spiritual practice

For decades I’ve been writing as a passion project AND LABOR OF LOVE.

I’m thrilled to share that my first book, Thank You, Modeh Ani has been published by Behrman House, Apples & Honey imprint. Giant thanks to the faith of David Behrman and the insightful skills of my editor Dena Neusner. PJ Library awarded me the Author’s Incentive Award and picked up the book. In February 2022 it went out to 25,000 Jewish homes.

Thank You, Modeh Ani weaves together the Jewish morning blessings of modeh ani, gratitude for a fresh new day, and asher yatzar, prayers of awe and appreciation for our body’s intricate openings and closings. The book is filled with gorgeous textured art by Bryony Clarkson and words that make us want to move. While the primary audience for the book are our youngest spiritual seekers, the text invites us all into a conversation with Source/Inner Quiet focused on the blessing of being alive, in our physical bodies for a new day of play.

I’ve just signed my second book with Behrman House. Keep your eyes out!

Click the link above to watch my official book launch where I speak about my journey as a writer and the role of embodied spiritual as a way to root ourselves in the present moment.

While the primary audience for the book itself are our youngest spiritual seekers, the book launch will be dedicated to those interested in how the book came to be, nuances of language, illustration, and the liturgy itself.

Thank You, Modeh Ani is available just in time for a refresh of your personal prayer practice, regardless of age or background. Consider getting it for you or a friend, for Hanukkah or just because.

To read more of my writing or peruse my salty-torah vlog, thisisRAS.com.

THANK YOU FOR THIS BODY, MODEH ANI

OUR SONG IS AVAILABLE

Overjoyed to have partnered with dear friends and talented artists - Rabbi Dr. Jenny Solomon & Aviva Chernick to create a song of embodied gratitude to accompany the book.

Download and dance it out with those you ❤️!

Credits

Rabbi Dr. Jenny Solomon - songwriter, lead vocals * Aviva Chernick - vocals and co-producer * Rabbi Alyson Solomon - vocals, author of Thank You, Modeh Ani, inspiration for this song * Jessie Reagen Mann - cello  * Matt Turk - guitar and mandolin * Maurice Gainen - engineer and co-producer * Bernie Grunwald, Jason LaPrade & Anthony Proveaux - additional audio engineering * Bryony Clarkson - art work included with permission c BehrmanHouse, Inc., www.behrmanhouse.com * Jules Sherman - cover design * Rabbi Suzanne Offit - angel