1. The metaphor of the shooting arrows in your story is such a powerful one and is used biblically and also in Shakespeare. When and where did you first come across the midrash comparing words to arrows?
I first encountered the midrash comparing words to arrows during my yeshiva studies. This metaphor is particularly powerful because it illustrates several aspects of words’ impact: like an arrow, words are aimed at a specific target and strike quickly, but unlike face-to-face communication, the impact occurs from a distance. The midrash emphasises that when someone is far from the subject of their words, the target has no chance to defend themselves and the speaker cannot take back what was said – just like an arrow once released.
2. Both your children’s books (Speedy and the Race Against Sound and The Machine) have a scientific or technological angle – it’s more subtle in Speedy but it does touch on the speed of sound – is that a particular area of interest for you?
Although I’m not a science or technology person, these elements appear in my books for different reasons. The Machine was inspired by my son, who loves taking apart and reassembling old objects. While Speedy and the Race Against Sound might sound like a scientific book, it actually deals with human themes like friendship, regret and forgiveness. I kept the title because the chase after tangible words simply explains the scientific concept while giving it moral and human meaning.
3. As a screenwriter and director, what inspired you to turn your hand to writing children’s books?
My entry into children’s literature was coincidental. It began with serialised bedtime stories I told my children. My first story originated from a personal story I shared, which my wife, Michal, encouraged me to write down. I wrote it in a café before teaching at high school. After some searching, I found Yael Gover from Kinneret Publishing, who connected with my writing style and continues to guide me today. My background in screenwriting and directing contributes to my storytelling ability and world-building skills.
4. The power of words is amplified when used on social media. As a father of four, how grave are your concerns about children and teenagers and the language used online?
As a parent, I’m concerned about discourse on social media. My wife and I discuss the challenges and dangers with our children. I hope the book will prompt both children and adults to think about how easily we speak words and how difficult it is to correct what’s been said.
5. Which books (Jewish or secular) did you love as a child and which books did you choose to read with your children?
From my childhood, I remember series like Thus Did Our Sages, Gingi, SOC (Secret Investigating Class), Hasmaba, and from earlier years Nissan and Rahamim, and the Mr. and Mrs. books. With my children, reading comes from library books, Michal’s selections, and the Pajama Library. I’m particularly drawn to books with minimal text that contain whole worlds of emotion, like Where the Wild Things Are, Mole and the Baby Bird and The Suitcase. I dream of creating such a book.
6. How do you feel about recent reports that children are reading less? Do all of your children like to read? What can we do to encourage those who aren’t natural bookworms?
The decline in reading is a challenge that can be addressed through proper habits from an early age. It’s important to let children choose books that interest them and allocate time for reading. In our home, screentime limits encourage reading as an alternative. We recently saw this when our son started reading the Harry Potter books – moving from initial resistance to great enthusiasm.
7. For a Jewish story, is it important to have a Jewish author, and where do you stand on the ‘Own Voices’ debate? Could your story have been written just as well by a non-Jewish author?
As a creator, I believe every work reflects the creator’s soul. As an observant Jew, my books and films emerge from my experiences, beliefs and emotions. Therefore, not only would a work written by a non-Jewish person be different, but even a work by another Jewish person would be different, because everyone brings their own unique inner world.
8. Do you have any idea what your next writing project will be?
I’m currently involved in several exciting writing paths. First, I hope to publish my first story, which has undergone various developments and changes along the way. Additionally, I’ve been accepted into PJ Library’s writing incubator for Sephardic authors, where I’m developing a new idea that I hope will mature into a book.
9. Which well-known writer would you love to have dinner with, and why?
I would love to have dinner with David Grossman. There’s something about his writing that completely draws me in. When I read To the End of the Land, I thought it was the best book I’d ever read, and when I started Falling Out of Time, I struggled to continue reading because I didn’t want the book to end. Recently, following a friend’s recommendation, I began reading Isaac Bashevis Singer, and I was deeply impressed by his unique blend of a rich, deep Jewish world with an emotionally engaging and fascinating fictional universe.
10. The Old Testament is the original treasure trove of Jewish stories – which story from the Bible most captures your attention, and why?
The Bible and Judaism serve as constant sources of inspiration for my work. The story of Jacob and Esau’s rivalry influenced the film I’m currently editing, and the biblical institution of Cities of Refuge, which I find to be a dramatic and fascinating narrative, serves as inspiration for a television series I’m developing.
11. Would you say your stories are primarily for Jewish children only, or can a wider audience benefit from reading them?
My stories aren’t intended solely for a Jewish audience. I typically deal with universal themes such as emotions, behaviour, dreams and morality. When I incorporate elements from the Jewish world, it creates an opportunity for readers from all backgrounds to encounter new cultural content and values.