Interview with Lesléa Newman, author of “Joyful Song: A Naming Story”

Joyful Song tells the story of a Jewish family with a new baby as they walk to synagogue for their baby’s naming ceremony. Do you know of children’s books with representation of this tradition? Whether yes or no, what does it mean to you to create this representation?

I don’t know of any other children’s books that celebrate the joy of a Jewish baby naming ceremony, though I have recently read a wonderful picture book called Naming Ceremony by Seina Wedlick which celebrates the West African tradition of friends and family coming together to bestow names and blessings onto a new baby. I am so glad to have written Joyful Song and to share this Jewish tradition with those who are familiar with it and those who are learning about it for the very first time. I am extremely proud of my Jewish heritage with its rich culture and it is my self-appointed mission to share the joys of my heritage with the world.

How did you choose the name Aliza Shira which translates to Joyful Song? Did you choose it first in English or in Hebrew?

I chose the name Aliza Shira for two reasons: I love the sound of the Hebrew words—I am a poet and musicality of language is very important to me—and I love the English translation of the words which are so full of happiness and love.

Joyful Song follows a repetitive pattern in such a natural and beautiful way. As the family walks to the synagogue, they keep meeting and “picking up” their neighbors along the way! What does this sense of community—from people who may or may not share the same religion—mean to you?

I did my best to create the world I want to live in for Zachary, his baby sister, and their two moms. A world where people of different backgrounds, cultures, and family makeup are openhearted and curious about other traditions, and are eager to be a part of others’ celebrations. We all deserve this respect, acceptance, and celebration, and my hope is that writing a book that presents this view of the world will help create it.

Can you tell us about your choice to write the story from the perspective of Zachary, the older brother?

Since the story is written for children, I wanted there to be a child in my book that plays a very important role in the story. This is the story of Aliza Shira, but it’s Zachary’s story, too. On the day that Aliza Shira is born, Zachary is born as a big brother. His excitement is palpable. He gets to push the baby carriage, he gets to invite his neighbors to the ceremony, he gets to announce his baby sister’s name. I chose to write the story in Zachary’s voice to show that siblings have an important role to play when a new baby is born.