This November brings us a glimpse into our musical past. Thanks to Roger Bennett, Josh Kun, and Janet Macoska, we now have two new titles to enhance our image of Jews on the music scene. With Bennett and Kun’s And You Shall Know Us By the Trail of Our Vinyl you’ll have the opportunity to peruse album covers of long ago and reacquaint yourself with forgotten moments in Jewish American pop history, including well-dressed cantors singing Christmas tunes, Long Island suburbanites dancing the mambo, and Chassidic prog-rockers. With Macoska’s book of photography Jews Rock!, you’ll have the opportunity to celebrate the influence of Jewish talent in the world of rock and roll, including images of Bob Dylan, Gene Simons, Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, and Bette Midler.
Originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Naomi is the CEO of Jewish Book Council. She graduated from Emory University with degrees in English and Art History and, in addition, studied at University College London. Prior to her role as executive director and now CEO, Naomi served as the founding editor of the JBC website and blog and managing editor of Jewish Book World. In addition, she has overseen JBC’s digital initiatives, and also developed the JBC’s Visiting Scribe series and Unpacking the Book: Jewish Writers in Conversation.