This month Persea Books reissued A Cat in the Ghetto, by Rachmil Bryks, translated from the Yiddish by S. Morris Engel, with an introduction by Adam Rovner. A Cat in the Ghetto was first published in 1959 and Bryks’ stories remain some of the most compelling accounts of the Holocaust experience. His work examines the major dilemmas of the period: action vs. inaction, preservation of dignity vs. survival. This new edition includes his well-known novellas, two short stories, and early poem, his essay, “My Credo,” and a new afterword by the author’s daughter.
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.