My Conversation with Sally Wiener Grotta About My Novel and the Fight Against Antisemitism in the Literary Community

I recently had a conversation with

Sally Wiener Grotta

about my upcoming novel, Found and Lost: The Jake and Cait Story, as well as my work at Judith Magazine and the broader fight against antisemitism in the literary world.

We talked about my novel, which follows two musicians, Jake and Cait, who meet as teenagers at an arts camp in 1985 and form a deep musical and romantic connection. Their partnership is cut short by a mysterious event, and they lose touch for forty years—until one of their old songs accidentally goes viral, forcing them back into each other's lives in 2025. The novel explores themes of music, faith, aging, regret, and second chances. I talk about how my background in journalism shaped my approach to fiction and why I chose to tell this story through multiple timelines and perspectives, including a documentary format woven into the narrative.

I still have five spots left for anyone who would like to read an advance copy of my novel in exchange for an honest review on Goodreads or Amazon. Contact me if you're interested.

Our discussion also turned to my work at Judith Magazine, where Jewish writers—many of whom are being sidelined in today’s publishing world—can find a home. As nonfiction editor, I’ve seen how difficult it has become for Jewish voices to be heard, even in stories that have nothing to do with Israel or the Middle East. We discussed why this is happening and how Judith is stepping in to fill the gap.

If you’re interested in the intersection of literature, music, and contemporary Jewish issues, I think you’ll enjoy this conversation. Watch below.