We usually write to you, our readers, at Rosh HaShanah and comment on the year that’s ending and the new one about to begin. Today, at year’s end, we feel a sense of urgency to reach out to you again as we face unprecedented financial and other challenges going into 2019.
For the world of journalism, it has been another difficult year. Not only have journalists been physically attacked, but their work is being dismissed as fake news. Trust in institutions is waning. And Jewish journalism is surely not immune — we face many of the same pressures as well at a time when we believe our work is more important than ever. The Jewish Week seeks to reach and help connect an increasingly fractured Jewish community where disagreements are entrenched and too often toxic.
For more than 40 years, The Jewish Week has striven to be both a primary source of quality journalism and a community builder. We would like to inform and even inspire our readers in order to foster conversation and begin to build bridges. Our educational programs for both teens and adults bring these efforts directly into the community we serve. Through our Jewish Week Forums, thought leaders, authors, religious figures, artists and politicians have joined us in sometimes sharp but always respectful conversation about the challenges we face here, in Israel and around the world.
A major challenge that we and other journalists face is the fact that the cost of creating quality newspapers and websites has outstripped the traditional revenue sources we depend upon. Advertisers are cutting back just as costs to write, print and mail our newspaper increase. Full subscriptions are increasingly difficult to secure as readers seek free content.
So, we turn to you, our readers and our community, for support. It’s a simple proposition: Without supplemental support from those who want to ensure continued, thoughtful, independent Jewish journalism, we will have trouble surviving.
There are many ways to support The Jewish Week:
♦ We ask that you donate what you can by clicking here — every amount makes a difference. If you would prefer to mail your donation, please send to: The Jewish Week, 1501 Broadway, Suite 505, New York, NY 10036
♦ You are also invited to join us at a celebratory dinner on Jan. 17 prior to a timely and engaging community forum (with former Sen. Joseph Lieberman and former Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew in conversation with Abby Pogrebin on “The State of Our Union Today”). Click on www.jewishweekmediagroup.com/reception
♦ Finally, you can sign up for a full subscription and get 52 weeks of The Jewish Week delivered to your home for what we believe is the best weekly read in Jewish life. Click here to get started.
Please act now to support The Jewish Week and add your voice to those who want to ensure that independent Jewish journalism continues to thrive and help unite us.
With thanks and with hope for a peaceful and prosperous 2019.
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