“We are overwhelmed with the response we are getting to this service,” says Marc S. Klein, who is both publisher of the national forum and editor and publisher of the Jewish Bulletin.
“Many people have told us that the Jewish Community on AOL has brought them back to Judaism,” Klein continued. “Others have told us that they met their spouses in our online area. And many non-Jews have sent e-mail to thank us for teaching them what Judaism is all about.”
This online Jewish Community Center has something for everyone. For the news hound, there are daily Jewish news updates from major news services. For the chef, kosher recipes for holidays and every day are easily accessible. And for the culturally inclined, online galleries and exhibits are always open.
“In one year our dream of a `virtual community’ has become a reality,” says associate publisher Nora Contini, who is also associate publisher of the Bulletin. “What other JCC has 50,000 people walking through its front doors every month?
Of course, Jewish Community Online offers all the interactive benefits of a real community center and more: opportunities to chat and network with other Jews, not just in the community but around the country. There are places to ask questions about Israel, religious and spiritual matters, or family issues, and areas to post messages and read others’ opinions on topics ranging from Israeli wildlife to online weddings. And Jewish Community Online has spurred a few weddings of its own in its extensive area for Jewish singles, including chat rooms, message boards and online personal ads.
Jewish Community Online also has launched Jewish forums in various AOL Digital Cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia and Dallas-Fort Worth. These localized areas highlight all Jewish community organizations and synagogues in the respective cities.
Jewish Community Online can be found at keyword JEWISH on America Online. As of Dec. 1, AOL is lowering its rates to $19.95 a month for unlimited hours. To join, call (415) 263-7200 for a free AOL starter kit.