A New Year’s message to our readers
On the eve of Rosh HaShanah, at this season of reflection and renewal, we recommit to our primary mission: journalistic excellence. This is a time of skepticism about government, about truth and fairness, and about the veracity of news stories, not to mention a toxic atmosphere of disagreement within the Jewish community reflecting divisions throughout America. Never has an independent Jewish press been more needed. And never has it been more in need of support. Like virtually every media company, we face ongoing financial difficulties, shifting demographics, and changing media habits. We are not immune from the perils that forced household-name media companies to fold, go out of print, or cut staff.
With it all, our award-winning staff continues to report on successes and challenges, from sparks of renewal in emerging communities to the reality of deadly anti-Semitism here on our shores. We strive to maintain the highest values of journalism, truth, and Jewish ethics.
Our editorial and opinion pages present diverse views and encourage constructive exchanges, even in the face of deep disagreement. We help strengthen community when we model respectful conversation and debate, and it is our responsibility to take on difficult subjects, shining a light on delicate issues that need to be explored.
We are grateful for the team that makes up our dedicated board and talented staff, both in New Jersey and New York. In this season of transition, we congratulate Gary Rosenblatt on 26 years as editor and publisher as he steps down this week, and we warmly welcome his successor, Andrew Silow-Carroll as editor, the same position he once held for NJJN. We are fortunate that Rich Waloff, who has played a pivotal role in the success of The Jewish Week Media Group’s business and advertising for 25 years as associate publisher, will take the reins as publisher.
Last week at a Jewish Week Media Group community forum with New York Times columnist Tom Friedman and author Daniel Gordis on Israel-diaspora relations, Friedman cited Gary as “the best Jewish editor in America.” We agree, and thank Gary for his leadership and courage; we will miss his daily presence but are happy he will continue to write for and work with us as editor at large. Andy joins us after a distinguished career in Jewish journalism, most recently as editor-in-chief of JTA, the global Jewish news service. We wish him well as he brings his ideas and experience to our pages. And we are thrilled to recognize Rich’s dedication and his innovative, caring approaches to serving our clients and partners.
In our role of helping to build community, we expanded our Jewish Week/NJJN forums this past year, including bringing the cast and producer of “Shtisel” to Congregation Agudath Israel in Caldwell this summer, drawing thousands of enthusiastic fans of the series. These events invite our community to experience first-hand the opinion makers and creative talents shaping ideas and cultural interests. And we plan more events next year with programs that reflect our commitment to build community and inspire conversation.
We also express appreciation to those of you who helped us fulfill our mission through our tax-deductible educational projects, including: The Conversation, Write On for Israel, Fresh Ink for Teens, The Investigative Journalism Fund, and Community Forums. We could not achieve this portfolio of journalistic excellence and community building without your ongoing support. (Donations are welcome at thejewishweek.com/donate.)
We are proud of NJJN and the central role it plays in this community. For us and the board we are honored to represent, it embodies a way we can work together to inform and strengthen Jewish life — in New Jersey and America.
Thanks to each of you for your continued interest and commitment, and best wishes for a year of good health, happiness, and peace.
Shanah tovah,
Stuart Himmelfarb, President
Peter Wang, Chair of the Board
P.S.: Please join us at our upcoming Gala on Nov. 13 — it’s a festive way
to show your support. Visit jewishweekmediagroup.com/gala.
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