Like Wikipedia and the Talmud, blogs make for a multi-layered experience, constantly supplemented by contributors to help shed light on an original idea. People are starting to pay attention to blogs, with politicians and journalists abound at the bloggers convention in Las Vegas. The mainstream Jewish community too, is taking notice: The Jewish Week noted two blogs in one issue alone:
“Black Hat Meets Blog” and “Are Blogs Kosher?”

With the advent of blogs (public web logs), on-line diaries that allow people to post and comment on whatever topic they wish, everyone with internet access can express their opinions. By putting my thoughts “on paper” here on our JOI blog, I receive both positive and negative feedback. I find this encouraging; when discussing issues of crucial concern to the Jewish community, respectful conversation and debate is what we should strive for, and I want to encourage an open dialogue on our blog.

I grew up in Florida, known at the time for its “government in the sunshine” laws, meaning that all governmental transactions were open to the scrutiny of its citizens. In this tradition, I want to welcome and encourage on-line comments on our site and others. It is only in such dialogue—when honest and civil—that the Jewish community will thrive.