In terms of education, I have always taught that content should fuel the media. In other words, just because a variety of media are available doesn’t mean that we have to employ them. However, there are many cases in which a particular medium is perfect for select content. Such is the case with Chat the Planet’s new Jewish Reconnection Project.

This project brings together young adults from North America and Israel in a global dialogue through new media/Internet technology. Together they discuss a variety of important issues facing the Jewish community. The discussions are recorded, divided into episodes, and are intended to become conversation starters at local in-person events around key issues facing the Jewish people globally.

While the program is entertaining and enlightening on its own merit, it also has formal and informal educational implications. This is particularly true of a recent episode in which participants from Israel and North America discuss the issue of interfaith marriage. They offer their own perspectives, which also reflect the perspectives of their parents and different geographic communities. Eight thousand miles certainly is a long distance, but it appears not to be the deciding factor, as there are commonalities and differences between the participants regardless of where they live.

While the Jewish Reconnection Project is just getting started, it certainly seems like a great way to continue and augment many long-running and important conversations in the community.