The Federation and the NJJN
It is with a sense of disappointment and disillusionment that I learned that the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ has, “as part of the implementation of our strategic plan … made the decision to conclude our longstanding partnership with the NJJN…. [This decision] reflects our commitment to strengthening how we communicate … and ensuring that our community remains informed about the people, programs and issues that matter most.”
Perhaps I’m wrong, but I suspect that Federation’s “ensuring that our community remains informed about the people, programs and issues that matter most” [emphasis mine] is a smoke screen for putting the spotlight on major donors and showcasing those who give the most, and volunteer the most on behalf of Federation, as well as exclusively highlighting MetroWest Federation programs.
As a founder of the Ocean County Jewish Federation a half-century ago, I have always seen the role of Federation to be increasing the knowledge, insights, and consciousness of its constituents as a whole about world Jewry, Israel, and societal issues of ethical and moral concern, and informing its constituents about our local Jewish communities. Knowledge can foster involvement, commitment and support. Self-serving “public relations” is, if anything, a turn-off for the majority of the Jewish community.
The NJJN has done a yeoman’s job in informing, inspiring and educating our Jewish community. That the NJJN won eight Rockower awards given by the prestigious American Jewish Press Association for excellence in Jewish journalism attests to the excellence of this outstanding newspaper.
Self-serving PR from the Greater MetroWest Federation will neither inspire nor inform. Its letter to “Friends” concludes that “[we] look forward to continuing to keep you informed, engaged and connected.” That’s precisely what the NJJN has been doing, “in spades,” for decades! I have no faith that Greater MetroWest’s public relations efforts will be equal to this task.
Readers: Please join me in subscribing directly to the NJJN. Let us hope that Greater MetroWest Federation’s next “strategic plan” will reverse this unfortunate decision.
Rabbi Richard Hammerman
Rabbi Emeritus, Congregation B’nai Israel, Toms River, NJ; member, Agudath Israel, Caldwell, NJ