Shalom My Gantseh Megillah Family and Friends,

I have a question. Where is everybody? You don’t call, you don’t write. Hello? Anybody home?

Our Megillah family is approaching the two thousand member mark, and yet we receive precious little mail in response to our articles. As the editor, I have given this matter a great deal of thought and sincerely, I am baffled.

We are Jews for cryin’ out loud! We’re known for our opinions and a burning desire to share them. I was brought up in a family where everyone had at least three opinions on any topic, whether they knew anything about it or not. This is why I cannot fathom the current silence. It is so unlike us as a people.

Not that we’ve been trying to bait you, but Evelyn Levin and Joel Wayne are not shy about their political opinions; Lynn Ruth Miller shares her wonderful early family memories; Eddy Robey assists us with culinary and spiritual advice; Elliot Rothpearl and Marge Wolfe get to the heart of Yiddishkeit while Brian Corleone and Lenn Zonder keeps us up-to-date on showbiz and sports. Further to all that, Dr. Marvin Blauer strives to add his scholarly and insightful analysis to current issues and I, in my own humble manner, inject my thoughts and opinions in my Editors Comments. Surely you have a response or in other words, the Megillah has lots to say and communication is a two way street.

In all fairness, a number of Megillah family members do write to me on a regular basis, but much of that communication has become personal in nature because the acquaintanceships have developed into friendships. Believe me; I feel blessed and honoured to have met such a wonderful array of new friends but our columnists and I are also interested in knowing what you think of the content of the monthly Megillah.

The Gantseh Megillah is an online venue to bring together the Jewish community enabling us to express our ideas, discuss our heritage and culture and explore what we have come to refer to as Yiddishkeit. It is one thing to be offered a venue such as the Megillah in which to express our thoughts and ideas to a willing audience, but it is also important for us, to know what our readers think of our offerings. Do you agree or disagree with our positions; have we influenced, informed or entertained you? The Letters to the Editor department is devoted to your thoughts, ideas and perceptions. You are an important part of this publication and our only real satisfaction is knowing we have reached you and given you something to think about.

Month after month I ask you for financial assistance in the form of voluntary donations. This month is no exception; however I am adding one more plea. I am asking my Megillah family to also contribute your thoughts and opinions. These contributions are equally as important as the financial kind toward the maintenance of the Megillah. You don’t have to compose a lengthy or involved message; just a few lines will do. But please, tell us what you think, feel and believe. We really DO care.

Please send your comments and letters to yiddishkeit@pass.to or go to the Letters to the Editor page and click on the “send a letter to the editor” link at the bottom.

To make a much-needed financial contribution please go to http://www.pass.to/newsletter/tzedakeh.htm 

Much love to all of you,
Michael

Michael D. Fein
Editor-The Gantseh Megillah