Today, we turn the page

Posted

Welcome to a collector’s item — the first issue of Jewish Rhode Island!

We have a new look and a different name, but we’re still the Voice of Greater Rhode Island’s Jewish Community.

As you can see, the new paper has more of a magazine format than the previous version of The Jewish Voice. We hope you will find it engaging and a little more modern. We’ve also moved the news around a little. Up front, you’ll see a feature on someone in our community — perhaps someone you know. This is where you’ll also find our question-and-answer with the rabbi series, the community calendar, the d’var Torah, opinion pieces and food stories. 

Each issue will continue to have a theme, and you’ll find a lot of good information on that theme in the center of the paper. This month we focus on Health and Wellness. We often think of the gym as the domain of the young. But that’s certainly not the case at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center where there is programming for all ages.  This month, award-winning photographer Glenn Osmundson took a look at the JCC’s health and fitness offerings for seniors. You can see his photos in our center spread. 

Throughout the paper, you’ll find news, events, information and photos from our community, along with carefully curated stories from around the world.

For example, take a look at page 24, where the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) looks back on the inspiring Jews we lost in 2018. It’s a rather sobering list.

To make over a newspaper like this, it really does take a village. From the leadership of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island to the Alliance and Voice staff and the community members we asked for advice and opinions, taking this paper from The Jewish Voice to Jewish Rhode Island has been a lengthy, painstaking undertaking. Readers responded to a survey, editors of other papers were kind enough to offer insights, and a talented local newspaper designer worked hard and long on the redesign.

The support of everyone involved has been invaluable and can’t be emphasized enough.

Now the work of making sure this paper reflects our community begins anew. In the coming months, you’ll see more stories about the community you call home. Please make sure your synagogues, organizations, schools and groups are represented here by sending us your news, photos and information about events. You can send us your submissions through our website, JewishRhody.org. And speaking of JewishRhody.org, this is where you’ll find features and lots of news in between our monthly print editions. And make sure we have your email address so you get the newsletter that will start hitting inboxes in the middle of February. Sign up at www.JewishRhody.org/register.html.

Be sure to check our website often. It’s easy to use and will keep you up-to-date on the latest news.

Finally, let us know what you think. Our email is editor@jewishallianceri.org, and we continue to welcome comments, questions, kudos and concerns about our newspaper and website. If you prefer, regular mail can be sent to Jewish Rhode Island, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906.

We are looking forward to a bold new beginning in 2019!