In the past, Jews formed communities more readily by living in close proximity to one another. We all know of the "old Jewish neighborhood". When folks who lived in Jewish neighborhoods get together they play "Jewish Geography" down to the street and house level, talking about common people, events and customs.

Today, in the age of the computer and internet we have developed new ways to form communities. Thanks to technology, many of us belong to communities that do not have the traditional format of geographic boundaries. They are built on the same types of common bonds or interests, but thanks to new mediums of communication include people who have not and may never meet each other in person.

As Federation, one of the goals stated in our Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws is to build and strengthen the Jewish community in Ocean County. Federation does this in many ways: by raising funds, supporting organizations and synagogues and providing services, to name just a few.

Since its incorporation, one of the Federation's main tools to build community has been through the dissemination of information mainly through the pages of The Jewish Journal. We realize that in Ocean County because of the large percentage of seniors in the community, Federation needs to move into the internet age perhaps a bit more slowly and cautiously than in other places; however, in the last few months the number of seniors who acknowledge being online has grown exponentially as compared to just a year of so ago.

As a result, Federaion is pleased to announce that in the next few weeks we will be launching a community-wide online calendar. In its first phase each of our affiliated synagogues will be able to post events of community interest that are open to the public at large. In the second phase, an invitaion to participate and post events will be extended to viable local Jewish membership orgaizations that also are interested in widening their scope by advertising select programs to the entire community.

To access the calendar, click on "Calendar" on the left-hand side of this page. Please take advantage of this new feature and avail yourself of opportunities to participate in the Jewish community of Ocean County.