Shalom My Gantseh Megillah Family and Friends,

Much has been written about what is known as Web 2.0. To many of us it is all a whole bunch of technical gobbledegook, while to others, it is the most interesting and fascinating development since unsalted matzoh. After spending time reading a variety of articles and informational columns about Web 2.0, I have come to the conclusion that it all boils down to making the Internet more interactive and user-friendly, and that, as Martha Stewart would say, "Is a good thing."

Naturally, the Gantseh Megillah could not allow itself to fall behind in the ever evolving world of Internet technology, so we have adopted several new features that make use of Web 2.0.

One feature you are already familiar with is the ability to post messages and comments right below the columns of our regular feature writers. I am happy to report that some of our members are beginning to take advantage of this capability. What better way to make your feelings known than to express them at the very moment they are on your mind? So please do make use of the comments area. It is a great way of making your fellow family members aware of your views, as well as keeping your editor (that's me) in tune with what is important to you, and why.

On the top of every page of the Megillah you will see icons, which permit you to share articles of interest on Facebook, Reddit, Delicious and Digg. You can also take advantage of the search box to find specific information buried deep within our site. Simply type a search term, such as "Hebrew," in the box, and click the "Go" button, and you will be shown a list of previous articles that include that word.

Most of the community features can be accessed by clicking on the little icons on the right-hand side of each page. The "Mark Your Calendar" icon shows you special events occurring in the upcoming two months. Slightly further down you will find the "Megillah Facebook Group" icon.

Everyone, by now, has heard of Facebook, and I am sure a great many of you already have your very own Facebook page. I am happy to report that the Gantseh Megillah also has a new Facebook page, which I encourage you to visit, and join. On it we will have discussions, comments, reviews, photos, or anything else you might like to include. Let no one say that the Gantseh Megillah is not "with it" or "cool." Your editor, me, and Web master, Arnold, are always seeking ways to ensure that the Megillah family is on the cutting edge of today's technology....or at least very close. Both Arnold and I plan to be active members of the group, and will also be available to answer any questions or concerns that might come up.

Speaking of "cutting edge," your Megillah editor also tweets on Twitter. If you are looking for daily links to news and information, my tweets often give a running account of the goings on in the world. Consider it to be your "daily" Megillah.

We have also made changes to our media area. Now, when you click on the media icon, you will find links to Being Jewish magazine, the Weekly Megillah, our book and music reviews, as well as Eddy's recipes. Recently added to this list is a new video section, which includes online videos of specific interest to the Jewish community. There is a good variety of choices including comedy, documentary, educational, and what I like to call, narishkayt.

Several of you sent me a wonderful four part series about the Borscht Belt, which you will find in this section as well. It is a terrific set of videos that will bring back warm memories of summers in the Catskills. If you come across any new videos, feel free to submit them to me, so I can add them to the selections.

Arnold and I are continuing to work on new and improved features for the Megillah, and we will announce them as they come onboard. But the main ingredient in all the Web 2.0 stuff is you! We need our Megillah family to reach out and communicate with us, and each other, in order to live up to the entire reason behind this endeavour, which is to offer an online, interactive gathering place for the members of the Jewish community and our friends. In these days of turmoil and insecurity in the world, we need to have a place where we can come together with our common beliefs and shared experiences.

Take some time to explore the Gantseh Megillah and discover areas that may be new to you. The quickest way to see all of our offerings is to click on the "Site Map" icon, which gives you access to everything on our site in one convenient location.

We are always interested in hearing your ideas for the Megillah. We also encourage you to submit stories, or articles, for publication in our pages. The Megillah was always intended to be the voice of our members, and what better way to participate than by sharing your thoughts and experiences with people who are truly interested and really care about what you think?

We are most grateful for our team of regular Megillah writers. Over the years they have kept our pages interesting, entertaining and informative with their monthly contributions. Now, we invite you to add to our offerings with your own, personally written stories, articles or commentaries. Jews are known as people who are never lacking in opinions or ideas. Think of the Megillah as your forum for expressing them to people who care.

To all of our American readers, I want to wish you a Happy 4th of July. Happy Bastille Day to our French nationals, and belated Canada Day wishes to all of my fellow Canadians.

Much love to all of you,

Michael