Shalom My Gantseh Megillah Family and Friends,

The much awaited new Gantseh Megillah makes its debut with this issue. Doesn’t it look great?

Lots of very hard work has gone into our new redesign, and we certainly hope it meets with your approval. We have taken to heart many of the concerns members have expressed about the former iteration, and incorporated them into this new version.

Each and every page is now in pure HTML, so as you can see, the larger font type is easier to read. You have easy access to every article and story with one click by scrolling down the left-hand side of this page. We are also introducing a “share this page” function, which allows you to send items of interest to Facebook, and other social networking sites. Naturally, you can still email stories directly to your friends by clicking on the “two-headed icon” in the upper right-hand corner of the page. Don’t forget to invite your friends to subscribe to the Megillah at the same time. Those are some of the many differences you will find in our new design that will make your visits to the Gantseh Megillah Web site so much more satisfying and enjoyable.

You will notice at the top of every page the words “Join/Log In.” Currently you do not need to “Log In” to enjoy all the features of the new Megillah. Within the next month or two, we will be instituting additional features, which will require our members to Log In. I will be sending out special notifications as soon as this new security feature is in place. The “Join” function, of course, works right away for all the new subscribers you will be eagerly directing to our site. (Hint, hint)

Some of the other new features include our powerful search function, the online Megillah shop, the Jewish factoid page, and the improved Site Map.

Also new is the special recognition for the “Shmuck of the Month.” Please send in your suggestions for public figures who you believe have behaved in a manner not best representing our community. I am starting things off this month with my personal designation that you can view under the “Shmuck of the Month” icon on the right-hand side of this page.

Rabbi Dan Wiko will continue to respond to questions about Jewish life and beliefs. Rabbi Dan has been the Megillah’s spiritual advisor for several years, and he is looking forward to assisting his fellow Megillah family members with their concerns.

Over the next few months, new features will be added, which will enable you to comment on articles as you read them, and to participate in ongoing conversational threads that will be updated as they are written. We will be incorporating videos of interest for your viewing pleasure and to help add to our understanding of the world around us. These and other new services will be announced as they are ready to make their appearance.

All in all, we want the Megillah to continue to be an important part of your online Jewish connection. I began this publication almost ten years ago to build a virtual family who share common beliefs and who also are open to discussion and debate. In other words, just like a real family. The Megillah was never intended to be just another Web site, but rather an online spiritual connection weaving through the world and bringing people closer together who might otherwise not have had the opportunity to meet. I have personally made many new friends via the Megillah, and for this I will be forever grateful. It is because of all of you, our Megillah family members, that we are able to continue our work with that goal in mind.

Much love to all of you,
Michael