Posts Tagged Money

Televised Services – Too Much?

Posted by Sarah in Jewish Books on September 17, 2009

When it comes to offering easy ways to pray, how much is too much?

I was reading a great eJewish Philanthropy blog post today that discussed the availability of free High Holiday services for those wishing to participate without spending a lot of their hard-earned money. As someone who was until recently a student, I definitely appreciate the fact that there are places to pray without having to pay for a seat. And, in these economic times, the idea has become more commonplace as synagogues wish to avoid discouraging attendance. Therefore, as I read this post, I was pleased to see such a variety of ways to participate in the High Holidays without putting a huge dent in your wallet. However, I soon stumbled upon the mention of a possibility that startled me: Jewish TV Network actually offers a televised Kol Nidre service!

Source: http://www.fotosearch.com

Source: http://www.fotosearch.com

Needless to say, I’ve never heard of this before, and the idea doesn’t make me happy.

Let’s think about it. The High Holiday season is one of the few (maybe even the only) times a year that almost every Jew attends services. Synagogues only typically half full or scraping by to get a minyan find themselves forced to offer a standing room only section as pews fill to capacity. Picture it. A time of year when such a large group comes together to pray. The sense of community is fantastic! So, imagine my disappointment upon discovering that people may have a way to avoid attending services, thanks to the offering of a televised gathering. Do people really need a reason to stay home? The option certainly makes sense for those physically unable to attend. In fact, I think it’s wonderful that these people still have a way to experience the holidays. But, what about everyone else?

In a society where technology is so prevalent, do we really need it taking over another aspect of our lives? Relying on a TV for services eliminates the communal feeling, the commitment ones makes to G-d by attending services, and the feeling of participation. Therefore, this High Holiday season, I beg you! Go to synagogue. Feel the connection. And, truly ring in the New Year.

-Sarah

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Jewish Books = A Smart Investment

Posted by Sarah in Jewish Books, Publishing on September 9, 2009

Books and Piggy Bank

Source: http://www.computershopper.com

Let’s face it. With the country in an economic slump and families looking to cut costs, books are one of the first things to go– it probably seems like a logical choice. You don’t need books. They don’t provide anything essential, like food or clothing, right? Well, sure, if you’re going to rank the necessities in your life; food, clothing, and shelter certainly rank at the top. But that’s not to say that books aren’t also an essential part of life, or as I’m about to prove: A good investment!

Here are the top four reasons that Jewish Books should become part of your investment portfolio:

1. Books last forever (for the most part). They don’t die like flowers and computers or go out of style like clothing, videogames, cars, and more. In ten, thirty, or fifty years, your books will still be around, assuming you don’t drag them through the dirt or leave them out for a pet to demolish. So, when it comes down to it, you’re getting more bang for your buck by buying books, making them the smarter investment.

2. Books can be resold if you’re in a real bind (pun intended). Not only can you post them on places like eBay or Amazon, but sites like jewishusedbooks.com will buy your books from you. Then, with this newly earned cash and a slightly heavier wallet, you can go out and reinvest your money in more Jewish books! What could be more exciting than that?

3. Jewish books love to teach! Whether you’re looking at a children’s book or a copy of the Tanakh, all Jewish books tend to display a lesson. But, don’t let this fool you into thinking these books are boring. There are tons of Jewish novels out there that can draw you into another world and teach you something at same time. Therefore, unlike videogames, Jewish books are not usually accused of rotting your brain, so not only will you feel smart, you’ll actually be smart! What better way to spend your money than to feed your mind?

4. There is something for everyone. Don’t be turned off by the overly philosophical and scholarly books. There is more to Jewish reading than Bible Commentary. You can find romance, mystery, and suspense all in the wide variety of Jewish novels out there. So, if you’re tired of watching your kids read Twilight, or you need something other than the typical romance novel to entertain you at the beach, try your local Jewish bookseller. Look around and spend your money on something new and different. I guarantee you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

-Sarah

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