May 28, 2009
Published in The Jewish Ledger
NORWALK — Congregation Beth El in Norwalk has launched a new website that keeps members abreast of synagogue activities…and a whole lot more.
In addition to up-to-date information on prayer services, events, learning opportunities, volunteer activities, etc., the site also provides the lower Fairfield County Jewish community a news feed from Israel and links of Jewish interest. The new site, combined with weekly e-mail announcements, have allowed the synagogue to discontinue its printed flyer mailings; all part of the “Greening of Beth El” initiative which includes the installation of energy efficient lighting and motion sensors in our building.
Rabbi Fish explained that “The website was built around five key pillars of Jewish life at Congregation Beth El; community, learning, prayer, social action and support of our synagogue,” says spiritual leader rabbi Joseph Ron Fish. “All the content is wrapped around these important pillars.”
The website provides a connection to Israel through a news feed from Haaretz.com, the online edition of Israel’s daily newspaper, as well as a link to the Jerusalem Post. Connections to regional, national and international information of Jewish interest are provided through links to the UJA Federation of Westport, Weston, Norwalk, Jewish Family Service, American Jewish World Service and Mazon, a Jewish response to hunger.
The website development project was led by recording secretary Bob Moskovitz of Westport, with the assistance of Shofar Sites, a division of TNR Global LLC of Greenfield, Mass. Shofar Sites works specifically with synagogues to create interactive websites.
On the Web: http://www.congbethel.org/
http://www.shofarsites.com