Home / Columns / Launch Week – A Note From Jewrotica Editor Ayo Oppenheimer

Launch Week – A Note From Jewrotica Editor Ayo Oppenheimer

By on October 18, 2012

From The Desk Of New
Rated PGMy dear friends,

Jewrotica has been alive and well for seven full days! It’s wild to think that this is all happening. This project has been in the idea stage for so long, and it kind of feels like my baby is taking its first steps.

Through these notes, I will start to let you in on the process we are going through in the creation of Jewrotica and the making of a new Jewish educational enterprise.

The reviews have been pretty rockin’ with solid write-ups in Ha’Aretz, Heeb, Times of Israel and Jewlicious with a couple more articles in the cooker for the coming week. There have of course been some vocal critiques as well (check out the comments section), but that’s to be expected and makes up a part of the dialogue – this is after all about starting a conversation.

It’s clear from the 40,000+ views over the past week that people are reading our content and are watching us to see what happens. The consensus seems to be: “Good website. Great potential. Interesting premise. Solid writing. But – giggle – who knows where it will go? Let’s sit back and watch what happens.”

I challenge you. Don’t sit back! Whether you agree or disagree with what we are doing, step up and get involved if you care about the conversation. Write a piece. Email us with an idea – or with a concern. Join the team. Spread the word. This is not a reality television show – it’s the creation of something new and exciting. We want you to be a part of this creation, this exploration and Jewrotica’s success. So get up and join us!

In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing more engaging stories and confessions but will also be offering deep reflections and valuable educational content – including some basic but key information on STIs and keeping you healthy, and an overview of birth control options and their efficacy along with halachic commentary on the permissibility of each one.

Ooh, and one last thing! The media has had a field day highlighting the connection between Jewrotica and the Schusterman Foundation. This has had the oddly pleasant effect of really talented people with twice my life experience sending us their CVs in consideration of hiring them.

But here’s the deal: We’re not rolling in dough! In fact, we’re not even directly backed by Schusterman. Jewrotica is supported by a microgrant from ROI Community. Rather than playing with a million dollar budget, we are an all-volunteer team working with an earmarked half of a $1,000 microgrant. That’s an operating budget of… $500! [Insert laugh here] ROI Community, on the other hand, is a prized – and nicely funded! – project of Schusterman Foundation. So at best we’re kind of like a wayward grandchild of Schusterman. 😉

But Lynn, if you’re looking to bankroll an innovative and edgy new Jewish engagement initiative, holla at us! We’ve got a damn creative team here with lots of big ideas and would gladly hook you up with your pick of Jewrotica swag.

Light and Love,
SigFinal (1)

Founder and editor of Jewrotica, Ayo spent the past two years full-time RVing North America with her Jewish educational film program. Ayo alternates between intensely pursuing fun new experiences and equally intensely trying to do good by people. She would love to hear from you.
Related Items