The primary European initiators, who inspired this event, perceive the
year 2011 as the cornerstone in the historical retracing of various
cultural aspects within the overall heritage of the Jewish people. 2011
is defined as the year of initiation into Era Two.
In line with the thematic concepts advanced by the European organizers,
the annual celebrations up to now have focused on essential events and
activities in the history of the Jewish people such as Pessach, the day
of liberation from slavery, on Jewish customs and way of life - cuisine,
art, the Jewish calendar and traditions as well as on records of Jewish
presence on the Balkan Peninsula. Therefore the thematic issue of EDJC
2011, which is to mark the beginning of Era Two, has been duly entitled
'Facing the Future'.
Modern media communications and information technologies are being
implemented in Era Two for the study, maintenance and preservation of
Jewish cultural heritage, and for its dissemination among far-off
communities and interaction among them.
The possibilities which the new
and fast developing communication technologies are opening up for the
world are also working in favour of promoting Jewish heritage by
revealing our culture and way of life in their true and primary colours.
Whether this is achieved through graphic design, video clips, internet
forums and other social networks, it is diversity of view points, the
exchange of information, and interactive dialogue that expand the
horizons and push the boundaries.
'Facing the Future', the 2011 EDJC theme, has been visualized on the
traditional poster where many of the above mentioned means of
communication have been marked on the map of Europe for the countries
where the EDJC is celebrated. There are plenty of examples which give a
clear picture of how these inventions and technologies have affected
Jewish culture, traditions and way of life.
The Internet has virtual communities of Jews of different walks of life,
as well as rabbis, cantors and Torah scholars who are open to discuss
the views and inclinations of Liberal Judaism and search for relevant
answers to complicated questions. The American rabbi Avraham perceives
these virtual Jewish communities as a means of reviving the Jewish
religion for those who have abandoned their dedication to the Synagogue.
Ideological issues also find their place on the internet. Racism,
xenophobia and anti-Semitism are problems with lasting roots and having
open debates and expressed opinions on the internet is an invaluable
opportunity for conflicting sides to hear one another.
The Anti-Defamation League is there to aid the process of communication,
understanding and respect among diverse groups, carrying out its
mission through a network of thirty regional and Satellite Offices in
the US and abroad. There are many other examples as to how the new
technologies can be made to work in favor of promoting globalization,
peace and understanding in our world. Nevertheless, I can say that the
profound universal message and the original communication nets were laid
down long ago when through Moses, G-d set the indispensible moral laws
of life for all people and with the sound of the Shoffar we are
constantly reminded not to stray from them but abide by them and live in
wisdom.
