Thursday, May 21, 2009

 Nina Amir, a Jewish author who focuses her work on human potential, personal growth and practical spirituality, recently became part of a team of people creating a Jewish community on the Internet. She has accepted a position as director of public relations and outreach for www.CyberJudaism.com, a site currently being built that claims it will be the place "Where the Jewish World Comes Together." And Amir wants to be there when it does.

"The Internet has become the place for social networking in the 21st Century, and CyberJudaism.org is the next logical step for Jews wanting to build online community. It will be the ultimate gathering place for Jews. However, it's going to be so much more than that," claims Amir. "It will offer live streaming video of religious services, rabbinic office hours, teleseminars and webcasts of online classes, a 'shuk' or store selling Judaica items, and tremendous amounts of content. Of course, not only do I want to help create this community, I want to be a part of it."

CyberJudaism.org already has launched its demo site and currently is offering an opportunity for Jews around the world to give feedback before the site goes live. Wanting the Jewish community to help build the structure that will house this online community, the team is asking for help creating the future of global mainstream Judaism. It has sent out a request for interested people to explore the site and offer feedback and input. Plus, the team is looking for people interested in setting up offices on the site, "ShulCasting" synagogue services, teaching, setting up an online booth for Jewish Charities or Jewish Social Justice organizations, selling Judaica in its Global Online Jewish Marketplace, selling writing in its Unpublished Works Library, or conceptualizing additional ideas for CyberJudaism.org.

"CyberJudaism.org's vision falls right in line with my own vision for my work," claims Amir. "It allows Jews – and even non-Jews – of all denominations and with all sorts of interests and all levels of involvement to dabble in the waters of Judaism. They can take a dip or they can jump in. They can access their favorite rabbi's services or teachings even if they live half way across the world. And they can connect with like-minded Jews, or find rabbinic or spiritual counseling even if they have none right in their home town. They can find the best resources, and, more than that, they can find a supportive community any time of day or night."

The visionary behind CyberJudaism.org is Rabbi Yitzhak Miller, who brings to this venture 10+ years of experience as a Reform congregational rabbi, years of experience in the U.S. and international business world, and a family background that spans the gamut from ultra-Reform to ultra-Orthodox. He currently serves as the resident chaplain at Stanford University Medical Center. The "Cyber Rabbi," he is known for his online work with students from Iraq to Beijing. In addition to Rabbi Miller the CyberJudaism.org team consists of Amir; Technology and Marketing Director Louise Rijk; Strategic Planning Director Joe Katzman; Spiritual Content Director Rabbi Baruch HaLevi; and Director of Educational Content Michael Sommer.

Amir is a journalist, inspirational speaker, teacher, the San Jose Jewish Examiner, the holiday and spirituality expert on the international podcast Conversations with Mrs. Claus, wife, and mother. The author of several booklets—"From Empty Practice to Meaning-Full and Spirit-Full Prayers and Rituals," "The Kabbalah of Conscious Creation," "The Priestess Practice," and "Navigating the Narrow Bridge," she is writing several full-length books. Through her work, Amir offers human potential, personal growth and practical spiritual tools from a Jewish perspective, although her work is pertinent to people of all faiths and spiritual traditions. She strives to bring people closer to their religion, live fully and feel the Divine Presence in their lives every day.

"I think CyberJudaism.org will be a place where I can fulfill my personal purpose more easily while helping the site fulfill its purpose as well," she concludes. "Its' a win win. I'm thrilled to help make Reb Yitzi's vision a reality as well and to be part of the CyberJudaism.org community and team."

For more information on CyberJudaism.org, contact Rabbi Yitzhak Miller at rebyitzi@yahoo.com.