Virtual Jewish Communities

Over past few months, hit and miss months that is, I have been tuning into a Chabad site called " Virtual Yeshiva.com". It is a website that is interactive in real time. There are lectures given by various rabbis on a host issues and subject matter. At first I was excited over this new and wonderful way of studying. However, I wonder why the Reform branch of Judaism does not actively seek out similar avenues to promote itself. As a Reform Jews we, (Makedah and I) feel isolated and unsure of our affiliation to the Reform Movement. There many national conferences hosted by and for the rank and file of Reform congregations,yet little or no linkage between the individual and the Movement. The same situation can be said for those Reform Jews who do not belong to a Reform congregation. We would prefer to go to a "Virtual Reform Congregation" which would discuss Parashahs of the week, news and discussion on issues that greatly affect Reform Jews. We should not have to go to a Chabad site to feel included. Even though we are Reform Jews, the Chabad has a virtual monopoly on the Internet and the public knowledge of Judaism and ritual. The virtual site moderators and attendees make all Jews feel welcome regardless of their affiliation. If there are any flaws with their sites, they are, too few attendees for the number of Chabads world wide, constant problems with out-of-date computers used by some of their rabbis which crash often and some rabbis charging for their study materials. The Reform movement should take note of the Chabad outreach to Jews and their unashamed vigorous proseltizing to Jews of all branches of Judaism. The world does not know much about the various branches of Judaism. It knows nothing of the concrete difference between the various branches. Lastly, it knows nothing of how we all celebrate rituals and traditions. It is up to us all to tell our own stories to fellow Jews and the non-Jewish world. There are five fingers on the human hand. Each with its unique fuction and purpose. The same is true of Judaism. I would rather take part in a Virtual Reform Congregation than be limited to one view.