Jewish News and JLC to launch J-HUB, the digital home for Jewish life
'Just as JW3 brings all parts of the community together under one physical roof, such a resource in the digital space is long overdue'
A new platform showcasing the vibrancy of Jewish life under one digital roof – and encouraging participation in a plethora of activities – is set to be launched this autumn.
Community events will be listed alongside job and volunteering opportunities, Jewish life-cycle resources and news feeds on the website, a joint venture between Jewish News and the Jewish Leadership Council, which already has the support of nearly 50 communal organisations.
Moving the UK Jewish community ahead of other major global communities in terms of digital infrastructure, users will enjoy personalised home pages according to what most interests them and an AI chat bot function to help them navigate the latest communal activities, information and news from a variety of trusted sources.
In an unprecedented development for online connectivity in the Jewish community, the chat bot will also be available to organisations as an embedded fixture on their websites too, enabling users to interact with J-HUB without leaving their site.
JLC Chair Keith Black said: “The UK Jewish community remains one of the most vibrant in the world. An exemplar for others around the world and for other communities in the UK. But there is currently nowhere for British Jews and visitors from abroad to go to to find all these activities in the place – that’s where J-HUB comes in. We’ve been delighted with the response that the prospect of this vital resource has received over the last year.
“While users will be able to search for specific activities of interest, whether thematically, geographically, or by life stage, they will also be introduced to many organisations and extensive content available across the community they may not already be familiar with.”
The latest key news stories from the UK, Israel and the Jewish world – provided by Jewish News and other trusted sources – will also be highlighted on the hub.
Jewish News co-publishers Justin Cohen and Richard Ferrer said: “While it was the Covid emergency that first alerted us to the need for such a resource, and the early stages of the war that solidified that belief, it’s become increasingly clear that this will be a vital service. Just as JW3 brings all parts of the community together under one physical roof, such a resource in the digital space is long overdue.
“The fact it’ll serve as a reminder of the vibrancy of our community at such a difficult moment is a timely bonus.”
J-HUB will also feature a directory of charities and organisations, with each having their own page and the ability to post activities on the site for free. Access to community members will also of course be free to use, with account sign-in options to generate customised content.
Recruitment is currently underway for a project manager.
J-HUB is the platform’s current working name. We are today inviting readers to suggest names for both the hub itself and for the chat bot. If your suggestion is adopted you’ll receive £200 Amazon vouchers. To enter please email claire@thejlc.org
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