Rabbinical Seminary Launches Unique Social Networking Site to Connect People Through Judaism

WYNCOTE, Pa., April 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Judaism isn't a game, but a new Internet game called "MostJewish" is helping to begin a vibrant conversation about what it means to be Jewish in the 21st century. It's part of a new digital initiative launched by the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College (RRC), which has long been dedicated to reaching people where they are. And where people are these days is online.

Players go to www.mostjewish.com on their computer or hand-held device and see four words or phrases. They click on the one that feels most Jewish to them and learn the percentage of players who chose the same term. They are invited to explain the reason for their choices. And they can also discuss the game on Facebook and follow it on Twitter.

In the week leading up to Passover, the site will feature of "holiday special" version challenging players to choose their favorite parts of the Seder experience. Do we think most fondly of chocolate-covered matzah, the third cup of wine, counting pages till the meal, or falling asleep at the table?

"MostJewish" offers a constantly updated "Top Ten list" of choices and allows players to see all comments on the choices. And a blog written primarily by Rabbi Deborah Glanzberg-Krainin, assistant vice president for community and rabbinic engagement at RRC and  director of the project, continues the discussion in more depth, posing provocative questions such as, "How do Jewish stereotypes impact us?" and "How does commenting on a Web site echo the ancient Jewish tradition of commentary?"

Blue State Digital, the group behind the wildly successful Web experience MyBarackObama.com, is collaborating with RRC in developing the game and other features of the MostJewishWeb site.

"It's the conversation that takes place online and well after the game that makes this so vital," said Glanzberg-Krainin. "We're simply using the game as a welcome mat."

Over time, the game will be tailored to suit audience interests and will offer players tools to explore their connection to Judaism on deeper levels. Small groups may ultimately connect over books, social justice projects, eating meals together or in-depth conversations. The possible experiences are as wide-ranging and unpredictable as the Internet itself.

Because the game asks people to make intuitive, spontaneous choices about Jewishness, players will be able to form organic connections to others on the site—and, in some cases, offline.

An online initiative might seem like an odd project for a rabbinical school, but RRC already has pioneered Ritualwell.org, the premiere Web site for contemporary Jewish ceremonies and rituals.

"Part of RRC's mission is to develop new and exciting resources for contemporary Jewish life," said Rabbi Dan Ehrenkrantz. Ehrenkrantz is president of the College, Reconstructionist Judaism's only seminary. "We've always encouraged our rabbinical students to reach out in innovative ways. This initiative will allow RRC to reach new audiences directly and to better serve traditional audiences."

RRC also is discussing partnerships for MostJewish with leading, likeminded Jewish organizations that address environmental concerns, social justice and urban Jewish life.

Starting an Internet conversation about 21st century American Judaism is in keeping with Reconstructionist process, which encourages exploration and open-ended conversations. So what's most Jewish? Is it "poetry magnets," because moving the words around feels like writing Midrash? Or "Jeopardy," because the TV game requires contestants to answer in the form of a question, and questioning is at the heart of Jewish tradition? Or chopped liver because, well, "What am I?"  These user responses to the game illustrate its potential to present new and surprising ways to think about Judaism.

Media Contact:  Barbara Beck, 215.209.3076

SOURCE Reconstructionist Rabbinical College