By Andy Cherry and Steven Rosenberg
“What it means to be Jewish in Philadelphia,” is something we take very seriously at the Jewish Exponent and have for 130 years. As we celebrate our milestone anniversary as the second-oldest continuously published Jewish newspaper in the United States, we want to let you know how important we see this role.
Over the years, the Exponent has evolved with the times and the changing needs of the community. As we sit here in 2017 with the instant news cycle and insatiable need to know everything as soon as possible, we acknowledge the difficulties a weekly paper has to overcome. However, our niche has become our tagline — what it means to be Jewish in Philadelphia. We go out and find stories other media isn’t telling. Stories in Bucks, Chester and Delaware counties. Stories about local synagogues, Jewish organizations, events that shape the Jewish community here and abroad and other important Philadelphia area institutions fill our pages each and every week.
For the past two years, we have told more local stories about more local people than in recent memory. The need for wire services has been significantly reduced. The editorial team is larger, and is constantly hunting news you want to see and read.
When breaking news does occur, we have our website and our social media platforms to provide you with instant access. If you haven’t seen our new site, we encourage you to make
jewishexponent.com a regular book-marked place to visit on your desktop or mobile device. You can also find our fresh, daily content on Facebook and Twitter.
We owe a special debt of gratitude to our advertisers, many of whom have been with us for decades. Without advertisers, we would cease to exist. Advertising in the Exponent works; we know it works because we have so many loyal and dedicated clients. Whether you like the weekly paper, the website or one of our terrific special supplements, the Exponent offers a way for you to reach the Philadelphia Jewish community.
Throughout the decades, the Exponent has been known for its Mazel Tov section. There is no charge to submit your birth, engagement, wedding, Bar/Bat Mitzvah or anniversary announcement. Don’t forget us and send us a great well-captioned photo so we can show everyone your wonderful lifecycle occasion. The team at the Exponent works tirelessly to give you the news you want and the news you need. We want to continue to hear your opinions about our stories and columns. We also want your input even if you’re unhappy. It is your well-thought-out feedback that allows us to constantly improve.
It is our goal to be here for the next 130 years. The Advisory Committee of the Jewish Publishing Group meets multiple times each year to identify new opportunities and ways to make the paper more accessible, more inclusive and more interesting. While we are always happy to win awards, the No. 1 award we strive for is your satisfaction and continued readership, and the satisfaction of our advertisers.
The only promise we can make to you is that the Jewish Exponent will continue to work hard on your behalf, find the great untold stories and tell them to you in print and electronically each and every week. We will be here for you and look forward to hearing from you over the course of the next year.
Andy Cherry is the chairman of the Jewish Publishing Group. Steven Rosenberg serves as the publisher’s representative and general manager.
