Writer-at-Large Jane Eisner April 28, 2011

One of the things I learned early on in journalism is to be good to your staff members, because you’ll never know when one of them will become your editor.

Sure enough, that happened to me a few months after I arrived at the Forward in 2008, when the position of opinion editor opened up and Daniel Treiman asked for the job. He was our web editor at the time, had supervised the redesign of our website and clearly had the smarts and the passion to tackle a new challenge. It was an easy promotion to make, and he’s been editing my editorials ever since.

Now, after working on and off at the Forward for the past nine years, Daniel is returning to journalistic cyberspace to take a new job as online editor at JTA.

He leaves behind a proud tradition of publishing opinion pieces that were trenchant, sophisticated and often surprising, reflecting his determination to take readers outside their comfort zones, showing that sound answers are rarely obvious and that no one has a monopoly on the truth. Daniel was known for his rigorous editing, a reputation to which I can attest and something I will sorely miss. We wish him well in his new position.

Happily, this important chair will be filled without delay. I am thrilled to announce that our own Gal Beckerman will become the Forward’s new opinion editor. Gal’s broad intellect, superb writing, analytical skills and knowledge of the Jewish world make him a perfect fit for this job.

Now I get a new editor, too.

I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?

Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.

I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.

The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.

That’s why I’m paying it Forward. I’ve offered a $36,000 matching gift as an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, and I hope you’ll take me up on my offer to double your gift.

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