By Jane Eisner October 13, 2010

Careful readers of the Forward will notice something different about the second page of this newspaper. What had been our “Shmooze” page, filled with fun, gossipy tidbits of popular culture, has now become a section devoted to the best of our many blogs on www.forward.com.

This is more than a design change. It’s another step in the evolution of the Forward from an ink-on-paper weekly to a media organization delivering top-notch journalism in print, online and on your smartphone, through podcasts and videos, in ways that tap into the full expression of modern Jewish life.

On this new page, overseen by Laura Sinberg, our features editor, you will be able to dip into discussions about women’s issues, politics, food, arts and celebrities, or read the brilliant musings of columnist J.J. Goldberg. (Corrections can now be found on page four.) One thing won’t change: Masha Leon’s unique take on the Jewish social scene will still be available.

And I’m proud to announce that the Sisterhood, our women’s issues blog, has been named a finalist for a 2010 Online Journalism Award.

The Sisterhood offers a multi-generational, multi-denominational and geographically diverse roster of writers who provide deep and insightful commentary on Jewish issues from women’s perspectives, and women’s issues from Jewish perspectives. Begun only 18 months ago under the indefatigable leadership of Gabrielle Birkner, our web editor, the Sisterhood has already become a brand name in Jewish journalism, so this national recognition is especially welcome.

Why I became the Forward’s editor-in-chief

You are surely a friend of the Forward if you’re reading this. And so it’s with excitement and awe — of all that the Forward is, was, and will be — that I introduce myself to you as the Forward’s newest editor-in-chief.

And what a time to step into the leadership of this storied Jewish institution! For 129 years, the Forward has shaped and told the American Jewish story. I’m stepping in at an intense time for Jews the world over. We urgently need the Forward’s courageous, unflinching journalism — not only as a source of reliable information, but to provide inspiration, healing and hope.

That’s where you come in. Gifts of any size keep the Forward free and accessible to everyone and ensure we have the resources we need to power the Forward at this critical time for American Jews.

Don't just read the Forward - invest in it. Will you support our work today?

— Alyssa Katz, editor-in-chief

Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.

$120 $180 $360 OTHER AMOUNT