We know that just about everyone who comes to MyJewishLearning.com is looking for Jewish answers, in some way.
Answers to questions on a variety of topics about Judaism, but answers no less. And answers that they could often get from other sources–books, classes, and most obviously Jewish scholars and rabbis.
With the growing number of “Ask-the-Rabbi” features on the Internet, it’s no surprise that the role of rabbis in the communal sphere is changing.
But how does one measure this?
Gesher, an educational organization devoted to pluralism Israeli style, recently conducted a poll about those Israelis who turn to rabbis online for answers:
Amongst the surfers who use the relevant Q&As, 58% explained that the internet is more accessible to them than rabbis and 10% said that they do not have contact with any rabbi. (MORE)
The most surprising number was the percent of people who claim to not use the Internet at all for Jewish purposes–72%. Jewish purposes includedclarifying details regarding religious services or related information like the address of the local rabbinate, a nearby mikveh (ritual bath), or a kosher restaurant.
We at MJL can only hope that more American Jews are turning to the web.
kosher
Pronounced: KOH-sher, Origin: Hebrew, adhering to kashrut, the traditional Jewish dietary laws.
mikveh
Pronounced: MICK-vuh, or mick-VAH, Alternate Spelling: mikvah, Origin: Hebrew, Jewish ritual bath.
