JFL Media, the non-profit dedicated to innovative educational print and online media announced today that leading teen site JVibe.com and award winning Jewish education site BabagaNewz.com have found new homes. The news follows similar successful transitions for JBooks.com and Sh’ma, both JFL Media programs that were successfully transitioned last month.
Back in May the Board of JFL Media concluded that the best way for the organization to fulfill its mission, and be true to its constituents (and funders) was to seek partnerships with likeminded organizations for each of its four successful brands. At its inception, JFL Media united diverse properties under one umbrella. In the decade since, Jewish organizations have demonstrated 21st century communication skills and in these difficult economic times the natural evolution was to place JFL Media properties with organizations that provide content consistent with their missions.
“After several months of exploration and conversations with many Jewish organizations we found a perfect match between the Jvillage Network and JVibe and we are certain that JVibe will continue to grow as it did under our watch” said Amir Cohen JFL’s CEO. “JVibe‘s editor Lindsey Silken will continue as editor and that is another reason why we feel confident JVibe‘s future is secure.” Cohen added.
“The same can be said about the perfect match between BabagaNewz.com and industry leading book publisher Behrman House” said Evan Schlessinger JFL’s Board Chair who used the opportunity to thank Yossi Prager and the AVI CHAI foundation for their active role in securing this new relationship. BabagaNewz.com editor Sara Marx and JFL’s director of education Lisa Micley have joined the Behrman House team and will continue to lead the one-of-a-kind program.
“For over a decade JFL has played a leading role in developing, launching and nurturing websites and publications with Jewish values as a common thread connecting all of them. Today JFL’s work comes to a successful completion as the programs for which it is most known have successfully landed in new homes where they will continue to grow.” said Martin Kaminer-JFL’s founding board chair.
As the organization prepares to “sunset” JFL Media also announced that the communal space it has created and managed in Newton, MA known to many as “90 Oak,” will continue to operate with no interruption. “We’ve worked with the tenants to make sure that their needs are met. In fact BabagaNewz will continue to operate from “90 Oak” where another former JFL Media program Interfaithfamily.com has taken over the management role.
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As a former member of the JFL Media staff, I am saddened by the news. I certainly understand the reasons behind the decision, and I know that all alternatives were considered.
Working for this organization was one of the highlights of my career. It was energizing and exciting to be part of something that was always on the edge of innovation and redefining many aspects of what it means to be Jewish. The projects developed and created by JFL have enabled many people to define what being Jewish means to them, and enable them to live Jewishly on their own terms. While the greater Jewish community has often made it difficult for some to enter the community, JFL helped many Jews feel welcomed and gave them a sense of belonging to the community.
I wish all past JFL staff members success and happiness as they move forward, and I reserve a place in my heart for all that JFL accomplished.
How does closing down an organization count as “success?”