Publisher of Jewish World Review...
My three readers [1.] know that I often reference Jewish World Review [click to read]. It is a wonderful resource for commentary, opinion and spiritual insight. I became an avid reader several years back.
What I didn't realize at first was that Jewish World Review is the work of one man, Binyamin L. Jolkovsky, who puts the publication together daily by himself. He regularly works through the night to get the day's issue up for his considerably more than three readers.
If there is a single person who has inspired me to blog it is Binyamin Jolkovsky. He artfully places current events and spiritual thoughts side by side in his publication. He is a man who's mission is deeper than face value. I have corrresponded with Mr. Jolkovsky a few times.He reads every email himself and is thoughtful in his response.
So this morning I eagerly clicked on the email that would usually opento JWR's rich smorgasbord of articles and here is what I read instead:
Binyamin L. Jolkovsky was taken by ambulance to the hospital on December1st 2009, and he may be there for a couple of days. He apologizes for not being able to publish during that time.
He asks that you pray for him with his Hebrew name: Binyamin Leib ben (Hebrew: son of) Pesha.
Yitz Relkin
And so I add my prayers on his behalf. Binyamin, you owe me no apologies. Thank you for your faithful service to inform and inspire.We miss you. We pray for your speedy recovery!
Here is a follow-up letter by our beloved Binyamin
ReplyDeleteDecember 10, 2009
To My Friends:
You cannot begin to realize how much your mail has meant to me --- how much it has lifted my spirits, coming as it has from literally all over the world! As I began (and to a certain degree continue to) question my future, your words have kept me focused. I think about what has been and can yet still be.
Exactly twelve years ago today, I launched JWR. I was 29. Having worked in print media, I was ready to take on the world in a brand new venue and begin to do things my way.
I was young and naive. I was willing to make sacrifices.
And I did --- apparently more than I ever realized.
For the last few months, I have been feeling extremely weak. It got to the point that every few hours I needed to rest. The daily JWR newsletters, as I'm sure that you noticed, were arriving in your inbox later and later. I wrote of "situations beyond my control" and "technical difficulties". That was my failing health.
Last week, I was rushed by ambulance to the hospital. I was suffering severe breathing problems. In the end, they concluded that I have a serious heart problem. I am sick --- VERY sick.
Sometime soon, I will be having a procedure that doctors hope will help protect my heart, because they believe if another incident happens, I won't survive.
I'm seriously ill after giving an undertaking way more than I should have. I initially defeated the odds --- and, apparently, the odds have now defeated me. Game over; I lose.
But this is not who I am. I'm a fighter, particularly for causes in which I believe. I intend to move forward.
But I can only do so with your help.
Over the years, I've envisioned JWR as a site that informs as it transforms. It's a place that encourages growth --- intellectual, spiritual, and personal. When I started it with a prayer and not much more, there was nothing like it. After all these years, there still isn't.
I'm going to tell you a secret: For the entire 12 years, I did all of the work that brings you JWR by myself --- that's all the work that would nornally be done by a staff of professionals.
I must make immediate changes or face even more severe consequences.
As soon as possible I intend to change the company that delivers the daily update. Some JWR readers receive their newsletter HOURS after it is mailed. That is unacceptable.
But the MOST IMPORTANT change that must be made is my hiring of assistants to help me produce JWR. If I don't get the help that I need, I will be forced to fold. This isn't some crazy talk. It's just, sadly, the way it is; the way it will be.
At this point, if enough money doesn't come in to run JWR, there will be no JWR. I can't pick up the slack any longer and JWR can't survive on the best of intentions. My body won't let it be so.
Please make a tax deductible charitable contribution of ANY amount by clicking here or by making out a check and mailing it to the sponsoring organization at:
Keren Yehoshua V'Yisroel/JWR
125 Carey St.
Lakewood, New Jersey 08701
Tax ID: 22-3209160
Please note on the "memo line" of your check it is for the Internet educational project.
Don't be embarrassed to send what you may consider a pittance. To JWR, it's a lifeline. Any expression of your gratitude and support will be as appreciated as it is so very much neeed.
At the age off 41, I can take pride in knowing that I have accomplished a lot. I've certainly made a difference in our world through JWR. It's my hope and prayer that I will be given the health and financial ability to continue to do so.
Thank you very much for your prayers, for reading and for your support.
Binyamin L. Jolkovsky
I request you all to make a donation to him at https://www.kerenyehoshuavyisroel.com/keren/jwr/donate.cfm
I have already done so. Please help.