Inside 614

Juliet made the astute comment in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet that “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Using that same logic, a new ezine with engaging content should not be reliant on a hip name. But that doesn’t mean the name shouldn’t be insightful—and that we didn't struggle to get it just right.

First we came up with the premise. We wanted to create an online magazine that would offer an opportunity to explore what Jewish experts, authors, and scholars are discussing around the world. This could be anything from which books every Jewish woman should read to whether feminism is different in Israel than in the United States to what the future holds for Jewish women in various countries. Rather than providing lengthy tomes, we wanted to provide short intriguing essays from various perspectives, and offer ways to learn more when possible. In short, we aspired to create a non-intimidating world of learning that would get Jewish women talking.

In Judaism there are 613 mitzvot—commandments we Jews are all intended to follow. Some Jews feel these commandments, compiled by Maimonides, must be followed because they come directly from God; others suggest they are simply reasonable acts of justice and compassion intended to help us reach our best, most ethical selves. Either way, it’s an extremely comprehensive list, including everything from eating matzah on Passover and lighting Sabbath candles to giving money to charity and not bearing a grudge.

The idea of 614 is not that there is one commandment missing. Rather, it is about the idea there is always room for innovation and exploration. At a complicated time when women are donating eggs, animals are being cloned, and Hollywood equates beauty with emaciation, we must continue to probe, explore our values, and talk to one another. Hey, we Jews have an incredibly long history of doing this. So why not continue to look at the ideas that impact all of us in one central place?

Our idea is not entirely original. Jewish philosopher and Holocaust survivor Emil Fackenheim (1916-2003) had the idea of adding a specific 614th mitzvah: the preservation of the Jewish people. This ezine strives to add to the health (and preservation) of our people by making modern Jewish women feel more energized, knowledgable and excited about our Jewish identity.

That is what 614 is all about.

		Michelle Cove, Editor-in-Chief of 614: The HBI eZine Michelle Cove has been writing and editing for national magazines and websites for over 15 years, including her positions as editor-in-chief of JVibe (the national magazine for Jewish teens), senior editor for Girls' Life, and Senior Editor of Mother Earth News. In 2006, she started a blog for Jewish Women's Archive called "Jewesses with Attitude", geared to 20- and 30-something Jewish women. In 1999, Michelle coauthored the national bestseller I'm Not Mad, I Just Hate You!: A new understanding of mother-daughter conflict, published by Viking. Michelle has written articles for numerous publications including Family Fun, Psychology Today, Success, and Body & Soul. When she is not chasing her toddler around, Michelle can be found working on her upcoming documentary, Seeking Happily Ever After, about why there are more single 30-something women in the US than ever and whether women are redefining happily ever after.
		Lindsay Harris, Online Communications Specialist Lindsay Harris is the Online Communications Specialist at the Hadassah-Brandeis Institute.  She recently joined HBI in December 2008 and is a graduate from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where she received her Bachelors of Business Administration in Marketing, and a minor in Sociology.  Lindsay manages the HBI website, the Fresh Thinking e-letter, assists with the design & production of 614: The HBI eZine, and is in charge of all the HBI social media and online partnerships.  Additionally, she works with the Communications Director on marketing and PR activities.
		Design for 614: The HBI eZine done by J Sherman Studio.