As a potential sponsor, you will certainly want to know whether these discussion groups are viable. You'll want to clarify whether they have a demand and whether they fill a need.
Need. The ongoing discussions make it clear that these groups are an important Jewish element in the lives of a large segment of the Jewish population throughout the world. The pressure to satisfy this need and to fill this void will surely assure that the groups will continue.
Demand. We will not run out of topics (although any given group may be quiet for some time).
How many postings are there?
The activity on the groups represents only a small part of the submissions. Many potential postings are rejected as unacceptable. Thus, there are many, many potential postings, and the number keeps growing.
Affiliation. Subscribers have a constant need to re-affirm their affiliation with Judaism and to have a link with world Jewry. These groups are designed to satisfy this need as well.
Other similar groups. Various nondenominational umbrella groups have asked us to join them. They wanted us to be the "Jewish" arm of their larger group. Although in some cases they have created sectarian subgroups for other ethnic groups, they had refrained from creating Jewish groups. In at least one instance, I was told that the other similar, general groups had no interest in competing with our successful Jewish groups.
Verification. Interested potential sponsors can receive copies of my correspondence with a leading organizational benefactor, and they have permission to correspond with that source in order to confirm the facts presented here.
Summary. Yes, these groups are clearly viable and necessary adjuncts to other efforts to maintain world Jewry.
Authority. One goal of this sponsorship drive is to share some administrative functions with other professionals. This will offer a wide base of leadership for the group, and it will further guarantee the continued viability of the groups.
