Electronic Media and the Synagogue a Cri
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Electronic media has fundamentally disrupted traditional Jewish social boundaries, homogenizing cultural spaces and blurring once-distinct religious roles. Drawing upon Meyrowitz's concept of social arena rearrangement and communication theory, this research investigates how Jewish institutions can harness rather than resist these transformative forces. While the print-dominated era historically favored Jewish educational traditions, today's electronic landscape simultaneously democratizes information access and threatens Jewish particularism through cultural assimilation. Through theoretical analysis of media effects and a practical case study methodology, the investigation documents the systematic development of a synagogue multimedia learning center incorporating video technology, computer resources, and interactive educational spaces. The findings reveal that strategic integration of electronic media can effectively counter assimilatory pressures by creating new environments where Jewish behavior feels appropriate and comfortable. The resulting comprehensive learning center, which combines traditional texts with video production capabilities, interactive displays, and multi-purpose educational spaces, demonstrates how thoughtful integration of electronic media can revitalize Jewish communal life and educational effectiveness. The evidence suggests that Jewish educational institutions must embrace electronic communication technologies to strengthen contemporary Jewish identity formation.

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Published 1986-1987
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William Lebeau