|
|
April 2, 2004/Nisan 11 5764, Vol. 56, No. 28
Web site strives to build community
LEISAH NAMM
Managing Editor
When Eric Goodman developed his new Web site, MazelCity.org, his goal was to create an online "central place" for Jews in the Greater Phoenix community.
His vision of this virtual community came to life in January, featuring a few calendar listings of local events. The site now handles the calendars of Arizona Adventurers, Hadassah, Raw Kaballah, several synagogues, singles and adult programs from the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, as well as a few independent events.
"We have a pretty big Jewish community here with a lot of resources, but they're kind of spread out," he said. "One thing MazelCity can be is a place that new Jewish families or singles or anybody can go to and see what's going on."
Any organization can submit an event, and individuals can submit stories; all content is approved before posting, he said. The site also has discussion forums.
By the end of the month, the site will offer free classified ads, links to local and world news sources, educational resources and a singles matchmaking service, he said. Future plans include a business forum and a volunteer registration and tracking service.
The site is funded by banner ads placed by private businesses, Goodman said. All services are free, although there may eventually be a charge for matchmaking services if it expands to include other cities. Currently, the site has almost 100 members.
Goodman, who has lived in the Valley for nearly 16 years and is the son of well-known local photographer Ed Goodman, owns Click n' Web, a company that provides technology solutions for small and medium businesses.
He says he currently spends about 15-20 hours a week on developing MazelCity.org. Five people assist him with various aspects of the site, but he's seeking additional volunteers.
"I want it to be a resource for the community," Goodman said. "What I hope to accomplish is that we become the central place for Jewish people in the community to go and interact with their community and its resources and events and groups."
MazelCity.org will have a booth at the Yom Ha'atzmaut festival April 25 at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center.
|
