Let My People Know (LMPK), a project of the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland’s Centennial Initiative, is hosting a web site launch party and concert at The Grog Shop in Coventry, on Thursday,July 24 at 9 p.m.
The new web site - www.letmypeopleknowcleveland.com - will officially launch on July 24. Rather than recreating what already exists in the virtual world, LMPK is using the site to connect people to existing services and resources, and more importantly to each other, to provide for a fully networked and interconnected Jewish Cleveland community, that doesn’t rely solely on traditional Jewish institutions.
“This web site will play a critical role in connecting locals and out-of-towners to job opportunities, community services, social networks, and cultural happenings in Cleveland,” said LMPK chair Steve Willensky. The site is designed to be fluid and driven by the demands of our demographic so over time, the content will evolve to meet the needs ofthe thousands of individuals we are preparing to serve.”
“We’re also fortunate to have a little help from our friends at J-Dub Records,” said Willensky. “They are bringing some of Israel’s top hip-hop artists so we can really celebrate this event. The concert will include Tel-Aviv based DJ crew Soulico, joined by a host of friends including the godfather of Israeli hip-hop Sagol 59 and Ethiopian-Israeli MCs Axum.
LMPK has been tasked with the monumental mission of “strengthening and growing Jewish Cleveland.” Specifically,it is working on efforts to retain the current Jewish population in their 20s and 30s in Cleveland, and attracting Jews from outside the region to consider the many benefits there are to living in this area.
“I moved here from Dayton for a job,” said Becca Kopp, an associate with the law firm of Wickens, Herzer, Panza, Cook and Batista. “I had never been here before and didn’t know a single person in Cleveland, and I really had no idea if I’d like it at all. It has been three years now, and I love it here. I think Cleveland has a lot to offer others like me, and it doesn’t get nearly the attention as it deserves.”
“This web site and this party are just the start,” said Willensky. “We’re using this event to let our current community know we’re here. There are a lot more Jews in Cleveland we need to reach, and we have 49 other states on our list as well, so we will have our hands full for a longtime to come.”
For more information about the launch party orconcert, contact LMPK Community Concierge Niki Resnick at 216.344.3502or nresnick@jcfcleve.org.