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Temple Israel Announces America’s First 24-Hour Synagogue Radio Station at www.temple-israel.org
Our invitation to Teens around the world:
Do you want to be on the radio? Send in any number of radio programs of up to 30 minutes length each on any Jewish topic – music, politics, religion, social issues, comedy, sports – whatever interests you. We will air them on WJEW, where they will reach teens around the world!
MP3s or wave files up to 10 MB can be emailed to Msmolash@temple-israel.org
Larger files should be mailed on a CD to:
Temple Israel attn WJEW
5725 Walnut Lake Rd
West Bloomfield, MI
USA 48323-2373
Temple Israel is pleased to announce its own new Jewish radio station: WJEW, managed by its high school students and Cantor Michael Smolash. Accessible at www.temple-israel.org, the station can be listened to by Jews around the world. What’s even more exciting is that teens anywhere in the world can also send in their own radio shows of up to 30 minutes length for broadcast.
“The whole idea [for the station] began when I was talking to a student at Monday Night School—Corey Berkowitz,” Cantor Smolash said. “He mentioned that he had plans to go into radio or music production. I mentioned that I had been wondering why there were so many high-caliber Christian radio stations, but no Jewish ones. He then suggested we create one.”
“He was so excited, it was impossible to say ‘no,’ even if I had wanted to,” Smolash said. “He outlined exactly how we could do it, using an internet broadcaster. Little did I know what a talented young man I was collaborating with. Shortly after the station was up, Corey placed first in the nation at the National High School Radio Awards. He ranked highest out of a field of over 10 000 student DJs who applied and is considered the number one high school DJ in Michigan. Luckily, we still have a year before he graduates. Universities are already fighting over him.”
“I’m looking forward to helping WJEW become one of the top Jewish radio stations in the country,” Berkowitz said. “I’ve grown up with radio all around me and have dedicated a great amount of time to my high school radio station.”
With support from the Temple community and Temple Israel’s “The Next Big Thing” Fund, equipment was purchased and plans for the station began. About 15 students enrolled in a “Radio Production” class offered through the Tyner Religious School’s Monday night program. Together with Cantor Smolash, the students have been planning possible shows, researching music and conducting interviews.
“We have already interviewed some big names, including Rabbi Shmuley Boteach and comedian Joel Chasnoff, which we will be airing,” Smolash said. “The students are also able to come in and run their own shows: DJing, talking about Jewish teen topics, and more.”
The community’s response to the station has been extremely positive.
“We started getting a lot of attention even before we had officially launched the station. A director of the Board of Jewish Education of Greater New York emailed us the first week we broadcasted to congratulate us and ask about WJEW,” Smolash said. “He said we were the first religious school he knew of to create a radio station like this. Some other synagogues have run weekly shows on local stations or broadcast services via a local station. But, none have done this. After broadcasting for only a month, we now have listeners in over 20 countries and 25 states Portugal and Norway seem to really love us!”
To learn more about WJEW, please contact Cantor Michael Smolash at Temple Israel: 248-661-5700 or Msmolash@temple-israel.org. Photos are available upon request.
In the Press:
"L'chaim! Local all-Jewish radio now streaming”
headline of "On the Radio" article in THE ARTS section of Feb 18, 2007 Oakland Press
“Truly a first of its kind!”
Art Vuolo of The Oakland Press “On the Radio
"YYYYY" (Five out of five)
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