Here are tools for learning how to create and edit a dynamic RJ Web-builder site. Test-drive RJ Web-builder on our Demo Site or view the 12 layout/color combinations.
A new benefit of membership in the Union for Reform Judaism
Jews have always asked a lot of questions. Don’t you want your members turning to you for the answers?
RJ Web-Builder for Member Congregations
RJ Web-Builder is a simple to use Web application that will enable your congregation to have a dynamic and robust Web site with regularly updated content. RJ Web-Builder requires no special skills, software, or hardware. Built on an easy-to-use content management system, RJ Web-Builder provides your congregation with a sophisticated, content-rich Web site that is easy to maintain and update. Rather than turn to Yahoo or Google for answers, your members will be looking to you for information to enrich their daily lives. Introduced at the 2003 Biennial, RJ Web-Builder is now being used by congregations of every size, in every region--making their Web sites a spotlight of their own programs and history and a floodlight on the wider Jewish world.
Converting your Web site to the RJ Web-Builder program, your congregation will enhance and strengthen your members’ connection to the congregation— while connecting them to the wider Reform Jewish world.
RJ Web-Builder: Meeting Your Needs
A survey of congregational webmasters, presidents, and administrators shows they understand what the Web can do for their congregation—but they do not have the resources, talent, or time to make it happen. Eighty percent said they would be willing to change their existing site if the Union could provide rich content and features in a way that would not require the services of a highly trained Webmaster.
Congregations that have converted their Web sites to RJ Web-Builder are astounded at the improvements to their sites. The new navigation enables their members to find information quickly; the sophisticated design is attractive, easy to read, and in keeping with their tradition. And they are amazed at the ease with which they learned the new system—and how easy it is to update the site.
It’s a new, simple-to use Web program that will enable your congregation to have a dynamic and robust Web site with regularly updated content. RJ Web-Builder requires no special skills, software, or hardware. Built on an easy-to-use content management system, RJ Web-Builder provides your congregation with a sophisticated, content-rich Web site that is easy to maintain and update. Rather than turn to Yahoo or Google for answers, your members will be looking to you for information to enrich their daily lives.
RJ Web-Builder is a new Web program from the Union that will enable your congregation to have a dynamic and robust Web site with regularly updated content provided by the Union. Through RJ Web-Builder, your Web site will be a spotlight on your own programs and history and a floodlight on the wider Reform Jewish world. To take advantage of this free benefit of membership in the Union, your congregation’s Web site must reside on the Union’s Web server and be converted to the content management system. The Union’s Web team is available to help you make the conversion.
Q: We already have a Web site? Why would we want to change it?
A: Chances are, your Web site doesn’t have as much traffic as you’d like. Why? Because it probably doesn’t contain the kinds of information your members are seeking. And so, instead of coming to your congregation for information, they search on Yahoo, or Google, or maybe even Chabad!
If you’re part of the RJ Web-Builder system, you’ll have rich content to keep your members coming back. They’ll learn about the holidays and programs they can do with their children, Tikkun Olam projects and news of Jewish interest from around the world. They’ll be able to find Torah commentary and holiday recipes.
Q: How does RJ Web-Builder Work?
A: When you decide to be part of the RJ Web Builder system, the Union’s Web team will help you design a website to a system that can accept the content provided by the Union. The Union will build the skeleton site, based on a navigation you determine, and will set it up for you on a new Union server. Because RJ Web-Builder is a Web based program, no new software or hardware is required. And, because it works on a template system, you don’t need to know HTML, Dreamweaver, or another Web program to maintain your site. All you’ll need is a PC that is connected to the Internet, running a recent version of Internet Explorer. Read more about the system requirements in our FAQs.
Q. Can I keep my current domain name?
A: Yes. We will help you to arrange for your domain name to be transferred to your website's new location.
Q: What happens to our own content? Does this mean we’ll lose control of our site?
A: Absolutely not! Although the site will change as it is converted to a new navigation system, you will retain complete control over the content that appears on your site. You'll be responsible for bringing the content into the new site, but, with a new Web site organization and navigation, your members will be able to find information about your congregation easily and quickly. You will still have responsibility for posting as much – or as little – information as you desire. It’s up to you!
Q: So here’s the big question: How much will it cost us to convert?
A: This is the best part! RJ Web-Builder is free to congregations that are part of the Union. The system is a benefit of membership in the Union. Domain registration is not included so your congregation will need to register a domain name or continue this service with your current registrar.
Multimedia: 