Dear Reader,

You certainly don't need me to tell you we are living in economically troubled and volatile times.

For our paper the situation is even more dire. Not only are we effected economically with less advertising revenue - but also with the competition of greater intrusion of the Internet.

And with r educed advertising as our gr eatest source of r evenue we find it mor e difficult to keep up with the unr elenting increases in expenses such as postage, printing and insurance.

Years ago - assuming we might have a "rainy day" in the course of our existence - we placed some dollars in a money-market reserve fund. Well - this is that "rainy day" - and unfortunately we've had to dip into our meager r eserves to keep the paper afloat.

In the past you've been our supporters - you've appreciated our plight and you've helped. This time the need is more desperate - and the status is, "life threatening."

That's why I ask you to consider what our community would be like with no "Jewish Times." It's the paper you look for every weekend to bring you your favorite columnists and all the information r egarding the Jewish community locally, nationally and in Israel. Of course, you'd also miss the pictur es and notices of anniversaries and events!

Please help keep us alive and thriving so we can continue to bring you the "Times" - keep you informed - and keep you entertained. It's our life we'r e talking about and you have the means to sustain us. Please help as much as you can - and know your generosity is sincerely appreciated.

My wife joins me in wishing you a healthy and happy new year.

Shalom

Shy Kramer, Publisher

P.S. Remember - your every dollar goes to keep our paper alive. And, you should know, I take no salary - it's my way of performing "T ikkun Olam" improving our world.

WEST DELILAH ROAD • P LEASANTVILLE, NEW JERSEY 08232 • (609) 407-0909 • FAX (609) 407-0999 • E- MAIL: JWISHTIMES@ AOL.COM