25 Random Things: A Facebook Phenomenon

February 17, 2009 · Filed Under Baum's Blog 

If you are on Facebook, you have probably heard of the “25 Random Things About Me” note that’s going around. Something like 5 million people have each published 25 random things about themselves and passed them along to friends and family. It’s been covered in Time and on ABC News. Slate published what might be the definitive history of the note. I’m not sure exactly what to think about this phenomenon—on the one hand, it’s weird that people would take so much time to post really boring things about themselves, like “I like green vegetables.”  Yet, others are fairly introspective, “Sometimes I wonder whether my regrets will outnumber those things of which I am proud.”

It turns out that it really might be a good way to get to know people better. So, I decided to do it (I think I’m supposed to admit that I’m giving in to peer pressure, or something).  But, one catch… it’s not about me. I’ve written it on behalf of OurJewishCommunity.org. So here’s OurJewishCommunity.org’s list of 25 Random things…

1. I was conceived in Cincinnati, Ohio in the early part of 2008 and officially born on September 1st, 2008.
2. In my first five-ish months of life, I have attracted over 3,000 visitors from more than 40 countries and 47 states in the U.S. Question: Utah, Montana, and Wyoming, where are you?
3. I enjoy my time on Facebook, and on twitter as well.
4. My rabbis are Rabbi Laura Baum and Rabbi Robert Barr.
5. My sister is Congregation Beth Adam in Cincinnati, Ohio.
6. There is no greater joy than hearing from the people who have visited the site through emails and comments that they post.
7. I am continually bothered by the high number of traditional Orthodox websites, and I want to be a resource for liberal Jews. I hate it when people associate more traditional with more Jewish. Traditional Jews do not have a monopoly on Judaism.
8. Some people say that we are destroying the Jewish community. They are wrong. We recognize Judaism is an evolving religion, and we are willing to redefine how the Jewish community is created.
9. I hope to travel to about 2,000 more houses this year, and another 5,000 in my second year of life. It’s exhausting!
10. Viral marketing is the key to my success, so please spread me around.
11. I cannot exist without all of you, so please help build me into the contemporary Jewish experience you would like to see.
12. I am open to feedback, so please email Rabbi Baum with any questions, comments, or suggestions. She’ll be sure to get the word to me.
13. I aspire to meet some famous people, especially Jewish philanthropists. So, if you know any, please send them my way.
14. Have you seen Rabbi Baum’s videos or listened to Rabbi Barr’s podcasts? I heard through the grapevine that they’ll be posting more soon, so stay tuned!
15. I love the eCards on the site, and I’m so grateful to the volunteers who designed them.
16. Speaking of volunteers, did you know that all of the web design, development, and support have been donated through an extremely generous in-kind donation? We’re so lucky to have that.
17. My favorite Jewish holiday is Hanukkah.
18. I am a cost-effective solution for reaching many Jews. And, yet, I do need some money to continue. Would you consider making a donation to our cause? Every penny counts.
19. If I were going to be a Jewish food, it would definitely be challah.
20. The Forward newspaper, PresenTense Magazine, SoapboxMedia.com, the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle, and David’s Voice have already featured articles on me. Do you know any reporters who might be interested in doing a new story about me? I love attention!
21. Videostreaming the high holidays last year was a great success. We can’t wait to do it next year!
22. I blend Judaism, humanism, and technology. Who else can say that?
23. I am committed to providing a voice for progressive Jews.
24. I am constantly thinking about the nature of community.
25. This relationship is a two-way street; please let me know what you are looking for from me…my mind-reading software is on back-order!

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Comments

One Response to “25 Random Things: A Facebook Phenomenon”

  1. a_brown Says:
    February 17th, 2009 at 7:10 pm

    Very nice blog. I, so far, haven’t participated in this phenomenon, but may have to rethink my position.

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