ANT KATZ

User comments on a website are very similar to Letters to the Editor in print publications and offer a platform for the medium’s user-base to voice their opinions, while others may rebut these with their own opinions.

Often, the comments section of community news websites such as this are more like a minyan in a shul, where everyone is reading from the same page.

At other times, depending on the issues, the comments section becomes quite heated.

Of course Jewish Report has to moderate (and often censor, or simply not publish) certain comments.

This is an interactive website and every single item offers users the facility to have their say – or, often, to spark a conversation.

So, users, feel free to join the conversation.

Users are welcome to comment in their own names and submit an e-mail address or remain anonymous by means of noms de plume – although the criteria for moderation is somewhat more stringent for the latter.

The hot  topic at the moment is the back-and-forth banter of completely different opinions on the issue of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies being sued in the Cape Town Equality Court over women not being allowed to sing at secular events – the halachic doctrine of ‘Kol Isha’ – which has now seen over 12 000 words posted by users in almost 50 comments.

Here’s where you will find them:

• 06 April: Board sued in Equality Court over ‘Kol Isha’ – 9 user-comments
• 13 April: Lawsuit rabbi suspended from Board meetings – 22 user-comments
• 15 April: Court action: Margolis acted alone says SAUPJ – 5 user-comments
• 20 April: Video of Jewish women’s orgs protesting outside Beyachad
• 20 April: Halachah vs Constitution destined for Equality Court – 5 user-comments
• 21 April: Compromise on women singing looks likely – 4 user-comments
• 30 April: Proposal unacceptable, says Cape Board – 3 user-comments

Predictability

Certain issues never disappoint and are more likely than not to end up in a fiery tête-à-tête. These include stories on: Orthodox vs Progressive opinions; Left- vs Right-wing Zionism; and non-heterosexual issues.

But often it is something completely different and unexpected – and often those making comment are well-known voices in the community.

Last month saw a considerable chirp-fest between readers on our story “Why 3 videos of a West Bank shooting are roiling Israel”.

Readers who want to check out our policies regarding comments can find our COMMENT GUIDELINES here and there is also a host of information on our privacy policy and other general LEGAL POLICIES.