Dearest Readers:

By the time most of you receive this note, I'll be at a Manhattan hospital undergoing work on my heart. The hospitalization was scheduled a couple of weeks ago. I'm still far from healed and still in need of your prayers. Using the Jewish religious formula, please pray for me as "Binyamin Leib ben (Hebrew: son of) Pesha."

In years past, I personally responded to every donation that was given electronically. Unfortunately, for most of this year's appeal, I was extremely ill and unable to. More than one reader accused me of being, well, ill mannered for not acknowledging his kindness. If that is the impression I left, I do apologize. That's even to those who have only thought it.

I am GRATEFUL to each and everybody who helped out! I am likewise grateful for the thousands of notes that came from around the world. It lifted my spirits when I needed it most.

Unfortunately, we did fall very short of my intended goal for the appeal --- to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars. My intent was to hire a couple of part-timers to help out. My cardiologist has ordered me to cut back on the hours I spend producing JWR. I am grateful to all of the volunteers who acted as guest editors last month. I've privately told them as much.

As it stands now, there will be no issue tomorrow. From my hospital bed, I'll try to find somebody for Friday. But I can't guarantee it.

I strive for excellence but am forced to work within my limitations. I hope the content the site publishes reflects a standard you value.

I am truly honored to have you as readers and friends,
Binyamin L. Jolkovsky
Editor in Chief