PresenTense's Chicago node is growing strong, and I'm having a great time out here meeting the new folks getting involved. Tonight we went to a bar called Guthrie's Tavern for boardgames, and tomorrow we have two events that, if you're in Chicago, we'd love to see you at:

Think for a second: when was the last time you stayed in one city or geographic region for more than one year?

With a new issue out, PT Magazine editors and writers got together in Chicago. You in Chicago? Then get involved at chicago@presentense.org

79 inspired and inspiring volunteers from around the world -- writers, editors, and artists-- collaborated to make our seventh issue of the magazine, covering the way religion is experienced by our generation, and those innovations that have redefined the here and now. Our cover story, the rise of lay led congregations (Minyans of the People), and a new design, heralds probably the greatest issue of PresenTense Magazine to date. You can read parts of the issue soon at www.presentense.org/magazine and subscribe at www.presentense.org/magazine/subscribe.

As the year turns, so does the age: we are living in historic times of crisis, of choice, and of opportunity.

In my latest oped in Haaretz I explored (lightly) the implications of the Digital Age and framed the questions facing the Jewish People. Here is a a key quote:

Over here at PresenTense Jerusalem, we're taking a hard look at what we're putting on the web. Our new website isn't bad, but hey, it's not that good either.

What's the problem? I can sum it up in one word: involvement. Whatever we did, we failed to really involve the over 100 different people who are already hitting this site on an average day. They come, they go, they leave no footprints. That means that the ideas in their head stay there, there's no cooperation, there's no synergy, the community doesn't happen.

Digital Shitck and Illuminea team up (and PresenTense Cosponsors) to put together the amazing Amuta 2.0 program on August 31st. I'll be speaking, and, more excitingly, social media expert Jeff Pulver will be there. Check it out at http://amuta20.com or read the invite below.

While not completely finished or officially "released," we invite you to check out the growing list of inspiring figures who will be teaching at the 2008 PresenTense Institute.