A Fresh Chapter for the Scroll

May 28, 2026 in News and Updates, Scroll

By Tiarra Joslyn

In the past 75 years, since its first publication in 1951, the Scroll has undergone many transformations and reimaginings – the most recent of these being our move to a fully digital Scroll in 2024. As the graphic designer for the Scroll since fall of 2013, I’ve been involved in quite a few of these changes; and, as the shul’s communications manager, I’ve welcomed and listened to the feedback of many congregants about how the Scroll can best share information. I’m excited to share an upcoming change that I believe will make the Scroll more engaging, enjoyable, and accessible for everyone who wishes to connect, engage, learn, and pray with the Beth El community.

Beginning in September, we will transition from our current digital format to a streamlined email-digest to bring the Scroll directly to your inbox in a way that’s easier to read and interact with.

Over the past two years, I’ve heard from many members that the digital format can be challenging, especially on mobile and tablet devices, where zooming and scrolling can make reading less convenient. For some, opening and navigating a separate file can even become a barrier to staying connected. By moving to an email-based format, we’re removing those obstacles and making it simpler to engage with the content you care about.

The new Scroll format will offer several improvements over the current digital format. Content will automatically adjust to your screen size no matter what type of device you’re using, eliminating the need to pinch, zoom, or scroll awkwardly. There will be no more need to click through to a separate digital file or go to the Beth El website to download a PDF version; everything will load directly in your email. Overall, it will be a cleaner, more straightforward format that helps to ensure everyone can stay informed and connected.

I truly believe that this change will enhance the experience for many in our community while keeping the Scroll meaningful. That said, inclusivity remains important to me and the entire Beth El team, so congregants who currently receive a print copy of the Scroll will continue to receive a condensed printed digest version. The condensed version will consist of key items such as “From the Clergy,” the services schedule (and any holiday schedules), upcoming events highlights, contributions, and the Bulletin Board.

As we prepare for this transition, our June and July-August issues will be the final editions in the current digital format. I look forward to turning the page together with you in September and hope you’ll embrace this new format as a meaningful step toward keeping our entire community more informed, inspired, and connected. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at tjoslyn@bethelmc.org.