Digital Platform SHOOQ Launched for Jewish Media
Founders Ari Pinchot and Jonathan Rubenstein debuted a platform to connect Jewish content creators with investors.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Judaism
Live Poll
Do you believe digital matching platforms are the best way to support independent creative projects?
Launched in September 2026, the digital platform SHOOQ connects Jewish media creators in film, television, and podcasts with potential funders. The platform aims to support Jewish voices following a rise in antisemitic and anti-Israel sentiment.
Why it matters
The platform addresses the need for increased Jewish representation and project funding in media. By facilitating direct introductions between creators and investors, SHOOQ bypasses traditional financial gatekeepers to help bring new projects to market.
Participation on the SHOOQ platform is free for all prospective funders. The site supports a wide range of media including social-media video, podcasts, television, and film.
The players
Ari Pinchot
He is a co-founder of SHOOQ who brings decades of experience to the media funding space.
Jonathan Rubenstein
He is a co-founder of SHOOQ dedicated to improving funding access for Jewish content creators.
Ben Silverman
He serves on the SHOOQ advisory board and has a long history of leadership within the entertainment industry.
The details
Creators submit their project proposals to the platform, where funders review them based on their personal investment criteria and interests. SHOOQ functions strictly as a networking bridge rather than a financial entity, meaning it does not raise or manage any funds itself.
Timeline
October 7: The attacks that initially triggered the platform's development.
September 2026: The official launch of the SHOOQ digital platform.
Culture Shift
The emergence of SHOOQ reflects a broader shift toward niche, values-driven funding ecosystems within the entertainment industry. This trend moves away from legacy studio dependence and toward targeted investments that address specific cultural and societal priorities.
For creators, the platform offers a direct path to pitch projects without traditional industry friction. Funders can utilize the site to curate portfolios that align with their personal philanthropic and investment goals regarding Jewish media.
The takeaway
SHOOQ demonstrates how specialized digital networks can mobilize private capital to address cultural representation gaps. Prospective participants should carefully define their funding criteria to ensure a successful match with potential creative projects.
Further reading
For more on the intersection of media and faith, visit the Judaism section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Jerusalem Post.
Live Poll
Do you believe digital matching platforms are the best way to support independent creative projects?
