The Jewish music label and events promoter JDub is shutting down - a victim of the recession and lack of donations.

In a letter on its website, founder Aaron Bisman expressed sorrow over the decision, saying: "The challenges facing our business model are too great to overcome."

He said that JDub, a non-profit, was stymied by the parlous state of the music industry. "The collapse of the music business in the decade that JDub has existed, combined with recessionary effects… made securing the necessary operating support an insurmountable challenge," Mr Bisman wrote.

The last official event for JDub, which launched the career of Chasidic reggae performer Matisyahu, took place last Sunday night, when Deleon played on the roof of the 14th Street Y - a Jewish community centre - in Manhattan.

The demise of JDub, which began operations nine years ago, was met with sadness, especially among those who are working to engage younger Jews in their community. Andy Bachmann, rabbi of Beth Elohim synagogue in Park Slope, Brooklyn, wrote: "Aaron has been… a grantee of virtually every major fund for innovation in the Jewish community in the 21st century."