Wonderings 13 What Kind of Techno-Jew Are You?
My grandmother used to say that the phone is there for your convenience - you do not have to be there for the convenience of the phone. Can you believe that there was a time when I did not want a smart phone, because I did not want email and phone calls to find me 24/7?
Now technology is part of almost everything we do. I am glad that I have a smart phone that can tell me the time, and the weather, and people's birthdays, and keeps my shopping list, gives me directions, lets me play games - and so much more!
I use technology to help me with Jewish things all the time: I look up information, and read Torah commentaries, I listen to lectures, and watch the latest Jewish music videos. I find gifts, and easy ways to give tzedakah. I stay in touch with my congregants. The list goes on and on...
This week I am wondering: What ways has technology helped you be Jewish?
During the pandemic technology helped me be able to teach classes and have services. This question is not intended to be about the pandemic (although you are welcome to include things that you found helpful about technology during the last two years, if you want.) Has technology helped you be Jewish in any way?
Responses:
[Note from Rabbi Jana] As I mentioned in my question, I did not intend for this to be about ways technology helped during the pandemic, but most of the answers are examples of that. However, I would like to remind everyone that we have been streaming our services since 2014 when we renovated the sanctuary. It has allowed families to share in life-cycle events, even when they could not travel. It has allowed us to record important services to experience again. On Shabbat mornings we often were able to use YouTube videos and project information onto our tv screen in the Parlor, which opened up a wonderful variety of commentaries and other interesting - and sometimes fun - material. The synagogue is called "Beit Knesset" in Hebrew - it means: "A House of Gathering." Obviously that means that people need a place to gather. We are blessed to have a beautiful synagogue. We are also fortunate to have alternate ways to gather, when needed.
My son at college and I celebrated Chanukah each night over video calls. We said the prayers together as I lit the Menorah and he lit his little battery powered Menorah. It was a great Chanukah! Couldn't have done it without smartphones! [D]
I’m glad you asked! As a convert, I searched for many years answers to my questions and only wish I had had information at my fingertips, although vetting sources for validity and credibility takes a great deal of time also unless those sources are tried and true. It would have made the journey shorter perhaps and easier. Instead, I took the route of Moshe and our people and wondered about for 40 years on the wilderness! (Smile!) In a literal sense, without genealogical evidence and records, I would not know my ancestry had been Jewish. I use apps for an online Siddur, to study from various sources, for connecting with Jewish groups such as for prayer treks, reciting tehillim, Jewish recipes, and various sites such as Kveller, Reform Judaism, Chabad, etc. it keeps me connected — globally. I feel more intimately connected to our core group on Shabbat for Torah Study and Services. I feel that I have learned more during this time of dissecting and discussing Torah and parts of the service/ prayers with you than I ever would have otherwise. I love our group! We have been able to learn Hebrew, learn Torah, and learn about each other and from each other. I take care of at-risk family members. Yet I do not wish to sacrifice my learning, worship, and study. Technology has made it possible. I use my phone for everything basically. I LOVE how you have worked incredibly hard to keep us connected and learning. You’ve been there for us when we have lost loved ones, been sick, or needed emotional support. And because I am not within walking distance from the synagogue, it’s been through technology. I can keep learning, pray, sing, and connect even while taking care of the family that have medical needs. I can’t come to shul in person most of the time. Someone has to stay with the family members 24/7. Yet here I am feeling very much connected and engaged! I appreciate the use of technology and the key is that it is interactive and personal the way you use it best! I am grateful (B"H)! [K]
I believe technology has really helped me be Jewish or at the very least, observe the Sabbath. For years and years, I never went to Fri nite services, as I was always too tired after work to go "back out." So, I just went on Sat morning. Now, due to technology, I'm able to "attend" Fri evening and Sat morning. I love it. It is very easy to connect to zoom or youtube and watch/observe, light candles, etc. It's a double-edged sword though, as I was always taught to dress "smartly" for services as we were honoring G-d. Technology has made it easy to just sit at the kitchen table or in the recliner with the computer and, sad to say, sans makeup and wear shorts or jeans with a t-shirt. Very little effort toward looking "smart." I don't like that part of technology (but that's my laziness, not technology). It is so easy to connect with other Jews all over the country. I would love to have had this type of technology several years ago and been able to zoom with my Mother and Grandmother (who still lived abroad). It would definitely prove, we are all literally connected! [E]
I really appreciate this question and the strides B'nai Zion has taken to utilize technology in services. I realize that my perspective may be a unique one in our congregation. As someone who is not confident--for lack of a better term--in the practice of my faith, the live streaming of services allows me to pray, participate, and learn from the comfort of my home or office. [J]