Community Magazine April 2013

T echnology has changed many things in this world. We’ve gone from sending letters to email, from mall shopping to 1-click shopping, and from spending time with friends to checking their latest status updates. In many ways, the world has changed because of technology – sometimes for better, and other times for worse. As the race for technology escalates, this dichotomy becomes ever more evident to the observant Jew. On a single device, you can have gambling, gossip, and profanity – as well as a siddur , Tehillim, or even the entire Shas. How, then, can we take advantage of the spectacular opportunities offered by technology, when we are a single screen- tap away from improper content? As a computer engineer, I’m aware of the need for technology in everyday life, yet as a father, I feel the need to keep my daughters safe as they grow up in a world where chatting with anyone on the internet has become so commonplace. There are many free tools available to block inappropriate materials on the internet, such as K9Web Protection and Net Nanny, but ultimately, there is no substitute for values-based education. We must certainly be vigilant and use available technological resources to block spiritually harmful content, but we must also work to imbue our children with religious commitment so they can withstand the pressures and lures of the outside world, which are far more prevalent today than ever before. Having said all this, I believe technology is a very useful tool for an observant Jew, and, with the right mindset, can be used to help turn a person into a “cyber tzadik.” Here are some great ways that technology can help you in prayer and Torah learning: • Download a siddur to your smartphone and tablet. Why limit yourself with a wallet-sized prayer book that only contains Minha and Arbit , when you can have the right prayer for any time of day? I prefer Siddur Edot Hamizrach by OKtm Technology, which modifies the siddur depending on the day and time (for example, it shows only Barech Alenu during the winter, and Ya’aleh Veyavo on Rosh Hodesh ). It also uses GPS to notify you of the closest synagogue, and lets you know the synagogue’s prayer style (Sephardic or Ashkenazic) and schedule. Most modern digital siddurim can take advantage of your smartphone’s navigational abilities to point you towards Jerusalem for the Amidah . • Set up an email group for friends in your area, and create a minyan at your office. Schedule it as a meeting in your calendar and send out meeting invites to those who are interested in coming daily. This will also give minyan members the ability to communicate for emergency Tehillim. • While on the subject of Tehillim, install a Tehillim app on your digital device – most will show you the appropriate portion for the day, have searchable chapters, and even have segulot organized for quick access. • A digital Gemara is a great resource for Daf Yomi students. ArtScroll has created the Talmud Bavli Digital Library for your iPhone and iPad, which comes with floating translations, pop-up commentaries, and multiple view options for portrait and landscape modes. Clicking on any phrase will highlight the corresponding Rashi and Tosafot instantly. There’s also the added benefit of not having to lug a big book around wherever you go. • Visit LearnTorah.com from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. It is a treasure trove of live and pre-recorded audio and video classes on every subject from our community leaders. Ultimately, it is up to the user to decide how technology is used. Just like a car, it can take you to kenees or to a nightclub. When you use a computer or mobile device, you’re the driver. Drive responsibly! The Cyber MORRISMASSRY Tzadik 68 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE