Community Magazine April 2013

Dear Rabbi, I have a DVD player in my house which we use to play a few kosher DVDs, like Uncle Moshe and the HASC concert DVD. It comes in handy to keep my kids entertained while I’m cooking and cleaning. My husband, however, is worried that once we start with this, there’s no telling what the next thing will be, and this could start bad habits in the future. I think there aren’t a lot of kosher activities for kids these days, and so I would like some advice on using “kosher technology” in our home. Tied to Technology E I C V S a g e D a A D V I C E Dear Tied to Technology, The first thing I would mention is that as beautiful a relationship as you and your husband have, when differences of opinion arise, consideration for each other’s views, needs and feelings must always be given top priority. Even in terms of your children’s hinuch and spiritual development, which seems to be the focus of your question, the harmony in your relationship is still of supreme value, as its impact on your children is immeasurable. Before we speak about the particular issue of technology, we must first examine the broader question of what types of pastimes we want our children to involve themselves with. Of course, our children need “let-out’s” and unwinding, but ideally, these should take the form of activities that are both fun and constructive in some way. We all know that reading does us all well, and when the topics are interesting while also encompassing good morals and Torah messages, it could serve as an excellent and relaxing outlet. Athletic activities are healthy and enjoyable for most children, and art and music are constructive pastimes which many kids enjoy. When it comes to videos, we must examine what the child will gain from that particular type of video. If the video is entertaining, it will probably captivate the child and keep him out of mischief, thereby freeing the parent on duty for some time, but will it be beneficial for the child? I myself rarely end up in front of a video, yet occasionally it does happen for one reason or another, and not long ago, I found myself watching an Uncle Moishe video with my children. I was pleased to find that my children were being taught many admirable things. So, yes, there are videos which are unquestionably Jewish and are probably considered very “kosher.” We must remember, however, that unlike videos like Uncle Moishe, which is designed to educate and is therefore produced under close scrutiny, productions with other goals might not necessarily be educationally or religiously sound. When dealing with concerts, for example, there are numerous variables which could make quite a difference and would need to be taken into consideration, such as who the performers are, for what purpose they are performing, and the particular needs of your children. Besides Uncle Moishy and other educational videos, there are other “kosher” forms of media entertainment available. I know firsthand of many tapes and audio CD’s - one more fascinating than the next – which provide narration of episodes told in the Tanach and Midrashic sources, as well as stories about saddikim throughout the generations. These could be used regularly as entertainment whilst being educational and even spiritually uplifting at the same time. There’s also something called the “Jewish dance machine,” which you hook up to your desktop and offers your children exercise, fun and entertainment, all at the same time. In terms of what’s right for your family, and what might lead to undesirable habits, there are many factors which must be taken into consideration. I would therefore advise you – as well as others with similar questions – to sit down in person with your rabbi, who personally knows you and your family, and together discuss your and your children’s needs and preferences, so you can work out an effective plan. This is especially important in your case, where you and your husband don’t feel the same way about things. May Hashem assist you in raising your children al ta’harat hakodesh , and bless you with much nahat from your children and fruits of your labor. With warm wishes and Torah blessings, Rabbi Yechiel Elbaz 86 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE