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Jewish World Review Sept. 16, 2010 / 8 Tishrei, 5771 National campaign wants to make Yom Kippur No-Device Day By Lois K. Solomon
http://www.JewishWorldReview.com | (MCT) Can ordinarily secular and non-Orthodox Jews turn off their cell phones for Yom Kippur? Can they resist hiding their BlackBerrys under their prayer books? Can they thwart the urge to take a "bathroom break" during services when they feel compelled to check a new text? A national campaign is urging Jews, and all Americans, to make Many Jews who do not observe other holidays go to synagogue for the High Holy Days and fast on Similarly, rabbis see use of cell phones and other gadgets as breaking the holidays' mindset, in which the focus should be Jews' relationship with G0d and their fellow human beings. Throughout the year, leaders of many faiths say, mobile devices interfere with religious ceremonies from bar mitzvahs to funerals, even though they tell those in attendance to turn them off. "It's an ongoing source of tension," said Rabbi At a Reform Jewish congregation, it might be acceptable to use a cell phone in the lobby during Sabbath services, Plotkin said, but not at his Conservative synagogue. This could prove confusing to guests unfamiliar with the customs of different Jewish denominations, he said.
Although synagogues emphasize turning off electronics for the High Holy Days, "It bothers me a lot," said Staller, 56. "It makes it so impersonal. I could stay home and watch a pay-per-view service instead."
'NO-DEVICE DAY' CAMPAIGN
More than 10,000 people have signed on to a campaign by two According to creator The campaign includes an ad with a photo of For more information, go to OffliningInc.com.
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