Did you hear that God has gone digital? Moses must have forgotten to mention this in his final speech to the people of Israel mentioned in this week’s Torah portion, Parashat Ha’azinu. This year God will inscribe us in the newest version of the iPad, rather than the typical Book of Life. We have become what a graduating senior from the Jewish Theological Seminary called “People of the Nook.”
Modern technology certainly brings with it many benefits, but according to a recent New York Times article “Keep Your Thumbs Still When I’m Talking to You,” the digital revolution “has made it fashionable to be rude.” From texting to tweeting to emailing, we are often less present with one another in our daily routines.
On this Rosh Hashanah, the start of the New Jewish Year, let the sound of the Shofar serve as our blackberry reminder that we can be more present with family and with friends. This year, let us unplug our personal devices and plug into the blessings of more fulfilling one-on-one interactions.