At a time when electronic devices are a part of everyday life, Judaism invites us to disconnect from the screens and physically be with people.
Observant Jews refrain from electricity every Shabbat and most holidays. This encourages people to eat meals with others and attend synagogue for special prayers.
“My observance has always been a constant and integral part of my life,” said senior math major Naomi Rosenbaum. “There’s a designated time to reconnect to family, community and truly relax. The atmosphere that’s created from disconnecting from technology and work provides a sense of such an immense sense of peace and happiness.”
Three holidays fall out this year during October: Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Sukkot.
Rosh Hashana is a two-day celebration that spanned from Wednesday night through Friday night this year. Because Shabbat begins on Friday night, religious observers did not use electronics for three days.
Yom Kippur fell out on Shabbat this year.
Sukkot is about a week-long holiday that ends in the honoring of the historic receiving of the Torah. It is broken up into two celebrations: Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah.
Similar to Rosh Hashana, Sukkot goes into Shabbat this year during both sub-celebrations. Observers have a total of six-days where they will disconnect from electronics, with a three-day separation between.
Students and people in the workforce plan accordingly, to balance their responsibilities and honor their religious observance.
“To manage my workload over the holidays, I email teachers in advance to hear about the coursework for the dates I will be away, and then either ask for extensions on assignments or do them before the holiday,” Ally Oster, a freshman marketing major, explained. “I am then able to prepare or have time to catch up, and the professors are very understanding and accommodating.”
Electronics are becoming just as synonymous with breathing: it’s what you need to do to live. As reliance on the internet and social media grows, solace can be found in turning off devices and truly spending time with other people. Taking a break from the fast pace of everyday is necessary. This practice may seem outdated but there are benefits in the disconnect that propel people to maintain their observance despite societal practices.
“Turning off my phone for an extended period of time gives me a ‘reset’ that lets me recharge,” senior finance major Moed Sperling-Milner said. “Knowing that I am doing so with millions of other Jews around me and worldwide lets me connect to my friends and to the entire Jewish community around me.”
