"Is it Good for the Jews?"
Growing up as the grandson of Holocaust survivors, I often heard a refrain: "Is it good for the Jews?" Every global event was filtered through this lens.
Today, the question remains. But now, instead of just hearing it in conversation, I’m drowning in a sea of opinions, articles, and endless digital noise.
I'm addicted to my phone.
It’s been this way since October 7th.
I multi-task, because I feel best when I'm active.
Thinking constantly.
I feel that I'm accomplished when I'm busy.
I scour the internet at all hours, mindlessly flipping between YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, day-after experts and political pundits, meandering podcasts and click bait X Posts.
I’m sure I’m not the only one, but it doesn’t make me feel any better to know that my misery loves company and that others don't sleep well either.
Shabbat is a welcome respite.
I turn off my phone.
Leave it in my office.
Make sure all the lights are set for the evening.
Get comfortable.
Eat - Read - Sleep - Pray - Rest.
I usually take a nap on Saturday after lunch. It’s my lazy time, and I love it.
It's dark outside.
Sundown. Saturday Night.
I feel the phone beckoning to me...teasing me with its dopamine delights.
"Come see the despair you missed."
"Live vicariously. Fuel your envy. Indulge your self-doubt."
"Wallow in your trauma, over and over."
"Drown in distraction. Forget the beauty before you."
Light a candle.
Spend a day focused on your life.
Surround yourself with family and friends.
Recenter yourself. Recalibrate.
Turn off the sound and feel the tranquility.
Appreciate the good in our lives.
Be thankful for our lot.
Shabbat is good for the Jews.
A day of rest is good for humanity.
Shabbat Shalom.
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