Modernization vs. Tradition
As a Jew, I am not supposed to do any kind of work or "create" anything on Shabbat or other holy days. This law prohibits a broad range of activities, from writing to using the computer to turning on lights. But in our modern society, we have become socially dependent on such forms of communication and entertainment, and this comes into direct conflict with the traditional ideas of Judaism. I often find myself torn between adhering to the rules of my religion and indulging in my usual technological habits. As a non-Orthodox Jew, the pressure to strictly follow these rules is lessened. But that does not mean that I don't feel guilty for breaking them anyway.
Technology and Judaism are not mutually exclusive, but the values and ideals associated with each are radically different. The Jewish religion places a strong emphasis on the idea of a "core." This core is deeply rooted in family and tradition. In the eyes of Judaism, life is essentially about coming together as one people and uniting in the traditions of the religion. But, as we have clearly seen in the Peter Steven book/"guide", modern technologies and media are all about diversification, spreading out. Rather than centering on core values, media are concerned with reaching out and embracing as many different values as possible. There is nothing traditional about technology or the media; everything is newer, better, smaller, faster, cooler.
Our fast-paced society is not optimal for the traditional Jewish way of life. It won't change for the Jews, so the Jews have had to adapt to it. For example, I do not generally refrain from using electricity on Shabbat, but I always make a point to do so during the High Holidays. But this past Rosh Hashanah was an exception. For the first time in my life, I simply did not have enough time to get my homework done without doing some of it on Erev Rosh Hashanah. As a result of a society which is becoming more and more work-oriented, I made the regrettable decision to break my own rules and succumb to the academic pressures of school. Since academics are a social construct, I was giving into modern society.
Technology and Judaism are not mutually exclusive, but the values and ideals associated with each are radically different. The Jewish religion places a strong emphasis on the idea of a "core." This core is deeply rooted in family and tradition. In the eyes of Judaism, life is essentially about coming together as one people and uniting in the traditions of the religion. But, as we have clearly seen in the Peter Steven book/"guide", modern technologies and media are all about diversification, spreading out. Rather than centering on core values, media are concerned with reaching out and embracing as many different values as possible. There is nothing traditional about technology or the media; everything is newer, better, smaller, faster, cooler.
Our fast-paced society is not optimal for the traditional Jewish way of life. It won't change for the Jews, so the Jews have had to adapt to it. For example, I do not generally refrain from using electricity on Shabbat, but I always make a point to do so during the High Holidays. But this past Rosh Hashanah was an exception. For the first time in my life, I simply did not have enough time to get my homework done without doing some of it on Erev Rosh Hashanah. As a result of a society which is becoming more and more work-oriented, I made the regrettable decision to break my own rules and succumb to the academic pressures of school. Since academics are a social construct, I was giving into modern society.
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