Turn Off to Tune In: A Wake-Up Call for Our Times
In our age of social media, images travel fast—and some leave a lasting impression. Recently, photos began circulating of people in synagogue, glued to their smartphones during davening (prayer). For some, these images might spark a smirk, for others, a deep cringe. But let’s be honest: when sacred moments are disrupted, the discomfort is real. By Rabbi Avrohom Bluming • Read More
By Rabbi Avrohom Bluming
There are things we smile at—like children dancing at a simcha. There are things we don’t—like moments that erode our values or spiritual connection. Prayer is the foundation of Jewish life, our direct line to Hashem. When that sacred bond is interrupted by screens, we need to ask: where are we headed, and what can we do before something precious is lost?
Before smartphones took over, when we only had payphones (a dime, then a quarter!), people used to say something beautiful: Davening is a local call—it goes straight to Hashem, and it’s free. No need for a cell tower. No waiting on hold. Just you and your Creator. That metaphor still holds power. Why let smartphones take the place of our deepest connection?
We were taught from a young age: don’t look at the Rebbe during davening—look into the siddur. Focus. Today, the distraction isn’t a saintly gaze, it’s a glowing screen. Should we really be looking at our phones during the holiest moments of our day?
In a sicha, the Rebbe once said that every “normal” person understands that thinking about business during davening is counterproductive—parnassah comes from Hashem. If that’s the case, how much more so should we disconnect from our phones while we pray?
These images may be man made, but as the saying goes, “Every dream contains a hint of truth.” Let’s use these viral photos as a wake-up call. Not just to cringe, but to act.
Let’s adopt a movement:
- Turn Off or set your phone to Do Not Disturb during davening.
- Inspire others to do the same.
- Encourage your community to reclaim the sanctity of tefilla.
With Yud Alef Nissan—the Rebbe’s 123rd birthday—fast approaching, this could be our gift:
1-2-3 – Adopt. Inspire. Encourage.
A small change. A powerful gesture. A true gift to the Rebbe—and to ourselves.
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