Page 51 - HaMizrachi #28 Pesach USA 2021

PESACH READING

“Avodat Hashem involves so loudly, I cannot hear what you are Rabbi Kaplan answers that
two different yet com- saying.’ If we practice the behavior we there indeed is. “There
plementary elements; preach for them, they will not only hear are some very harmful
ב ֹוט הׂ ֵ ש ֲ ע ַ ו ע ָ ר ֵ מ רּוס – what we are saying, but learn from what things on the internet,”
avoiding evil and doing we are doing.” he says. “You don’t
good. We need to have know who’s lurking
candid discussions with our Rabbi Chagai Londin: “The main thing around the web and commu-
children, who are both consumers and is control and focus. Institute times for nicating with children. If parents are not
using the internet, say, from 1:00 pm
producers of content on the internet. on top of their children’s internet use,
While they absorb and publish mes- until 2:00 pm, not a minute more. Or, they may be exposed to things which
sages and values, they can be mindful for example, create a family rule that we could really harm them. They may be
and in-control participants on social don’t use our phones during the day, and part of emotionally dangerous groups.
media. They can approach each piece set a time in the evening for checking All of these are things that parents and
of media with an enquiring eye; ‘Is what WhatsApp messages.” educators need to be aware of.”
I am presented with in this video in line
with my values?’ ‘Is this audio note, text Rabbi Kaplan recommends installing Rabbi Londin explains that to help dis-
message or video I’m sending, going to filters for internet use. “Young chil- cern what can be used for good from
be harmful?’ Avoiding negative influ- dren don’t have the ability to navigate what is best to reject, we can turn to our
ences is their ע ָ ר ֵ מ רּוס. Standing up for the internet in a healthy way on their leaders. “That’s why we need Rabbis and
positive values, supporting the vulner- own. Sometimes even adults lack this Rebbetzins who are aware of modern
able and reaching out to others with ability. Installing a filter system is often culture,” he says, “to help guide people
positivity through chats and streaming a simple and practical solution.” Pro- in a supervised and correct way within
allow our children to engage in בֹוט הׂ ֵ ש ֲ ע fessional guidance is another thing he the world of technology.”
online. Likewise, following influencers recommends. “There are experts in this “Much of technology and social media
who promote positive messages around field who can give real tips to help nav- apps are like food – they may technically
socialization, body image, wellbeing and igate us on what’s healthy and what’s be kosher, but that doesn’t mean they
Torah, allow adolescents to promote not, and how to build healthy social are good for you,” adds Rabbi Gold-
positivity for themselves and others,” media and internet access. I encourage berg. “We must be very mindful and
says Avigail Wonder. getting some of these professionals to discerning when engaging technology
give courses and lecture series in our
“The greatest curriculum we can offer schools or homes.” to constantly evaluate if that particular
is our own behavior,” adds Rabbi Gold- app, website or device is indeed making
berg. “We must model for our children Is there anything within the world of us better ovdei Hashem and bringing
what it means to be responsible digi- technology/social media which does out our best selves. If not, even if we
tal citizens, how to engage technology warrant complete rejection? Or can find them stimulating and enjoyable, we
judiciously and carefully. Ralph Waldo everything ultimately be utilized for would likely find better use of the time
Emerson said, ‘Your actions speak the good? we spend on them.” 

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