Everything
in the world can be used for good. G-d gave the gift of technology to
man. The Idea is to use it for the good - Just like the qualities that
G-d endowed us with. We can use them for the good or the opposite. Our
Job in life is to use our qualities to achieve our potential. As the
Mesillat Yesharim says - it is up to us to pinpoint what is our
obligation to achieve in life.
Noah
was one the creator of the plow. Although he, did a service to mankind
to make us more efficient - it also made man feel less dependent upon
G-d. Without the plow, people would turn to G-d to ask for sufficient
crops - enough to feed their families. Now with the plow, their output
was greatly increased and gave them the impression that they were not so
dependent upon Him. They tus turned to Him less and less.
As
with everything - it is important to weigh whether the technology will
help us establish a greater relationship or improve our service with man
& G-d or detract from it.
Sometimes
I feel like distancing myself from all this hi-tech world and focus on
relationships. Focus on communicating with people. Taking a trip to the
great outdoors is one option. Observing the Shabbat is another - where
engaging technology is prohibited - is another. Shabbat allows us to
remove ourselves from hi-tech and focus on relationships - with family,
friends, community & G-d.
Interaction without Communication.
Rabbi
Pelocowitz, former Rabbi of a Synagogue in Far Rockaway said - this
generation is one that is based on Interaction without communication.
Technology use is a common culprit.
Many
people have bought TV's - which may have caused more shallow
relationships with their family members. Instead of interacting directly
together, they interact with the central focus on a screen &
lead to the breakdown of many family values. (Compare the values of the
60's to those of today.)
Certain
Jewish movements have adapted using the car on Shabbat - which
eventually led to the breakdown of a once close-knit community. Instead
of all staying together, with the synagogue as a central meeting place -
their Shabbat mobility lead them to abandon community for shopping.
One of the greatest gift's that G-d gave us it the ability to think.
The
smart person keeps his mind on enhancing himself, his surroundings, his
relationships with G-d and man. Weighing the advantages and
disadvantages of technologies before adapting them - allows one to
ultimately improve their quality of & meaning in life.
