Ed. note: The accompanying photo of a Jew at the Kotel has no connection with the article except for the fact that it is someone with a mobile phone at the Wall. It was certainly not taken on Shabbat!
A mega opportunity in global communications is in the offing. Everyone is jumping with ideas about how to utilize the latest technolgical advances in promoting this happening. Should giant screens be set up with magnificent views of past events in the latest technicolor? What about the audiological angle?
Since the hottest thing is text messaging, how about everyone in the audience getting their own smart phone with instant answering capabilities? There are new phones that text faster than the speed of light!
Then there is also a question of seating. Large audiences need special arenas. Will the ushers be able to handle the massive crowds? How do you keep an audience cooperative which such a large influx of kids attending?
The logistics are mind boggling. A search is out for huge amphitheater with tiered gradated seating . It seems it is the best way to go. Of course the most comfy seats are a must for the BIG EVENT.
Everyone has their own opinion about how this thing should go but certain things seem to be givens. Now, all the PR firms, videographers, I-phone and computer moguls, are awaiting the decision of the BIG BOSS as to which venue He will choose. Everyone is betting on some sort of texting with the latest in personal communications for instant feedback from the audience as to their reaction to the BIG EVENT.
The decision is now final. The BIG BOSS is going to communicate to His People the most personal message that has ever been expressed in the History of Mankind: the Aseres Hadibros, the Ten Commandments. There will be thunder, lightning, a thick cloud, and a prolonged Shofar blast to set the proper tone of fear and awe (Shmos 19:16&19) ! Everyone gets to stand around a short mountain: Har Sinai.
The elders are to be up front, but not too close (Shmos 19:12-13). The men are to stand right behind them, the women and children are next! No amphitheater, absolutely no seating, it'sgoing to be standing room only! One usher, Moses, gets to lead a terrified crowd to their places (Shmos 19:17).
Finally the great moment arrives. Silence. There is not a sound to be heard so as not to confuse the listeners. And now the Big Boss, Hashem Yisborach, speaks to His people directly: "Vayidaber Elokim.....Anochee...." No text messaging and no giant screens flashing highlights of the ten makkos !
Just words...directcommunication: " Anochee...I am Hashem, your G-d, that took you out of the land of Eygpt". Use your memory of the miracles you saw with your own eyes. Yes, I have the ability to flash gigantic computer screens at you with the latest technogy to dazzle you but I will not!....I could inform you of all this by texting you... I will not because that is not communication. Texting is no way to tell you, the children of the Avos, of My love and personal commitment to watch over you!
And in all generations, on Shabbos Parshas Yisro, you will stand .and hear the baal korei say; "Vayidaber Elokim... Elokim spoke...Anochee..I am Hashem your G-d who took you out of Eygept." The only way to truly communicate is by speaking directly... that is why I, the source of all science, wisdom, technology, and the Creator of man am teaching you how to relate to others. It is not by texting nor by; faxing, writing, phoning, emailing. cell phoning. iphoning, nor by any other way that you can have a relationship with others. It is only possible through eye to eye contact and speech!
"Remember the Shabbos to keep it holy (fourth commandment)" that means no phones and no texting. "You shall have no other gods before me (second commandment)"; that means nothing should be more imortant to you that Me: not even computers, not even the internet and not even texting! This is true even if you feel you will suffer from loneliness without "text friends". Believe Me, you will survive if you choose to do so, because I will give you the stregnth.
You must choose not to text on My Shabbosand I will provide all the moral support you need! Even if you think you cannot live without texting on Shabbos, remember all the smokers who stop at the onset of each Shabbos and make it to Havdalah without taking an addictive puff. Remember the people in these United States, at the turn of the century, who sacrificed for Shabbos and survived. If you are still doubt that you will make it through Shabbos without texting, then do it for Me because:
"Anochee, I am Hashem, your G-d, that took you out of Eygpt"! Think about this idea: I still, in My Mercy maintain your existence (Tomer Devorah, first perek) even while you desecrate My Shabbos, and I, with great love, am patiently awaiting your return!