Mizrachi SA Jewish Observer - Pesach 2016 | Page 40

WHATSAPP TORAH To advertise in the SA JEWISH OBSERVER, call 011 485-3624 or email [email protected] Torah has never been more accessible than it is now - anyone with a computer connected to the net can access Torah in any chosen language. The Rov spoke of a time in Lithuania when a full set of Shas was elusive, forcing one talmid to cement to memory each volume. Today, with our wealth of accessibility, we can all have it all - access to many Torah giants, many opinions and many topics. ‘...technology now gives the power of direct relationships to everyone...’ (Time Jan 18). The quality of material is a phenomenon. Today, missing a shiur is a non-calamity for it’s probably been filmed or 40 “The dissemination of Torah has undergone a revolutionary walk …” voice recorded for a delayed digesting. Shiurim like Rabbi Dovi Goldstein’s 2-minute Dirshu WhatsApp updates are succinct, wrapped up in two minutes, chunked with a wealth of information. And Rabbi Nossel’s Gemara on the Parsha-shiur encourages responses and interaction. Technology has no doubt assisted in the vast gains of learning Torah. Of course, with the good comes the bad, and it is still incumbent upon us to ensure the bad influences of the Internet and technology are limited. But after all is said about technology, the Jews will forever be known as the People of The Book, for Shabbos is forever. ■ 41