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IRGUN K’VOD SHOMAYIM (“IKS”) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase awareness of K’vod Shomayim in shuls. One of the most neglected mitzvahs today is the mitzvah of k’vod shomayim [honor of Heaven]. IKS uses a multi-pronged initiative to inspire people to improve their k’vod shomayim and refrain from behaviors that detract from k’vod shomayim in shuls. The initiative will utilize a series of focused media campaigns on various aspects of k’vod shomayim. Their first campaign is to encourage people to turn off their cell phones during davening. Their website,www.KvodShomayim.org, contains source citations regarding the importance of k’vod shomayim, an audio shiur by Harav Yitzchok Sorotzkin, shlita, and a FAQ regarding cell phone use in shuls. The website also includes a “Take the Pledge” campaign, where people from around the globe have committed to not use their cell phones during davening. For more information about the organization, its projects, how to contact them, and how to donate, please see their website: www.KvodShomayim.org
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3 Responses
As much as projects such as this need chizuk, I am embarrassed by the mere fact that it is needed. It is not about banning or making issurim. It is about restoring the beis hamedrash to utilization for the purposes for which it exists. Torah and tefilo, two of the most precious assets we have cannot be permitted to deteriorate ch”v to cursory things we do robotically in this designated room called a shul. Yet, we have all seen the horror of people playing with their cell phones, checking for emails, texts, and other forms of messaging. The beis hamedrash is holy space. Just as one would not recite divrei kedusha in a bathroom, one should not engage in these divrei chol in shul. What is so difficult to understand? Everything has its proper time and place.
The entire concept of yir’as Shomayim has become unpopular, and it translates into so many aspects of our lives. Any project that restores the hearts of Yidden to Ahavas Hashem and Yir’as Hashem should be supported universally.
instead of trying to stop people from talking on cell phones, or talking in general and/or messing about during davening, it would be better to get them to be aware that they are standing in front of HaShem.
I strongly agree with this. Only those in the medical profession, and Hatzolah members who deal with life and death emergencies and similar situations, should be permitted to deliberately leave their equipment on! A “regular” person can text or call right before or after shul.