Amid the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the vast amount of information from various sources can feel overwhelming. However, this sense of information overload is not new; it has been part of the human experience for centuries.
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks compared the Jewish community’s efforts to document their oral traditions after the destruction of the Second Temple to our current struggles with the sheer volume of digital information. Just as ancient Talmudic scholars sought clarity amid chaos, we, too, strive for understanding today. By blending ancient wisdom with modern tools, we can effectively navigate the complexities of our time.
Time, Technology, and Community
The Talmud is a vast compilation of Jewish law, ethics, philosophy, and folklore that was created through the collaborative efforts of many scholars across different periods and geographical locations. It is organized into six sections covering various topics and reflects the voices of both elites and commoners.
I first studied the Talmud during a Jewish history course at Hebrew University, and I’ve revisited it periodically since then. Each page covers a wide range of subjects, which showcases the depth of Jewish thought.
During the pandemic, I’ve been attending a weekly Talmud class with my niece, Ilana Fodiman Silverman, who teaches from Israel to a global audience via Zoom. In our most recent class, we discussed the type of prayer that should follow a meal and who should or shouldn’t participate (Berakhot 47a). Ilana compared our Talmudic discussions to the imaginative world of Dr. Seuss, encouraging us to stretch our minds and explore various scenarios. Studying the Talmud can be overwhelming without guidance, similar to navigating the vast sea of knowledge on the internet today. Fortunately, thanks to technological advancements and the legacy of the late Rav Adin Steinsaltz, the Talmud is now more accessible than ever in English through his website, Steinsaltz Center. Additionally, various study groups meet on platforms like Zoom, ensuring no one embarks on this journey alone.
A Diverse Media Landscape
Amidst the noise of today’s media landscape, I find comfort in selected shows and articles that nourish my mind and soul. I rely on CBC Radio One, particularly the insightful discussions on IDEAS with Nahlah Ayed, which explore social issues, culture, geopolitics, and more. I also enjoy The Doc Project, Tapestry, Writers and Company, The Current, and q, each offering unique perspectives on the world.
Jewish media outlets such as The Tablet, Commentary, and The Jerusalem Post further enrich my spiritual quest. Aleph Beta and Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’ Covenant and Conversation bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern understanding, deepening my faith and insight.
In the evenings, I watch PBS and CBS. I also attend Zoom classes with my Yeshiva Group Shiviti and participate in enlightening sessions hosted by notable figures in my community.
On weekends, I intentionally disconnect from the digital world, finding peace during Shabbat. I attend synagogue gatherings and share festive meals, drawing inspiration from Rabbi Sacks’ teachings and highlighting the harmony between science and spirituality.
Seeking Balance in Information
In a world overflowing with information, I actively seek knowledge, wisdom, and nourishment from various sources while grounding myself in timeless truths. The COVID-19 pandemic has inundated us with information. Just as ancient scholars managed oral traditions, we, too, must navigate this modern landscape with intention.
We can find balance in this chaotic world by exposing ourselves to diverse media that enrich our minds and souls and making time for timeless rituals that provide solace from digital overload. Let us embrace ancient wisdom that guides us while utilizing modern tools to foster understanding and connection.