Dear Friend,

Are we too plugged in? More and more articles and studies are exploring the ill effects of overconnectedness in today’s technology-laden world. People feel uneasy and disoriented if their smartphone or computer is not in easy reach, and children as young as four are being treated for Internet addiction.

Recently, I came across an article challenging readers to unplug for a full 24 hours—not just from their cell phones, but computers, laptops and tablets as well. The whole shebang.

It made me smile. And feel slightly smug and very, very fortunate.

I, for one, don’t need to be convinced about the benefits of powering down. I do it every week. Week in, week out, come Shabbat we unplug for 25 hours. It’s magnificent. It’s calming, empowering and rejuvenating.

This week’s Torah portion talks about Shabbat, the weekly day of rest, which our ancestors have been keeping for over 3,000 years. It’s extraordinary how relevant and meaningful Shabbat is, has been and will continue to be . . .

If you haven’t had the opportunity to fully unplug and observe Shabbat, try it this week. There may be some tough moments in the beginning, but you’ll be hooked in no time!

Miriam Szokovski,
on behalf of the Chabad.org Editorial Team