Halacha Headlines 1/17/26 – Shiur 544 – Breaking the Phone Habit – From Compulsion to Conscious Use
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Jan 15, 2026 Rabbi Aryeh Leibowitz, head of semicha at RIETS, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, founder of the Yeshivah of South Florida, and Noach Levin, a digital media expert, delve into the complex relationship between technology and spirituality. They explore whether mindless phone use constitutes wasteful time, the impact of devices on personal relationships, and practical strategies for healthier digital habits. Levin shares insights on the attention economy, while the rabbis emphasize the importance of mindful technology use in fostering meaningful connections and community.
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Screen Time Steals Whole Days
- Average global screen time is ~6.5–7 hours daily and much is non-productive scrolling.
- Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz warns this undermines 'each day accounted for' from Avraham's example.
Step Outside To Communicate During Davening
- If you must communicate during davening, step outside rather than use a phone in shul.
- Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz: walk out to preserve kavod and avoid Sichas Chulin.
The Phone's Mere Presence Distracts
- Mere presence of a phone distracts and reduces presence even if it's off or in airplane mode.
- Rabbi Efrem Goldberg cites 'absent presence' and research on distraction by mere phone proximity.
