This short newspaper article describes a Rosh Hashanah experience where texting is encouraged. The article describes the innovative use of this technology among 20 to 30 year olds. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. It is also practiced as a day of judgment; a time when the actions of humanity are under review. The goal of the prayer service experience was to make prayer as accessible as possible. The key question asked by the rabbi was, “What is one thing you wish you had done differently this past year?” In response, the 20 to 30 year olds texted for nearly 90 minutes, their hopes, their fears, their deepest thoughts. The texts appeared on a screen for the entire assembly to contemplate. The article is brief, so it serves as a starting place for discussion about technology and worship, the experience of worship for young adults, and ways to provide new expressions to time tested truths.

Curated by Tim Shapiro