“It’s a New World, Golde”
You may recall that’s what Tevye said to his wife in “Fiddler on the Roof” when they were both trying to wrap their heads around the fresh, new ideas of the next generation. “It’s a new world, Golde. A new world.”
I can’t help but think of Tevye’s response when I consider the new ways in which people communicate with each other in the 21st century. Facebook, texting, Twittering and tweeting, Skyping—it all makes my head spin.
At the same time, I think there’s something wonderful and remarkable about these new forms. Ultimately, the new communications and social media technologies are simply new and different ways for people to do something essential that we’ve been doing for a long time—connecting with each other. I’m still partial to the one-on-one, face-to-face variety. Yet I do see the value and potential in these other forms.
Which leads me to blogging—web journaling. Blogging is another way for us to connect with each other, to tell meaningful stories, to share resources, and to dialogue together. Prefering the face to face encounter, I recognize that blogging is a complement to it, not a replacement of it.
I hope you enjoy these musings, thoughts, ideas, feelings, links to resources and articles, all things Jewish, and then some.
“It’s a new world, Golde!”
Come take a look.
Explore posts in the same categories: Jewish Values, Technology
Rabbi Rick's Blog 
August 1, 2011 at 4:58 am
I also prefer face-to-face communication when feasible.
August 4, 2011 at 6:31 pm
While face to face communication is important and powerful and most fulfilling, these digital conversations will ultimately be the enduring impressions of our journeys that will be what’s left behind – and perhaps be meaningful to others who find them.
Yasher Koach Rabbi Rick! Thanks for leading the way.
August 12, 2011 at 8:29 pm
Wihtout digital communication we wouldn’t have the benefit of this important, insightful meessage from Rabbi Rick. With whom, by the way, I always enjoy face-to-face conversation.
August 22, 2011 at 3:58 pm
It is definitely a “new world, Golde” and while I, too, definitely prefer face-to-face communication, our never-ending world of technology forces us to embrace it and continue to find ways it “complements” our communication. As we bridge the generation gap, I look forward to following Rabbi Rick’s blogs and am grateful for the insightful lessons that will, undoubtedly stem from them!!
August 30, 2011 at 1:13 am
Here’s another vote for face-to-face communication, however, I do think there is room for this style of communication as well. As we develop more and more tools for communicating, it’s important to remember that each has it’s value – picking when and where to use each one is indeed an art that requires practice. I’m looking forward to expanding my temple community here in this space.