VIVA LA FRANCE

I AM USUALLY NOT A FAN OF FRENCH GOVERNMENTAL ACTS However, the new law promulgated this week prohibiting cell phones in elementary schools is a wise move . that should be emulated in other countries. The cellphone has changed the atmosphere of society-in the street- in the home and even in the synagogue We all see individuals crossing the street without picking up their heads to evaluate traffic-or the driver who takes their eyes off the road while conversing on the phone. How about the children sitting at the dining room table unable to partake in conversation because they are frozen on that little machine. In our synagogue, the Rabbi announces a plea to silence your phones. What he doesn't see are those who periodically ( especially while waiting for the Rabbi to complete the shmoneh esreh) open their phones to scan their e-mails etc. More and more doctors are pointing out the health hazards of this ADDICTION both mental and physical.Yesterday it was the dangers of the blue light on your retina.. We have forgotten how to write personal notes, or call a friend to invite them for a simcha etc--It is all so mechanical and impersonal.