Learning to Unplug and Be Tech-Free With Friends and PJ Library

By Kara Culp

This past November, PJ Library Charlotte piloted a new initiative called “Shabbat Unplugged” for 35 families in and around the greater Charlotte area. This initiative is made possible through a generous grant from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte. This initiative is inspired by Tiffany Shlain’s book “24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day A Week,” which explores the Webby Awards founder’s decade-long practice of turning off all screens weekly as a way to reset and rebalance ourselves and our 24/7 society — a strategy that is exponentially more important in our pandemic, screenfilled

world. Shlain coined the phrase “Tech Shabbat” to refer to “a twenty-first-century interpretation of the ancient Jewish ritual of a weekly day of rest,” and she likens it to the practice of yoga or meditation. The premise of Shlain’s book is that “Tech Shabbat” is a coping mechanism for all of us who find ourselves overwhelmed by technology, which both “amplifies” but also “amputates” our experiences. Underlying PJ Library’s work is the guiding principle of empowering parents to take the lead in their family’s Jewish life by connecting them to resources that inspire and support Jewish ritual, practice, and experience at home. Through Shabbat Unplugged, PJ Charlotte provides parents with the tools, technics, and support for breaking the digital habit, if only a few hours at a time, and engage with the ancient ritual of Shabbat in a way that resonates with them. Each participating family received a Shabbat Unplugged starter kit, which included a copy of Shlain’s book along with activities and resources to celebrate Shabbat unplugged style. Families were divided into groups of three to five, called “pods,” with each pod forming its own micro-community to support and motivate each other to celebrate Shabbat, unplug from digital distractions, and connect with family. “So far I think we have all been enjoying unplugging for a bit and having a support system to do so … So many thanks for all — we are having a blast with this!” shares Shabbat Unplugged participant Stephanie Rindner. Participants have enjoyed spending time outdoors, journaling, baking, and gardening as just a few of the ways to unplug. Another participant, Rochelle Carney, had this to say about her Shabbat Unplugged experience so far, “We got together for an early dinner and havdalah! It was at the time we would otherwise have sat around and watched TV until dinner. Hanging with friends was so much better!”

The conclusion of this cohort will take place during the first Shabbat in March to coincide with the National Day of Unplugging. National Day of Unplugging is an awareness campaign that promotes a 24-hour respite from technology, annually observed the first weekend in March. Join us for National Day of Unplugging from sundown to sundown, March 5-6, 2021.

Whether you are unplugging or not, we hope you will join our PJ Library community for a virtual family-friendly challah baking session with the challah guru, Mandylicious, on Sunday, February 7, 4 p.m.

PJ Library in Charlotte is made possible thanks to the generosity of Liz and Brad Winer and the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte.