The Kosher Phone for Orthodox Jews

by Evan Shamoon on November 7, 2007 at 11:29 AM

In these modern times, even Orthodox Jews need cell phones. But with all the rules this ultra-religious group must abide by, a seemingly simple requirement such as a mobile phone becomes decidedly less simple. With all the spam, sexy photos, and 50 Cent ringtones out there, cell phones can prove challenging for Orthodox Jews.

To fill the void, a kosher cellie has hit the streets of Jerusalem, aimed at this niche market (not that niche, though -- at least 800,000 of Israel's 7.1 million Jews are ultra-Orthodox, and a whole infrastructure of kosher gadgets and gizmos is cropping up to serve them).

Fun isn't exactly the word that comes to mind when looking over the features of this handset: It can't send or receive text messages, take pictures, or connect to the Internet; it blocks more than 10,000 phone-sex numbers, and rabbinical overseers ensure that the block lists are up to date. Users can call fellow kosher phones at the discounted rate of 2 cents a minute, as opposed to the standard 9.5 cents ("Challah at me!"), but if they place calls on Shabbat (using electronic devices on the Sabbath or other holy days is a big no-no for Jews), it'll run them a whopping $2.44 a minute.

Oh, and to guarantee that no one will be whipping this out in a club to impress the ladies, the phone flashes the seal of a rabbinate council on start-up.

From New York Times (via Gearlog)

Comments

Bube RivkaNov 7th 2007 4:20PM

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To Joanna, Someone who is NOT Laughing, Someone Who Appreciates the Change and all you other malcontents -- you have absolutely no sense of humor! I am Jewish and Orthodox I thought that the original article in the New York Times and Evan's blog were both hilarious. Lighten up!
Josh - what's your problem? Stop being such a pushover. There was nothing wrong with the joke you removed. Don't let these humorless automatons intimidate you.

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LaurelNov 7th 2007 5:20PM

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Did you seriously just cave into people who thought "can jew hear me now" was offensive?

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JewbaybeeeNov 7th 2007 8:38PM

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I seriously don't know why people are making this such a big deal. What is the big deal? I personally think "can Jew hear me now?" is humorous. Stu mart: I have no respect for "Jews for Jesus" and to switch back just because you ended your relationship is pathetic! You should have stuck with your religion and stood up to your female partner. SHE should have switched religions!, not you.
I have a saying that I wrote many years ago:
"Roses are redish, violets are blueish................if it wasn't for Jesus, we'd ALL be Jewish!" Think about it! Jesus WAS born a Jew! Once a Jew, always a Jew! and you can't beat the food! OY!

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DevynnJul 3rd 2008 1:32PM

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ppl change religions all the time looking for something that "fits" and helps them find their place in the world. many a man and/or woman has changed religions for another person. sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't. but thankfully, we all have the freedom to switch back if we want. there's nothing wrong with that.

i think this is a case where they BOTH should have taken the time to get to know each other, and their respective religions (there are soooooooo many demominations in christianity that even "christians" have a hard time keeping up and/or change churches as the case may be) before making switches or demanding that ppl do. maybe a breakup could have then been avoided as this would have brought them closer together. or it wouldn't have been such a bad one. i know that love is a very blinding thing. thankfully, God loves us all equally. :)

i also know of plenty of duel religious households. the kids get the best (and sometimes worst) of both worlds. but it does make for VERY well rounded, spiritually enlightened children. the problem is that ppl think that they have to step away from all of what they know spiritually and step into the unknow (and we ALL hate that!). thing is, you don't! you can still be a good christian, jew, muslim and married to someone else who's of a different faith then you and still get to heaven b/c you're both doing the same thing, just in your own way: loving and worshiping God and trying to live your life in a way that's pleasing to Him. comforming to some MAN MADE rules of spirtuality is where you mess up!

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El Jibaro de Lytle CreekNov 9th 2007 9:00PM

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Hey folks haven't had a good laugh since .....?Love your comments.
El Jibaro De Lytle Creek

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El Jibaro de Lytle CreekNov 9th 2007 9:02PM

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think about it for one moment. Love the Idea, the Rabbi is always thinking. Keep the congregation close, all the better to effect control when necessary.

El Jibaro De Lytle creek

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El Jibaro de Lytle CreekNov 9th 2007 9:01PM

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Great Idea for limited network cell use. The Rabbi must be commended that placed into practice this fabulous limited/by exclusion communication network. In time of emergency the network moves in unison.

El Jibaro de Lytle Creek

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