Being connected 24/7 is practically a requirement for the 21st-century American worker. Some—like Officer Jeffrey Allen who’s making news for suing the Chicago Police Department for requiring him to check his BlackBerry off the clock—are not happy about it.
The National Day of Unplugging hears Allen’s complaint. (And God, one could argue, anticipated it.) Based on the first principle of the Sabbath Manifesto, this year’s National Day of Unplugging is challenging people around the world to take 25 hours on March 1-2—conveniently spanning the length of Shabbat—to disconnect from the internet and reconnect with people and places in real time.
Unplugging is something that more and more Americans are thinking about doing. According to a just-published Pew Research Center study, 61% of Facebook users have at one time or another taken a “Facebook vacation” of several weeks or more.
The National Day of Unplugging features a photo campaign centered around the question: “How would you unplug?” Download the sign and join filmmaker Sandi Dubowski (pictured) with your photo today!
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
