When we first started researching Shabbat applications, we too were
under the impression that your iPhone (or other mobile device) has no
business meddling in the affairs of the holy Shabbat, especially insofar
as more religious Jews (who prohibit the use of electronics) are
concerned. However, this week, you'll see how the app-creators got
creative and designed several noteworthy applications that won't
compromise your Shabbat observance, and might even enhance it.
Toddler’s Shabbat
As always, we like to include something for the kids.
Toddler Puzzle: Shabbat
is a nice app that will allow you to familiarize your little boy or
girl with Shabbat symbols and images. And so, while you're puttering
around the kitchen, creating Shabbat feasts and worrying about the new
dietary restrictions of your guests, entertain your toddler with this
fun game. Interactive puzzles and picture-games with a focus on Shabbat
will ground your little ones into the spirit of the day.
Cost: 0.99
Supported formats: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad
Rise and shine, shomer-Shabbat style
Rising on time on Shabbat, and High Holidays, is now a problem of the past. AryTebeka’s
Shabbat alarms
is a special app designed with the observant user in mind. This alarm,
much like the post man, will only ring once, which means you don’t need
to turn it off yourself and actually use your iPhone and violate the
sanctity of the Shabbat.
Oh you alsowanted a snooze function? Keep dreaming.
Cost: 1.99
Supported formats: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad
How-to Shabbat
There
are those of us who'd like to have a more meaningful Shabbat, but
lacking a strong foundation in Judaism, we find ourselves flailing
around on Shabbat, mumbling pieces of blessings under our breath and
humming along inconspicuously during Kiddush.
Perhaps you'd like to finally be able to say Kiddush on your own, master the blessing over the candles or learn Havdala. If so,
iShabbat
is the app for you. It includes the major blessings for Shabbat:
Candles, children, Kiddush, wine and bread, and Havdala. Each blessing
includes a short explanationfor the blessing, as well as the Hebrew
text, and the translation. Tap on the Hebrew word to see the
transliteration. Some blessings even include a chanted recording.
Cost: 2.99
Supported formats: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad
Just the facts
Likely
to the chagrin of the seasoned expert, many of the apps we've listed
are designed with the Shabbat-newby in mind. However, even the
well-versed Shabbat observer needs a catalogue of times to know when to
welcome the Shabbat queen and when to bid her off. And so, for you, we
recommend the
Shabbat Shalom app.
This app uses your GPS-location information (or whatever city you
manually input) to let you know exactly when Shabbat starts, the weekly
Parsha, and when to say the Havdala blessings.
Cost: Free
Supported formats: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad
Parshathashavua
While
Shabbat is a designated day of rest, the week surrounding Shabbat is
filled with work—and much of that work is related to prepping for a
stress-free, restful Shabbat. But who said that the preparations were
limited to planning meals and ripping toilet paper?
We also must learn the Parsha of the week to further our understanding of Judaism and study of Torah.
Parsha to go
will give you access to a detailed English-language summary of the
Parsha of the week, as well as great commentary to infuse your learning
with the subtleties of interpretation and Torah scholarship. Better yet:
If you have your own credible interpretation of the Parsha, you can
submit it as a "User Dvar" and interact with your contemporaries using
this app all over the world.
Cost: free
Supported formats: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad
Appaholic
is a bi-weekly column which thematically reviews mobile apps with a
Jewish or Israeli twist. If you have an app to suggest, send details to appaholic.jpost@gmail.com