Yom Kippur begins at sundown tonight. My son and I began the negotiations this morning. We are not, in general, an observant family but we do make more of an effort around Yom Kippur.
Me: There will be no TV, iPods, computers, or electronics for the 25 hours of Yom Kippur.
It should be noted that the boy does exactly two things these days: jump on his bed while listening to Camp Rock songs on his iPod and lie in his bed, sucking his finger, staring out the window, while listening to Camp Rock Songs on his iPod.
Boy: Then what will I do?
Me: You can read. You can go outside. You can do some art. You can play with toys.
Boy: My toys are all electronic.
Me: No they aren’t. You have tons of non-electronic toys.
Boy: Are you sure I can’t listen to my music?
Me: I’m sure.
Boy: Well, can I play with my Lego robot?
Me: Um… yes. But you can’t hook it up to the computer to program it.
Boy: What about the programs that are already on there?
Me: Uh…
Boy: Well?
Me: Um, I guess that’s okay. But no hooking it up to the computer.
Boy: ‘kay.
Talmudic? Perhaps not. But it works in our house.
As always I am mighty impressed with your energy and the multitudes of endeavors. Good luck with the novel. Can’t wait for you to get it published.