Reply To: I Worked For The State…

135847: That’s actually one of the points I gleaned from this experience. There is such a difference in people’s performance when not attached to the ‘toys’. The fact that all twelve of us know we’re TOTALLY disconnected from the outside, that in itself lent to more power of concentration, attention, focus.

It was uncanny; during the first few days of testimony and exhibitions we were herded into the jury room to wait to be called in. Then marched out back to the room for numerous breaks. At all such times the place was so quiet, EVERYONE into his/her device – for hours upon hours (of course there’s this Little Froggie with a little Gemarah). Then when it’s time for deliberation, all toys are sent away in a box (out of the room), all of a sudden everyone’s talking. Everyone’s involved!

One seriously seeking a connection, involvement with HaShem needs to do the same. This is a lesson that I (hopefully) will remember.

ujm: I DID try to get out, I did my השתדלות. The judge and lawyers by the voir dire questioning asked each one their educational status, familial status etc. Each and every one had some high fluten degree in some major institution – and no family. I answered truthfully that I was a ninth grade dropout, I tried to accentuate that as much as possible… it didn’t work. But nevertheless it was so interesting – everyone with a degree and zero family. A very Jewish looking Froggie with no degree and ב”ה קע”ה family. As to occupation, I wanted them to have some positive image of Whom I represent, I laid down some of my cards (again to them its the degree / occupation that matters most)