From my ringer to Gods ears...

The majority of bystanders, passengers and pedestrians’ knowledge of classical is limited to shrill digital likenesses of the William Tell Overture or a Beethoven Symphony emanating from purses and belts, well at least for a few seconds before the mini concert is rudely interrupted by a Hellooo??

Conversely, anyone at a Classical Music concert can attest to how annoying the unrefined sound of a cellphone is in the middle of a delicate piano concerto movement. I was once at a concert in Europe when the conductor and pianist refused to continue playing until the red faced offender left the hall.

So one orchestra decided to embrace it's nemesis in an unusual way.
The Chicago Sinfonnieta began it's season with a Concerto for Cell Phones and Orchestra.
Click to read...see video link on top right side.

Hmm why can't our Rabbonim be so resourceful and somehow figure out a way of incorporating the cellphone into the liturgy?

Imagine for a moment the Baal Shem Tov alive in todays day. Here's how one classic tale might've gone down.

The Holy Baal Shem was locked in his room for hours. His disciples nervously pacing outside. It was already 3 hours after Kol Nidre was to have begun and no sign of the holy master.
Suddleny the door opens and his glowing countenance filled the doorframe. His smile belied the seriousness of the moment as he made his way to the Amud to begin the service. After davening his closest Chassidim crowded around him and asked for an explanation. He turned to them and said..you see there was a terrible decree against the Jews and I was storming the heavens trying to foil it. Suddenly in a small neighborhood not far from here, a young stock broker curiously entered his local Shul still dressed in his preppy work clothes. He looked around and wished he knew how to pray. With a heart full of longing and sadness he pulled out his cellphone and pushed his favorite Mission Impossible ringer and cried out..God I don't know how to pray..please accept this little tune in lieu of my prayers.
At that moment, declared the Baal Shem, the decree was abolished and I was able to begin Kol Nidre, as his chassidim listened in awe in the silent night punctured only by the sound of a distant car alarm.


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