A Wonderful Initiative: Get a Free MP3 Player, But Only if...

Each of us has thought at least once in our lives about how to use our time more effectively. Scholars who are dedicated to Torah study often find themselves regretting the 'dead' time which could have been used for Torah learning or listening to a lecture on Gemara, Halacha, or Ethics.

It is against this background that Aaron Ginuyer (40) from Haifa established the unique organization both in Israel and worldwide, which takes care of the spiritual time of the religious public: 'The Mobile Digital Kollel'. It is a revolutionary idea of distributing mp3 players for free to those who commit to studying about 15 to 20 Torah lessons per month. "It all started when I realized that the public has about half a billion leisure hours available, which could be enriched with Torah. When we’re engaged in physical activity or traveling, we can use the precious tool called 'ear' to close educational gaps."

Yes, the initiative also targets scholars who study Torah day and night. "Some focus on Halacha and Gemara, without time for other topics like Ethics, Philosophy, the Weekly Torah Portion, and more. Through the players, they can fill these gaps and listen to Torah lectures on topics they lack, during their walks to and from the synagogue, on Fridays while preparing for Shabbat, and of course whilst traveling. Over a year, it is a lot of wasted time, and everyone has the opportunity to seize this mitzvah."

Aaron Ginuyer

So how does it work?

"Generous Jews, such as the CEO of 'Optika Halperin', dedicate these deeds in memory of their loved ones - donate the players. A young man or woman who commits to listening to about 20 Torah lessons a month receives the player with all the lessons available on the 'Kol HaLashon' site, according to their personal selection."

And what about music?

"As long as they are committed to Torah lessons, there is no limitation on music – kosher, of course. They can definitely also load music onto the player if it makes them happy and enables more enjoyable learning."

Ten years ago, when technology was not at its best, players were more widespread and in demand. Do you feel a decline in demand today, in the smartphone generation?

"You might be surprised to hear, but despite technological advancements, fortunately, not only has the demand not decreased, but it has also grown. Since it is possible to load iPhones with Torah lessons, technology serves us wonderfully, and all that remains is to continue publicizing the idea until it reaches every home in Israel."  

The Gardener Who Took the Player Became a Torah Lecturer

According to Aaron, when a person commits to a certain task, the task gains an entirely different value in their eyes. So when this is considered, participants in the mitzvah gain from every angle. Moreover, the public has practical opportunities to participate in the mitzvah in two main ways: donating old or new mp3 players (with a capacity of at least 1,000 Torah lessons) and participating in the establishment of 'charging stations' in synagogues, Torah centers, yeshivas, and more.

And how successful has the method proven thus far? Apparently, not bad at all, as it has survived over ten (!) years. "People from all walks of Israeli society come to us – yeshiva scholars, new returnees to faith at the beginning of their journey, and even traditional individuals who want to add a more spiritual dimension to their lives. I particularly remember an extraordinary case, a secular gardener and a soccer fan known for wandering around with his shirt open, who had nothing to do with Torah lessons," Ginuyer tells. "He came to us after hearing about the idea from a friend and decided to try and join the project. Within a few weeks, we saw a change in him: the shirt began to close gradually, soccer was no longer his main interest, and the cherry on top: today, he is delivering Torah lessons at the neighborhood's synagogue based on the Torah lessons he listens to on the player. This is just one of many examples."

(Illustration Photo: shutterstock)

Ginuyer adds that this method creates a real revolution, especially for people who, for various reasons, had difficulty in yeshiva frameworks. As the saying goes: 'Greater is the commandment and does, than one who is not commanded and does' – precisely because of the difficulty inherent in the commandment. A person bound by a framework finds it more challenging to persevere. In contrast, a person not bound by any obligation might strive even harder, just to prove to themselves that they can. 

There is another aspect to consider: the greater the demand for players, the more the demand for player donors increases. "Currently, we have a certain stock of players in the warehouse, but there is always a demand for more, and anyone who wants to participate in this enormous mitzvah and donate their player - they will be blessed," Ginuyer says. It is simply wonderful to know how one small step can bring joy to another Jew. 'One can earn their world in a single moment'. 

And what are the retention rates for the mitzvah?

"There are those who committed to six hours a day and have maintained it for several years; others have taken on a bit less. It doesn't matter to us how the daily distribution is made, as long as the individual has the opportunity to fill their leisure hours with good things. When people understand the value of this mitzvah, they not only join the initiative themselves but also share it with everyone they know. In this way, the Jewish people not only benefit but also enable others to benefit."

For Aaron Ginuyer, 'Shamati Shamach' Organization - 0548454992