What would it look like to turn off your screens?

What would it look like to turn off your screens?

Permission to Unplug Workshops

Explore your Shabbat practice by reclaiming time and taking the permission to unplug with OneTable and filmmaker, author, and founder of The Webby Awards Tiffany Shlain!

All of us could use a break from technology, so we want to help you be more present and intentional with your time by guiding you through a 4-week program with the inspiration and tools to unplug, rejuvenate, and make the most of your Shabbat.

Sign up for the Permission to Unplug workshop series. Email MJ, Director of Partnerships + Jewish Learning, with any questions.

How does it work?

We’ll learn, reflect, and laugh together as a group during 4 one-hour Zoom experiences. Yes, we plug in to unplug. Think of it like a “Couch to 5K” for unplugging – we’ll provide nudges, support, and community – and soon you’ll be enjoying unplugged Shabbats you never imagined possible.

All workshops will take place at 8-9 PM ET (7-8 PM CT, 6-7 PM MT, 5-6 PM PT).

  • Thursday, March 24
  • Thursday, March 31
  • Monday, April 4
  • Monday, April 11

Week 1: Where We’ve Come From and Where We Can Go

Tiffany Shlain (founder of The Webby Awards and author of national bestselling book 24/6) invites us into a riveting, interactive Zoom experience that explores the past, present, and future of humanity and technology through her unique story.

Week 2: ZoomChallahBake

Join us from your kitchen! For today’s event, we’ll be kneading dough and going deep with Tiffany and a OneTable special guest. Get ready to knead while we talk about work, life, balance, things that bring us joy, and the power of unplugging.

Week 3: Reclaiming Your Time

This week, we explore the science behind why your brain needs different modes of operating. Our brains, bodies, and souls are most optimal when we balance between different states: connection, collaboration, creative flow, productive flow, and rest.

Week 4: Sustaining an Optimal Brain, Body, and Soul

Research shows that doing a practice four weeks in a row begins to set in as routine. The final week focuses on personal strengths (curiosity, creativity, humor) and individual purpose – and aligns them with this new expanded Shabbat practice.

“Going offline one day a week feels like an epiphany, a radical act of protection against the always-on always-available world.” – Tiffany Shlain

Headshot of Tiffany Shlain

Benefits of the Program

  • Experience the life-changing benefits of unplugging. A full day of rest, away from screens, is good for you.
  • Get more connected with people by filling your time with activities that bring you joy.
  • Practice how unplugging can become part of your Shabbat.

About Permission to Unplug

For more ideas and inspiration, check out the Tech Shabbat conversation guide as an extension of Tiffany’s book, 24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week, and the additional unplugging and mindfulness resources.

Unplugging from the weekly grind and screens gives space to be present and connect with others. Host your own Tech Shabbat for some time away or a full day of rest from using any piece of tech with a screen.

Permission to Unplug is a collaboration between OneTable and Let it Ripple with support from the Covenant Foundation and other generous supporters.

Inspired by ancient Jewish wisdom, OneTable is a national nonprofit that empowers folks (21-39ish) to find, share, and enjoy Shabbat dinners, making the most of their Friday nights.

Let it Ripple is a nonprofit film and idea studio that has produced numerous Sundance films, Emmy-nominated original series, and innovative live and virtual experiences that inspire audiences to think about what it means to be human in today’s world.