Video: Help! My Cell Phone is Missing!

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Published: June 24, 2012

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Visitor Comments: 20

(20) Rivke, June 30, 2012 4:15 PM

Got my phone wet two weeks ago

Was traveling. I did have a workaround for contacts, but the ability to receive calls was important, and to use the network. I was often out of wifi range, limiting my use for coordinating meetings, etc. While I found the incident funny, as I'd fallen in a rather cold mountain reservoir.....twice..... I did have some concerns about my contacts and some photos I'd taken. Apple fixed me up (props to the folks in Littleton , CO) with a step up phone for nothing, I could have upgraded to a 4, but I don't need that. (and that has been interesting, hearing all the people who think I should have upgraded) In the end, while I was afraid I'd blow my insanely tight budget on a repair and have several days without a phone, it didn't happen. My old phone dried out enough to function as an iPod, so I'm not sure if that is a good use ( I have a need for a player for work), or if I should clear my data and donate/recycle it. My largest fear is a hacker getting sensitive contact information.

(19) Donna, June 30, 2012 3:57 AM

Regarding our reliance on cell phones: We are more connected with more people around the world via the internet and airplanes, but we are less connected to what is really important-- Our Families. So, I think that our "panic" when we lose our cell phones, is an indication of a sense of loss of Family. We could remedy that by "turning off" the phone, and make an appointment to see our families (if they are grown) or summoning the children and spouse and doing something impromptu and fun!

(18) Anonymous, June 27, 2012 7:51 PM

vulnerability

It's not just a "phone". It's photos, personal text messages, personal information, ie. phone numbers, email addresses. It's an xray of who we are, who we know, what we do and on and on. In a strangers hands this information can be as dangerous as.. It's too scary to think about. I don't own one. I want one but I don't need one so for me it's not a problem. If it's just a phone without any apps, info, or other personal data then there's nothing to worry about. The thing is, it's not just a "phone". Is it.

(17) alejandro levy, June 27, 2012 11:45 AM

is our conection to others

The cellphone has become our way to stay connected to the others, to the world..I can only speak for myself, but i do not have a land line and i do not many people who has one at home... hence the phone is such an important tool.. Particularly if you are from out of town and your family lives overseas..

(16) Simcha, June 27, 2012 9:38 AM

Cell Phones During Davening!!!

For several reasons, I do not have a cell phone and am not interested in having a cell phone. I was in a minyan for mincha this week and someone's cell phone rang in the middle of the "Amidah" (silent prayer). The person answered and while davening spoke to the person with all sorts of noises. The cell phone has become such an idol that there is not even courtesy towards G-d.

(15) simon, June 27, 2012 9:19 AM

posession

my phone is one of my possesions, ofcourse I would be upset if its gone. why? all the phonenumbers of friends are on it. so do I relate my phone to my friends? no. Do I relate my phone to my security? maybe, because you are not reachable without. it feels safer and more social. what if my phone rang? but hey darn there is this billing company aswell having the same number :/. well thats a shame :P

(14) Ari, June 27, 2012 6:36 AM

The thought of losing iphone makes me hyperventilate!

First day after my kids las day of school they insist i take the to the beach. The first thing we do is go the those public restrooms before finding a spot in the sand to settle. I consciously put my phone on the roll holder keeping an eye on it and imeediately getting distracted by my boys doings outside of the stall. I step out gather our chair, bags, toys etc calmly find a good sitting spot, pull out n unfold my chair, get the kids shorts ready, things organized and finally reach for my phone in my back pocket, shuffle thru a bag n realize i dont have my iphone n realize i went to the restroom n realize i left it there, my heart sank and felt the bloos rush to my face! I called out to my kids to get out of the water and follow me like tragedy just broke out, and to get them rushing I yell out "my phone!" which even they completely understood and rushed with me as i panicked if its stills there Gd it will be a miracle, pleading Gd to please let it still be there etc etc. Thankfully my phone was in the dark turned upside that when i got to it i couldnt even tell that i was seeing correctly that it was still there safe and sound after about 15min there my 'life' was there, in my iphone. My only and most important prized possesion past my vehicle even. I am not materialistic watsoever which is probably why I value my iphone so much. Its probably my only valuable thing i really have. I feel like my life is in it and I rely on it for everything! Its paperless and smart and compact and a navigator, camera, internet, agenda, alarm, need i go on? Thats whats tragic about loosing a cell, phone, especially when public phones have been pulled out of the public. Especially with kids, a mom must have her cell phone safe and sound! I dont wish an iphone loss on my worst enemy. Reason why when i found one at the store i held on to it and waited at store until the owner called it so I would return it. I sooo did, thats what I would like done if that ever happened to me!

(13) Lisa, June 27, 2012 4:08 AM

My phone is like my friend.I depend on it & need it.ALWAYS!!

My phone is my other right hand!! Its my connection to the world...personal & business. And yes, I do turn it off ..once a week for 25 hours!! And that is quite enough!!! Got to go..I hear my phone.....

(12) Suzanne, June 26, 2012 8:31 PM

Rabbi, I appreciate your questioning this ...

It wasn't that long ago that I didn't have a computer OR a cell phone. I was late in getting both and I don't remember being less happy than I am now. The best thing about a cell phone is that they can cut down on worry, notify people rapidly and are great in emergencies. Computers are very interesting but you can completely OD on them. As a society, I think we're insane on how much time we spend on them. I mean how many "friends" do we really need on Facebook? As a matter of fact, they can replace REAL connectedness. Ever see a kid text their way through a meal? How about when kids are earplugged into their ipods listening to worthless garbage when everyone else is listening to classical music or having an elevating conversation? Remember the days when there were only a few channels on TV? You HAD to watch things you wouldn't ordinarily watch (because you were bored) but sometimes you ended up learning something from them, sort of broadening yourself. Today these contraptions let you download EXACTLY what you want when you want them and you can end up being very stunted because of it. Also we are wasting YEARS of our lives playing with these things because they are so addictive!

(11) Rhn Noach, June 26, 2012 7:23 PM

Idol

It's a tool, meant to serve, not enslave (albeit everyone's "want" may be different;e.g., mine is basically never on, but taken as an additional safety tool when I drive long journeys). In my opinion, most have made it into an idol.

(10) SusanE, June 26, 2012 5:25 PM

Guess I don't understand the trauma.

Why the trauma? It can be easily replaced. One call gets the lost one out of service. I lost my wallet several years ago. My Credit Cards and checks, were in there. Too much personal information and that made me nervous and took a good deal of reissuing and closing accounts. But losing a cellphone? It's just a communication device. It would be bothersome but not tragic. I just take it along when I will need it now. I used to drive alone at night carrying cash when out on buying trips, so my kids made me get one, actually they bought it for me. But if I would lose it and have an emergency while in a shopping mall .... EVERYONE around you will have one to make a call for you, I promise. Don't worry.

(9) Kevin Ross, June 26, 2012 4:56 PM

Severed connection = trauma

I think what was at the root of Mrs. Salomon's trauma was the feeling of disconnection- which is an awful feeling. So many of us have priceless pictures, videos, and wonderful memories residing in our phones. Many of us have important phone numbers in the phone which are not properly backed up. It can be a terrifying prospect to be disconnected from this when the phone goes missing (that's why I backup my data in the cloud and can find my phone with it's GPS feature). No cell phone can disconnect us from many of the people in our lives we want to hear from and stay connected to during our day- our spouse, our children, our friends, work, etc. For many, the cell is the only number one can be reached at. Without it, we are in essence disconnected from so many of the people we care about and wish to remain in contact with and be connected to. The trauma of the lost phone was clearly not about the price tag of the phone. Since it wasn't a smart phone, the $100 reward was likely more than the cost of the phone. The trauma was from being separated from precious people, precious memories, precious phone numbers, etc. If anyone had read "Something to Think About" by our esteemed Rabbi Yaakov Salomon, the story "Searching for Roni" is testimony of how one lost phone number can cause a lifetime of regret. We can all relate to how awful it feels to be disconnected. Ever have an argument with someone you love? That feeling of disconnection is palpably painful. Mrs. Salomon- I get it. Might I recommend an Android or an iPhone? You can locate the phone if you lose it and it also backs up all your data in the cloud so you never have to worry about losing those precious photos, movies, phone numbers.... You can also Skype your kids in Israel no matter where you are. Hatzlacha!

(8) chava, June 26, 2012 4:30 PM

It's not the phone --- it's all the stuff stored in it

A phone is easily replaced --- but all the phone numbers, the notes, the schedules, the credit card numbers, the various applications set up exactly as you like in order to use them best, & who knows what else you have stored in your phone --- that's what makes it so difficult to lose it. (I don't have one, by the way.) It's similar, but multiplied by some factor, to losing your wallet or purse. It's not the wallet or purse or even the money that might be in it. It's all the other stuff.

(7) Baruch, June 26, 2012 7:41 AM

"My iPhone makes me happy."

The whole phenomenon was summed up best, for better or worse, in a technology & psychology workshop I saw on TED.com, where one lady was quoted as simply saying, "My iPhone makes me happy." Oy.

(6) Mikoel, June 25, 2012 8:02 PM

My cellphone is very important to me.

I would be very upset if I lose my cellphone. Why? It is because that aside from using it for calling and texting my family and friends.I also have my Bible installed in it. I carry it all the time. With it I can read G-d's Word wherever and whenever I can. Be it in the mall waiting until my mother gets done with her shopping, waiting for a friend, waiting in line at the grocery, while riding on a bus, or train, etc.I also have my notes in it, things I've read in Aish.com that I would like to remember and keep remembering. I also have an English dictionary and Bible dictionary in it. My cellphone also reminds me of birthdays and anniversaries. It also wakes me up with the words of the Shema and ends my day with the Shema so it reminds me to say the Shema when it is time to. My phone doesn't cost that much, it's a Nokia 6303. I guess for a lot of people it is not the cellphone per se that is important but what's in it is.

(5) M. Hillson, June 25, 2012 10:08 AM

Because of its Unlimited Potential to Incur Expense

A diamond ring has its value and price tag, which is fixed (more or less). But a losing mobile phone is like losing a credit card - the potential for financial damage is theoretically unlimited.

(4) Anonymous, June 25, 2012 1:06 AM

Inappropriate response

Gosh, there are so many worse problems in the world. Yes, it is frustrating to lose somethting, but a cell phone can be replaced. My perspective on life has changed dramatically since I have been raising a handicapped child for many years, and I dont put such emphasis on materialistic things. I would not use the word "trauma" in this situation. Your wife should just focus on more important issues in her life like good health and family. I think that people overreact in such situations because materialism is such a major component for many people and they lose focus on what really matters in life. Years ago cell phones did not exist and life was so much simpler and we all managed. Losing her cell phone should be her worst problem.

(3) Rho, June 24, 2012 11:14 PM

Cell phones

I only use mine as a phone, for safety especially when I am driving. I had everything else turned off. I was the first in my family and the first of my friends to get one.

(2) Anonymous, June 24, 2012 11:10 PM

Mark this answer

Great question Rabbi. Here is the answer and the answer to all social media. Are you ready: self-disclosure! A study was done to show why people are attracted to the cell phone and to all other forms of media and they found that it has to do with self-disclosure. The same area that is aroused during our most intimate moments (read, s**) is also aroused and as much during the times when we use this media. Sorry, but it is true. If you wish verification than Google the study by Diana Tamir and Jason Mitchell of Harvard's Social Cognitive Neuroscience Lab. Now, note the gender and age groups using these tools and you have some pretty revealing answers. So, when our religious leaders warn us about the dangers of the internet, etc., I suggest that you ask which gender and age group is complaining the loudest. I bet they are talking about their freedom, right? And, I have Brooklyn Bridge to sell. It is all about their pleasure.

(1) Deborah, June 24, 2012 3:40 PM

Mobile phone missing

I think we miss our mobile phone so much because it is personal to us. It links us to all our friends and relations who we love - and don't want getting nuisance calls. It reminds us, and makes it easier to contact others.

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About the Author

Rabbi Yaakov Salomon

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Rabbi Yaakov Salomon, C.S.W. is a noted psychotherapist, in private practice in Brooklyn, N.Y. for over 25 years. He is a Senior Lecturer and the Creative Director of Aish Hatorah's Discovery Productions. He is also an editor and author for the Artscroll Publishing Series and a member of the Kollel of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath.

Rabbi Salomon is co-author, with Rabbi Noah Weinberg, of the best selling book "What the Angel Taught You; Seven Keys to Life Fulfillment," (Mesorah), and is also the co-producer of the highly-acclaimed film, "Inspired."

Click here to order Yaakov Salomon's new book, Salomon Says: 50 Stirring and Stimulating Stories.

In these marvelous stories -- brimming with wit, understanding, a touch of irony and a large helping of authentic Torah perspective -- we will walk with a renowned and experienced psychotherapist and popular author through the pathways of contemporary life: its crowded sidewalks, its pedestrian malls, and the occasional dead end street. This is a walk through our lives that will be fun, entertaining -- and eye-opening. In our full -- sometimes overfull -- and complex lives, Yaakov Salomon is a welcome and much-needed voice of sanity and reason.

His speaking, writing and musical talents have delighted audiences from Harvard to Broadway and everything in between. Rabbi Salomon shares his life with his wife, Temmy, and their unpredictable family.

Help! My Cell Phone is Missing!

My wife suffered a trauma. Why?

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