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The Cantor's Voice February 2006 
In the category of, "What will they think of next?", the new "Jerusalem
Compass" certainly will have an entry.
The solid brass device, invented by a New Jersey born Jerusalem yeshiva student, is a mechanical aid that will point to Jerusalem from any location on the face of the Earth. Using his compass, the inventor, who goes by the name "Moshe" has determined that many synagogues in the United States, as well as Israel, have holy arks that are not actually facing Jerusalem. The 16th century book of codes, the Shulchan Aruch, states that a Jew who comes to pray should face the Land of Israel, and that if he is already in Israel, he should face the site of the former Temple and the Holy of Holies in Jerusalem. If a person is in a windowless room and does not know to where he should direct his prayers, he should pray from his heart "to God in heaven." The device sells for $25 and has been endorsed by several prominent rabbis in Israel. The compass is manufactured in China (of course!), believed to be the home of the first compass invented. The design incorporates a needle beneath a Star of David. Unlike a transistor radio, our spiritual antennae can face in any direction to get a clear signal to the Almighty. But if we can face towards Israel, it certainly can't hurt! Keith Miller Hazzan Director of Education |
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