Advances in Praying

Advances in praying: Jews Praying Via PDA.

Thousands of observant Jews around the world are praying three times a day - using their PDA. A software program for BlackBerries combines Hebrew prayers and technology, the brainchild of two entrepreneurs who attended New York's Yeshiva University.

They dubbed it "the JewBerry'' - a $30 program that provides texts of daily prayers instead of the traditional, printed book.

"Throughout the day, Jews gather in office-building stairwells and conference rooms to pray, and while sometimes you might not remember your prayer book, no one goes anywhere without their BlackBerry,'' says co-creator Jonathan Bennett, of Cedarhurst, Long Island.

Warning to Orthodox Jews: Do NOT use this device on the Sabbath. Turning it on requires work.