Recently I gave an interview to Upgrade, a wonderful local organization, involved with the technology awareness in the community school. They asked some really good questions. What came out of that interview is a good resource, which was published and distributed locally. Thus I decided to make it widely available. Here is the scoop:

Interview with our senior TAG technician, Mr. Tzvi Mogilevsky.

1- Please tell us a bit about yourself

Tzvi: Sure thing! I’m a guy who really gets tech. I’ve been tinkering with all sorts of gadgets and technologies since I was a kid, which eventually led me to my current career as a cyber security engineer. For the past nine years, I’ve been volunteering at TAG. Over time, I noticed that folks needed more than just a tech fix – they needed guidance, someone to really listen and help them make their tech work for them, not against them.

That’s how I stepped into the role of a Technology Safety Life Coach. Now, I don’t just help you with your tech problems, I help you understand why the solutions matter and how to make them part of your daily routine. Think of it like this: I’m not just the guy who sets up your tech, I’m the guy who makes sure your tech is working for you. This requires a deep understanding of your circumstances, the skill I honed in my role at TAG.

2- Have you seen a change in the community regarding technology over the years?

Tzvi: Absolutely! For the outside world, tech has become a part of the furniture. Even there some people are realizing the consequences and want to know how to use it without allowing their tech to take control of their life. Think of it like learning to drive a race car. Sure, it’s exciting, but you’ve got to know the rules of the road to avoid a crash.

But let me tell you, our community’s approach to tech? It’s one-of-a-kind. The way we take the time to make smart choices about tech, is really something to admire. Seeing people making mindful decisions about safe tech use is a real inspiration.

3- What are the most common filters?

Tzvi: Over at our De Vimy office, we work with a bunch of filters, including the likes of NetSpark, Gentech, and Techloq. We even have some neat little filters for flip phones. And our latest addition is the fresh face in the crowd - MBSmart.

Now, every filter has its own unique perks. Some are really good at keeping out content you don’t want to see, others help you control how much time you spend looking at a screen. Some filters are quick and simple, while others come with all the extras, great support, and some are kinder to your pocket.

The broader Jewish community has a wide variety of filters to choose from, but we can’t service them all here in Montreal. So, we handpick the ones that we feel are the best fit for our community.

4- My friend told me his filter is so annoying, will I have the same experience?

Tzvi: Well, here’s the thing – everyone’s experience is different. So a filter that’s a pain for your friend might work just fine for you.

Usually, when someone finds a filter annoying, it’s because it didn’t live up to their expectations. How well a filter suits you boils down to a few things: does it do what you need it to do, do you understand how it works, so if it blocks or opens too much - you know why?

“Annoying” can mean different things to different people. Maybe the filter is blocking things you want to see, making your phone slow, or not keeping out as much as you’d like.

But here’s the kicker – if the filter is set up correctly and you know what’s going on and why, a lot of that frustration can be nipped in the bud.

5- I heard sometimes people need more than one appointment to install a filter. Why?

Tzvi: You know, setting up a filter isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Sometimes it takes a couple of visits to really nail down what you need, get the filter running smoothly, and then tweak it based on how it’s working for you. The aim is to make sure the filter is doing its job for you.

We always aim to get it right on the first go, but every now and then we need to make a few tweaks, unless it’s a really straightforward setup. That’s all part of making sure the filter is tailor-made for you.

Now depending on the filter, we can sometimes make these changes over a phone call or a support ticket. So it’s not always about coming into the office. But hey, some prefer a face-to-face chat, and that’s fine too!

6- Is there anything that has to be done before I come to get a filter?

Tzvi: Before you pop in to get a filter, having a clear general idea of what you want from it really sets the stage for success. On the techie side of things, it’s a good idea to backup all your precious contacts, photos, and files – just to be safe. And if you can, try to update your phone and apps to the latest software version.

Sure, we can help with all of this in our office too, but it can chew up quite a bit of time. And besides, we don’t officially provide support for devices and their apps, we support filters, while other things are just a bonus. So getting these ducks in a row beforehand is a solid move.

7- What is something you wish the community knew about TAG/filtering

Tzvi: One thing I’d love for everyone to know is that filtering isn’t just a digital bouncer keeping out the bad stuff. It’s also about helping you forge a healthier relationship with your tech.

The real key here isn’t just the technical details, but the choices you make about how and why you use tech. As a TAG volunteer, my goal has always been to help people find the right fit for them.

8- Any parting messages?

Tzvi: Sure thing! Remember, technology is a powerful tool – it’s all about using it right. Get it right, and you can make the most of it without a lot of the unwanted impact.

Bear in mind, tech is crafted by people who are experts at persuading us to use it. It’s built to tap into our wants and needs, and that’s why it’s crucial to be aware of how we’re using it. It’s like shopping for kosher food in a store that stocks both kosher and non-kosher items. You’d be on the lookout for those kosher labels, wouldn’t you? Our aim is to help you take charge of your tech, not to be bossed around by it.

I want to emphasize that our Montreal - De Vimy TAG office is a no-judgment zone. If you reach out to us for help, we value and respect it. Opening up about your needs takes courage, and we honour that.

Being part of TAG has been a real eye-opener. I’ve seen the challenges our community faces when it comes to technology, especially when it comes to aligning it with our treasured Yiddishe values. Being at the heart of our Montreal - De Vimy community has allowed me to shape an approach that meets people’s unique tech needs.

Each TAG office has its own vibe, mirroring the community it serves. And that, I believe, is what makes our TAG office special.

Thank you for your time and support that you provide the whole community.

Mr. Tzvi Mogilevsky is a respected member of our community, life coach, and TAG volunteer. He can be reached through his website www.kosherwall.com

Thank you Upgrade for everything you do for the community!

To my dear readers: if these subjects piqued your curiosity, please explore other articles and resources I made available on the blog.