Haredi rabbis' opposition to computers, the internet, smartphones, and a host of other tech devices is well-established, but now it appears that they have targeted a new threat – 3D viewing technology.

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Considering that the technology is not in overly wide use, it is unclear why Haredi rabbis have taken a strong stance against it, but it could have to do with the fact that 3D viewing devices have been introduced at some archaeological sites, such as the Western Wall tunnels.

The Haredi website Be'Hadrei Hadarim published a letter from a committee of rabbis representing various Hassidic sects and Haredi communities that opposed modern technology, attacking 3D goggles in the harshest terms.

"As we all know, the dangers of technology reinvent themselves every day … heaven forbid that we should encounter the corrupting device known as '3D goggles – augmented reality, which even comes to us in the guise of being 'kosher' and carrying the scent of sanctity, but after studying the reality and clarifying things, the extent of the disaster these devices could bring to the holy people has been made clear," the rabbis wrote.

"Recently, the aforementioned device has been marketed for use with innocent games, when the truth is that this is an advanced, dangerous technological device that entails the danger of watching and growing addicted to movies and technological games, even more so in '3D,' which pulls the heart even farther away than it has been thus far," the letter warned.

"Therefore we have agreed that according to the Torah, this device is not worth of entering holy communities, and it must not be purchased or used in any manner, not even at public events, and certainly not advertised or sold," the rabbis said.

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The past year, which brought us the first global pandemic in a century – has been described as everything from "challenging" to "a dumpster fire." Nevertheless, the difficulties posed by huge economic fallout and forced work from home and distance learning haven't managed to smother human ingenuity.

The results are clear: Time Magazine has come out with its list of the best inventions of 2020, and it includes six Israeli inventions that will, hopefully, help make the world a better and more interesting place.

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Who were the lucky six?

The list's Parenting category cited the Mifold Hifold foldable car seat by Carfoldio Ltd., which Time calls "Transformer-like." The Mifold system can be configured in 243 settings to fit the needs of children from 33-100 lbs. Carfoldio was founded in 2013 by Jon Sumroy, a father of four, who wanted a seat small enough to fit into a child's backpack.

The Beehome by Beewise was listed in the Artificial Intelligence category. Does that sound odd for an agricultural invention? Not at all. Time describes Beewise as using "precision robotics, computer vision and AI" to monitor bees 24/7. "Not only to bees not die, they thrive," says Beewise CEO Saar Safra.

Another Israeli entry in the Artificial Intelligence category was TrialJectory, a guide to cancer trials that could benefit cancer patients. According to Time, the service uses AI to read through thousands of clinical trial to mine them for information that could match patients with researchers. TrialJectory's founders are working to expand the system, and this summer added lung cancers.

From AI we move on to the Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality category, which picked Israel's Augmedics Xvision – a headset that uses augmented reality to transform a patient's CT scan into a 3-D visualization that assists in surgical procedures by imposes a 3-D image of a patients' spine over their body. The devices has FDA approval and is in use at major US medical facilities.

The City Transformer Electric Vehicle and Incredo Sugar by DouxMatok were both listed in the Special Mentions category.

CityTransformer is an EV that seats two people but can travel at speeds of up to 55 mph. It also features retractable wheels that allow it to fit into narrow parking spaces. The company hopes to launch mass production by 2023.

Incredo Sugar is a sweetener from DouxMatok that provides the same level of sweetness while reducing a consumer's sugar intake by 30-50%. It is already in use in the food industry.

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