Configuring Shomerli for a yeshiva bocher: the complete guide

This guide is for families whose son is in yeshiva and uses a personal device for havruta, source research, and family communication.

Step 1 — Choose the protection level

For a yeshiva bocher, we recommend SECURE or CONNECT:

• SECURE: only a restricted set of applications is visible (Sefaria, Otzar HaHochma, WhatsApp, phone, maps). Recommended for first year of yeshiva.
• CONNECT: adds research tools with strict filter (Google with locked SafeSearch, browser with ad-blocker). For an avrekh or bocher in second cycle.

Filtering is identical at both levels — only application visibility changes.

Step 2 — Whitelist for Talmudic research

Configure the whitelist for essential Torah sources:

• sefaria.org and sefaria.org.il
• otzar.org
• hebrewbooks.org
• dafyomi.co.il
• daat.ac.il
• responsa.co.il

All these sources are already whitelisted by default in Shomerli.

Step 3 — Shabbat and Yom Tov mode

Activate automatic Shabbat mode:

1. Dashboard → Halachic calendar
2. Select "Friday 18 minutes before sunset" (or your local zman)
3. Enable "Block all non-essential apps"
4. Configure the end based on local Tzeit Hakochavim

Step 4 — Family communication

WhatsApp remains active, with Kosher WhatsApp enabled:

• No channels
• No Status
• No Meta AI
• No animated GIFs

Step 5 — Unblock policy

For legitimate uncovered needs (academic site, rare study resource):

1. The bocher requests unblock via the app
2. The parent (or yeshiva digital mashguiach) receives the request
3. Validation in under 30 seconds for neutral domains

Important: never give the parental code to the bocher, even temporarily.

Step 6 — Monthly review

Once a month, the parent (or mashguiach):

• Reviews the activity dashboard
• Checks blocked items (categories, frequency)
• Discusses marginal cases with the bocher

This conversation is not an interrogation. It is a havruta on digital halacha.

Conclusion

A well-configured device is a Torah tool, not a distraction.