The Beis Din for Problems in Computer Usage has issued a
warning against the new phenomenon of infiltration of
television and films into the chareidi sector by means of CD-
ROM discs.
The warning states that these CD-ROM discs contain content
that is not in the spirit of Torah and introduce messages
that undermine pure Torah education.
The warning reads: "The yetzer hora has recently been
employing various ruses to introduce films into our camp,
sometimes under the guise of films about tzadikim and
rabbonim. Therefore, we once more repeat the unambiguous
opinion of the gedolei hador who forbade looking at
any films, even when it is promised that the content is clean
and kosher." This applies to both men and women.
Such discs are being distributed at nominal prices by
business people exploiting the fact that many people have
computers for purposes of work. The discs include programs
with commercials and other material unsuitable for the Jewish
home.
The secretary of the beis din said that it is planning
an intense battle against distribution of all CD-ROM discs
sold under the guise of programs supposedly fitting for the
chareidi public. Parents and educators warn against films
that have been supposedly censored that are passed from child
to child without the knowledge or supervision of parents or
teachers. Gedolei Yisroel have warned that since this
trend involves a very serious breach in the Torah
environment, it must be stopped.
Since this special beis din was set up six months ago,
warning against the problems caused by computers, awareness
of the problem has spread.
In addition, the beis din warns: "Discs of stories
from Chazal or of tzadikim are also forbidden,
and those who distribute them will be held culpable, and will
also be responsible for all spiritual damage resulting from
them."
The Beis Din for Problems in Computer Usage consists of
rabbonim highly experienced in examining this issue in the
light of the Torah, and capable of issuing halachic
guidelines on the matter. The rabbonim, appointed by
maranan verabonon, include HaRav Nosson Gestetner,
HaRav Yitzchok Zilberstein, HaRav Shlomo Zalman Ullman and
HaRav Sariel Rosenberg. The rabbonim agreed to the request of
gedolei Yisroel vehaChassidus to become involved in
this issue due to the dangers imbedded in the computer and
the havoc it is liable to wreak on Jewish families.
