In response to efforts by the various cellular companies over
the course of time to expand the cellular contents services
available, gedolei Yisroel, headed by Maran HaRav
Eliashiv, set up Vaadas HaRabbonim LeInyonei Tikshores to
address the problem and the spiritual havoc being wreaked.
Through the content offered by new cell phones, the public is
exposed to severe spiritual harm that has caused damage
beyond description. Many parents and educators are distraught
at the sight of all their efforts to educate children in
purity going to waste when children and young adults fall
victim to the lure of cell phone communication content.
Vaadas HaRabbonim is currently studying the problem and
meeting with cellular company representatives and
communications experts to discuss both the economic and legal
aspects involved in making available a device that allows
conversation alone. Once the information has been gathered
and processed by the committee it will be brought to
gedolei Yisroel for a final decision on implementing
the plan. In the interim period the committee has issued
several directives to the public (see "Public
Announcement").
As a solution is being hammered out, the committee members
paid a visit to HaRav Shmuel Halevi Wosner, gavad of
Zichron Meir in Bnei Brak, who has issued cautionary
statements regarding cell phones in the past. He received
them graciously saying, "This delegation sitting here, whose
members were known to me before, acts with integrity and
truth, and thus its efforts will definitely bear fruit,
besiyato deShmaya. Do not desist in this holy
endeavor, for this problem has numerous detrimental effects
in general and spiritual problems in particular."
He also said the issue should not be publicized as merely a
news event, but rather should be made known widely to alert
the public to the dangers lurking in cellular phones.
The committee members also visited the home of HaRav Tuvioh
Weiss, gavad of the Eida Chareidis in Jerusalem,
providing him a progress update. HaRav Weiss expressed his
dismay over the spread of the malady, saying in his
droshos he has already warned the public to avoid the
use of cellular devices.
"I have already warned the public about this peril, which is
liable to destroy the holiness of the generations," he said.
"It cannot be that during Sholosh Seudos an avreich or
bochur hears divrei chizuk vehis'orerus during
a droshoh and right after havdoloh he is
already busy with his cellular phone with all of its
dangers."
He said parents and educators should be informed in the
clearest possible manner about the great danger cell phones
pose, adding that when the plan is implemented, be'ezras
Hashem, a widespread information campaign should be
waged, asking roshei yeshivos, mashgichim and yeshiva
managers, as well as rabbonei kehillos, to stress the
importance of the reform.
