During his traditional droshoh to thousands of chassidim on Motzei Simchas Torah at the enormous Belz beis medrash in Jerusalem, the Belzer Rebbe warned against Internet and cell-phones without rabbinical certification.
After discussing how the imprint left by the Yomim Noraim, Succos and Shemini Atzeres can impact the entire year and the importance of set times for Torah study, set places for tefilloh, chinuch habonnim, participating in gatherings, supporting holy Torah institutions in their time of need and the "Chasunah Plan" designed to ease the financial burden on parents, the Belzer Rebbe turned to the issue of modern technology.
"Cell phones and Internet pose a very grave threat, and those who use them endanger themselves and their household and children. The rabbonim have endeavored to intervene in the matter, making kosher cell phones available, but there are those who try outsmart [rabbinical directives] by using two phones — one kosher and one not kosher — saying it's essential for their business affairs, but that is not true. Boruch Hashem every effort is made to provide kosher cell phones that meet all needs."
He also addressed Jews living abroad. "Recently it has become possible to obtain kosher cell phones in London as well," he said.
The Rebbe concluded his remarks by saying, "Emphasis must be placed on this matter, for this is the radio and the television of our age, and even worse is that he who gets bogged down in this finds it very difficult to wean himself, therefore one must exercise great caution."
