"We find ourselves in the generation preceding the coming of Moshiach. In our Shabbos zemiros we sing, `They will be spared the pangs of Moshiach['s coming] with grace; May You sprout our deliverance and banish agony and distress.' Who knows if the blight of Internet is not part of these pangs, for chevlei Moshiach also include spiritual matters for which we need Heavenly mercy."
These were the words of HaRav A. Shteinman this past Monday to a delegation of rabbonim from communities throughout Israel who gathered in his home to discuss topical problematic issues which rear up due to the Internet, day by day.
In the course of the visit, the Rosh Yeshiva heard about the spiritual damages which crop up daily in every place as a result of the Internet. He expressed himself with pain that, "this is a worldwide problem in America as well as here in Eretz Yisrael."
In the wake of a list of the severe problems enumerated by the rabbonim, it was decided to organize in the near future an emergency gathering of rabbonim from all communities in Israel together with principals of the various educational institutions. The purpose is to buttress the walls of sanctity and strengthen the fences and safeguards which gedolei Yisroel established, as well as to increase awareness as to the terrible danger which spreads its talons, in view of the progressing technology which destroys a person's soul and is liable to cause spiritual apostasy through the loss of generations of precious devout Jewish brethren.
The Rosh Yeshiva encouraged such a rally and said, "It is very commendable to come together and be strengthened in a matter which has felled many. And whoever reinforces himself in this will hasten the Geula, which we all hope is very imminent."
At the end of the meeting it was decided to establish a Committee of Action headed by the community rabbonim who would work together with the principals of educational institutions in preparation of the upcoming rally, to guard the purity of the Jewish vineyard and the untainted education of the coming generation. In the upcoming days, meetings of principals and rabbonim will be held, and will be guided by the members of the Committee of Action who will visit the homes of our gedolim to receive their guidance and blessing.
