A new `innovation' called `Kosher Switch' has been brought to the public attention. Its inventors, who claim that it may be used on Shabbos, have even produced letters from rabbis permitting this. They are thus turning the holy Shabbos into profane, enabling one to turn electricity on and off at will. It is inconceivable that there are some who abet this terrible breach of the walls of Shabbos, a mitzvah which is as weighty as the entire Torah (See Medrash Rabba Parshas Beshalach and Rambam Perek 30 of Hilchos Shabbos).
Our tradition, handed down from our masters as well as from those living today is that one should not even begin to argue the matter halachically but to declare publicly that such heteirim have no basis whatsoever and that such a thing is absolutely forbidden. (How great are the words of our chachomim, that both HaRav Wosner and HaRav Karelitz refused to approve the installation of a Shabbos elevator for the sick so that others should not learn a hetter from the fact.)
The Steipler Gaon wrote in his work Chayei Olam (Vol. II, Perek 8 in a comment): And let us imagine that if it were absolutely clear that whoever desecrates Shabbos either from the Torah or from rabbonim would immediately be stricken with cancer Rachmono litzlan, how fearful and vigilant he would be not to do so and would certainly not rely on anyone who allowed for leniencies and permissiveness. And if he were so anxious about endangering his transient Olam Hazeh, how much more should he be apprehensive about cancerous growths of those who are deserving koreis and stoning, of the cancer punishable by one who worships idols or has heretical thoughts, all of which are connected to Shabbos violation, for Shabbos is the very sign connecting us in amity to our Father in Heaven, as is written, "For it is a sign!"
We join the rabbonim in the U.S. who protest this heter and may this be unalterable. And in the merit of keeping Shabbos per the Halacha, may we merit the Geula Shleima, speedily and in our days. Amen!
Yehuda Silman
Sariel Rosenberg
Shevach Tzvi Rosenblatt
