ב"ה
Tuesday, 25 Adar I, 5784
  |  March 5, 2024

“We’re Stronger than the Internet”

Noted lecturer Rabbi Manis Friedman dismissed the notion of banning the internet and rejected the idea that the Jewish community is facing an unprecedented crisis. Full Story, Video

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Unfortunately not... I can tell you firsthand
March 3, 2014 10:28 pm

I’m a yeshiva bochur and b”h i’ve been able to connect to Torah and make it a central part of my life. however, i’ve been exposed to horrible things because i have internet in my home, and until i reached the maturity to realize that this yetzer was something to resist and not to pursue i saw things that now i wish I had never seen. and i can tell you that many of my friends and classmates haven’t reached that point and are still swirling in the depths of this tumah on a daily basis. it is sad. I… Read more »

K9 filter
May 25, 2012 8:54 pm

K9 flter is the best it’s free and very strong program against filthy sites.

i disagree with strengthen yourself to be above it
May 25, 2012 8:50 am

I have a close relative with internet addiction and its a very difficult habit to crack almost impossible! With the best therapist going for over two years almost didnt make a dent. It makes him self centered and it destroys families. Id say no internet is the best!

The Bigger Picture And Ultimate Goal
May 24, 2012 8:01 pm

Once again Rabbi Friedman is right target! Contrary to some of the comments in the article,he is not saying that we shouldn’t use filtering or monitoring. Those who said that completely missed the point. What he is saying is that its just like any other test and temptation and we have to deal with it. In fact,we should not only deal with it,we should also reject the negative aspects of it,and change it to good. Contrary to some of the comments,he never said that it’s easy to overcome temptation,especially those who are addicted. He’s not saying that we shouldn’t get… Read more »

#58 it is the same
May 23, 2012 11:12 pm

what ever comes on internet comes and goos wen and were you desire

this is iresponsible
May 23, 2012 1:16 pm

research the percentage of bachurim users who are stronger…

THE LETZER DOR SAYS......
May 22, 2012 2:37 pm

THE INTERNET IS OUR CURRENT KORACH V’ADOSO..

EMBRACE IT WITHOUT CONTROLLING IT AND WE WILL FALL INTO THE PIT…MISHOEL TACHTIYOH……AND BY THEN IT WILL TOO LATE WHEN WE SCREAM MOSHE EMES VSOROSOI EMES

75
May 22, 2012 12:04 pm

I think that as Lubavitchers, we have always had the task of involving ourselves in the world and taking things which are klipas nogah and elevating them. That’s not to say that you should go and expose yourself to every impure thing out there, G-d forbid. If you know that you personally struggle a lot with the internet, then you should get a filter or find some way to avoid using it as much as possible. I think to write it off entirely though is a little foolish, as so much good can and has been accomplished with it. If… Read more »

2 points
May 22, 2012 12:45 am

1- r manis is totally right! if you an issue, then you have to work on it from the source, which that is the person and not the internet. as of you, puting a filter or even bannu=ing the internet will NEVER help, becose you are alwas going to have access to a computer now or later… so what have you accomplished?. but if YOU change and become a yiree shomayim ect. then these things WILL NEVER be a problem for you, plus youre becoming a better person, and your Metaher the internet by using it Lekdusha. 2- all the… Read more »

Citifield
May 21, 2012 5:15 pm

Though I am a lubab – I took my son last night to Citifield The reasons I felt it was important to go was to Show my son that we ARE part of the “frumme Kreizen” -Yes we may have different Shitos and more progressive attitudes sometimes much more accepting ( which I wonder today with the sad reality of how our community looks like -weather we really shouldn’t rethink some of those ideas-and friends even if there are some haters that don’t want us there- SO WHAT -will we allow them to shut us out of the largest gathering… Read more »

#67
May 21, 2012 4:14 pm

why do you and your wife an children walk on the streets sumer, how much percent of people are dresed NOT TZNIUSDIK (IS AN UNDERSTATMENT). ARE YOU ALL GOING TO LOOK YOUR SELFS AT HOME? DO YOU HAVE FULL SELF CONTROL? IS`NT SEING THEM LIVE MUCH WORSE THAN INTERNET AND T.V. AND NEWSPAPERS ALL PUT TOGETHER??!!

CONCLUSION: USE YOUR BRAINS, HATOIROH LOI NITNOH LASHOITIM…

Boruch N. Hoffinger BS"D
May 21, 2012 2:14 pm

‘Todah’ Rabbi M. Friedman for ‘hitting the nail on the head!’
#30 Is an excellent comment.
No time now to read all of them.
(Prior to ‘The Internet’ people could buy photos of ‘znus.’ They exist today at many newsstands.)

shlucha
May 21, 2012 1:24 pm

HOW TRUE! Rabbi Friedman always has just the right words and approach ! This is a true blessing for us all!

history lesson
May 21, 2012 1:10 pm

Rabbi Friedman makes an excelllent point and as always a refreshing perspective but here’s a counterpoint. Small history reminder: Shaul got angry at Dovid and took away Michal his daughter from Dovid and gave her to another man to be married to. That man knew that this was not right, and that Michal was really Dovid’s betrothed. Although he lived with her in the same house as husband and wife since he couldn’t rebel against the king, but he never had relations with her. The Gemara says how incredible and unbelievable this person was. I think we can all agree… Read more »

mashpia once said
May 21, 2012 12:43 pm

Two bochrim were walking home from seder, when one commented, “Chassidim laugh at gehenom”. Suddenly a ferocious/ N”A Furocious, dog came out from an alley and barked at them. The bochrim were stunned with fear- An elderly chossid walking behind them said to the bocher who made the comment, “Gehenom is a lot more scary than that dog”. Gehenom is the internet, communism is the dog. Vehamavin yavin. Reb Manis is the Bocher, Cityfield is the elderly chossid.

Don't learn Rambam on computer
May 21, 2012 12:41 pm

The Rebbe did not say that the way to elevate television is that everyone should get a television and watch kosher programs. He said we need to provide kosher content so that those WHO HAVE Television and are watching it anyway will watch something holy. But we ourselves should not have tv. This itself was very controversial since if tv is treif then we should not touch it at all with a ten foot pole. That was the Rebbe’s chidush: use it for holiness but stay away from it personally. The same thing with internet. We have to provide holy… Read more »

tv vs. internet
May 21, 2012 12:20 pm

Someone is claiming a rediculous claim that internet is not as bad as tv, since you have control on what comes on. HUH?! IF you read but what the Rebbe says about TV, is that the problem is that you DON’T have the self-control. “One day you watch only kosher programs, and then just take a peek at this one…etc.” THAT’s what the Rebbe said in the 1960’s when tv was gantz clean relative to today. Kal Vichomer a hundred times more to the internet! Rabbi Friedman’s words are taken out of context. He was talking to a special group… Read more »

#55
May 21, 2012 11:14 am

well said

Head in the clouds
May 21, 2012 9:05 am

He is really naive to beleive that everyone is on the level of ‘reviewing a perek Tanya’ to avoid sinning.

I get his point, but for 99% of the community he is talking way above our heads. I learn Tanya and chassidus but unfortunately I would never be able to trust myself with unfiltered internet…. from experience!

not so well said
May 21, 2012 3:50 am

The rabbi sounds to be a bit UnClear.

Internet can got both ways. use with caution.

That's how I understood Rabbi Friedman!
May 21, 2012 2:50 am

Here are some Q. I have for all of us: Q- Is anything wrong with a video machine? It’s just a box. (depend what we do with that…we can watch the Rebbe’s video or G”F Lehavdil bad movies etc…) Q-Is anything wrong with Vodka? (It’s up to us to say a small L’echayim in a Chassidishe farbraingen or to drink the bottle like a wild animals.) Q- Is anything wrong with money? (It’s up to us to give Extra Tzedaka and do good, or G”F glorify ourselves and become “Grobs etc”…) Q-Is anything wrong with eating Chicken? ( It’s up… Read more »

#55 Way to go
May 21, 2012 2:15 am

You summed it up nicely.

Are you serious?
May 21, 2012 1:12 am

Rabbi Friedman, are you for real? Do you have Internet ? Have you experienced communism? Do you know anyone with addiction issues? Please, please don’t talk rubbish. Communism destroyed us , leaving a few brave & broken branches. Internet is far more powerful & is not considered an “enemy”. Stay strong? That’s all you have to say? That’s crazy & irresponsible for a person of your stature. Speak out, tell people to install filters, tell bochurim to sit & learn & strengthen themselves with Torah before having to go out into the world & internet. Maybe then they will have… Read more »

Prohibit the Internet
May 21, 2012 12:43 am

YES!!!! Take away the Internet from the MEN!!!! They cannot control themselves. We, women , are stronger then the Internet. The men,unfortunately, are not!!! This is the reality.

#50 spot ón
May 21, 2012 12:19 am

He is talking to mature bochurim who need to hear this truth. His point is awesome, and all those parents that are contemplanting filters or banning etc YES YES that isn’t his point to feed internet to your kids…….. (if you thought he meant otherwise)

Again, awesome and profound thought!

Thank you

VERY SIMPLE
May 20, 2012 11:51 pm

T.V. WHAT EVER COMES ON, COMES ON, SO YOU HAVE NO FREE COICE IF TO BRING THE PARTICULAR SEEN IN TO YOUR HOUSE, AND INTERNET YOU HAVE THE FULL FREE COICE WHAT TO PUT ON AND WHAT TO BRING IN TO YOUR HOUSE. SO DO NOT COMPARE T.V. TO INTERNET BECAUSE IT IS NOT THE SAME.

I am Chabad and...
May 20, 2012 11:29 pm

I was there at the Asifa tonight with my son B”H.

He didn't say to use the internet!
May 20, 2012 11:26 pm

Not once. All he said was view it for what it is and put your mind to doing something good and you won’t fall prey. He didn’t say it was a good thing… he said over and over,,, it’s a KELIPA, stay away from it and in due time it will fall away,

Don't You Get It?
May 20, 2012 11:05 pm

Rabbi Friedman isn’t saying that no ‘gedarim’ or ‘filters’ are needed. What he is saying is that the general approach to internet has to be in sync with the approach that we have always used to deal with any challenge we’ve faced in the past. This is truly a unique characteristic of shitas chabad vs. others. They have always dealt with challenges differently, and yes, we are different, the Rebbe taught us a different derech. And yes, we believe that with OUR derech, all Yidden can benefit. By viewing the internet challenge as opportunity, by seeing it as part of… Read more »

AD MOSAI??!!
May 20, 2012 10:27 pm

I hope someone at the asifa will cry out for Moshiach, with so many yidden together it could be a great opportunity to all clamor as one…speaking of which, if only so much good publicity, so many rabbonim , so much $ would go in to spreading , inspiring, reminding & motivating Klal Yisroel to cry out for Moshiach sincerely, then we won’t have to worry about interenet or other worse tzorus rl. How about a world-wide campaign to unite in our ‘petition to Hashem’ that we are all ready for and desperate for Moshiach??!! I suggest “Hearts across the… Read more »

to asifa people,
May 20, 2012 10:24 pm

instead of blocking/filtering internet, how about go a little bit deeper, as in why would kids be attracted to it in the first place,

REALLY???
May 20, 2012 9:48 pm

1) Why lubavitchers always have to think that they are so much different -meaning- better than the rest of the klal israel??? This isn’t what the Rebbe would say, this isn’t Ahavas Israel. 2) Maybe if one follows every directive of the Rebbe, one wouldn’t fall in the danger of the internet. Unfortunatly it’s not the case for everybody, and if so one MUST put a filter to be able to use internet without being worried on getting to the wrong sites. 3) It is super NAIVE to think that one can use internet in a kosher way, without any… Read more »

the famous sicha of the Rebbe about Television
May 20, 2012 9:27 pm

It is in Likutei Sichos volume 18 page 459. It is also in Sharei Halacha Uminhag, Yoreh Deah page 251. http://hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=15848&st=&pgnum=246 Here’s some of the text: …בנוגע לטלויזיה, זוהי פרצה גדולה שאין כמותה, עד שאפילו הגויים יצאו כעת ב״סערה״ גדולה כנגד זה — בהיות וגורם לחורבן הילדים, וכבר מחפשים דרכים כיצד לרסן זאת ככל האפשרי. ובפרט לאחר המאורעוח האחרונים של הרג ורצח אנשים, שהכל מודים שאחת הסיבות לכך — הם הטלויזיה והסרטים, שמתבוננים בהם כיצד רוצחים ויורים דה בזה. ויש בזה דבר נוסף, אפילו אם ימצא מי שיחשוב, שהוא יצפה רק בתכניות חינוכיות וטובות הנקיות מכל רע, שבהם מותר לצפוח… Read more »

eilu veilu divrei Elokim...
May 20, 2012 8:58 pm

Rabbi Friedman is right and the Asifa is right. How? Like this: Rabbi Friedman is speaking from the perspective of ultimate truth (which is what Chasidus specializes in). This is callled daas Elyon in Chasidus. The Asifa people are speaking from the reality of how people act and behave in this world when they are not permeated with daas Elyon. (Are you suffering from daas Tachton? Probably.) Anyway, so Rabbi Friedman is trying to impress upon the bochurim the ludicrousness of the situation! And he’s right! And that’s why he has to laugh on the Asifah people because their asifah… Read more »

SIcha about TV
May 20, 2012 8:57 pm

There is a sicha about TV in chelek 18 of Likkutei Sichos… does anyone know what page it’s on? It was sourced in the letter sent around by the Rabbonim about the internet. Thanks.

Self- Control
May 20, 2012 8:17 pm

Me? an alcoholic? Nah..I’ve got self-control. Look, I can sit here with a bottle in front of me and not drink. I can even open the bottle and not drink….I can pour some into a cup and not drink! See, I told you that I’m not an alcoholic- I am fully in control of the yetzer hara! Now don’t you think such self control deserves a drink? L’Chaim!
(v’hamaskil yavin

agree but disagree
May 20, 2012 7:51 pm

Rabbi Manis is a wise man and everything he says here is true, it is a nice farbrenghen.
BUT QUESTION for Rabbi Friedman: There are laws of yichud, yes? According to his theory, there should be no laws of yihcud. What, you’re afraid of a temptation? You’re BIGGER than the temptation of yichud, which is just a kelipah. Nuff said.
Get rid of your internet and only use it in public if you mamash need it. The Rebbe was against having TV! He did not say: “TV is nothing, don’t worry about it….”

Can everone please read BEFORE commenting
May 20, 2012 7:34 pm

before you start commenting either “hes soooo wrong, he never experienced bla bla bla etc,” you should take a breathe and chill.

interesting
May 20, 2012 6:57 pm

BUT if schools are banning it for obvious reasons Rabbi F should have supported the schools and their reasons for it THEN he could give his excellent perspective but reminding children whilst in school to follow their mechanchim!

SURPRISED!
May 20, 2012 6:38 pm

With all due respect, Rabbi Friedman surprises me. What do our sages say: “put a man in front of a sin, he’s not going to sin?” Likewise, bring shmutz publications into the home, nobody’s going to look? That’s the grim reality of the internet; just like having such publications on the premises. You can do Mitzvos with the net? Sounds like immersing in the mikva while holding a rodent. Better yet, you can have a bookcase of Chumash, Tanya, Tehillim, Gemora, Rambam, etc. AND AND AND – oh yes- some immoral publications too. So, what do you do? I’m sorry.… Read more »

OKAY CONCERNED MOTHER AND CHOSSID
May 20, 2012 6:24 pm

you continue fighting the choishech-darkness with a broom, and we will continue using the internet for all good things, torah and mitzvot, hafotzas hamayonot, vehafotzat hayahadut,

BY THE WAY -CONCERNED MOTHER AND CHOSSID, HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON-ON THE INTERNET?…

it is time to fix your self, before you have the audacity to call your self with the name chossid…

#19
May 20, 2012 6:09 pm

you’r comment is the best on the page

IT BROKE
May 20, 2012 5:52 pm

TRUEFULLY IT WAS GOOD THAT IT BROKE,CAUSE L REALLY DO DEPEND ON THE INTERNET,I’M DEAF,HASHEM REALLY TAUGHT ME A LESSON

no one says ban it!
May 20, 2012 5:05 pm

NO ONE SAYS BAN IT!! You cannot compare internet to tv or newspapers! Through the internet, thousands of inappropriate relationships have been formed and many have broken up holy Jewish homes and families! I personally know two families this has happened to! The asifa that is taking place tonight is to make people aware of the dangers and to give them the tools to use it safely! Why oh why is lubavitch once again going around with this ‘we are lubavitch, therefore we are invincible’ atitude, instead of joining in with thousands of yidden across the religious spectrum to heed… Read more »

Interesting....
May 20, 2012 5:04 pm

Most comments on VIN agree with the Rabbi while it seems most comments on COL disagree. Yesh sevara likan viyesh sevara likan…

Totaly Disagree
May 20, 2012 4:59 pm

Why did the rebbe speak and worked that tv should not be in a jewish home can u be a chasidisha bocher with a tv in home ?the answer is its possible but most likely would not be and you are reffering about the comunists unfortunetly most yiden were gone and a small amount of yiden beated comunisin therefore please dont cool off the matter its a big danger for kidsor bocherem that dont know how to use it responsible.

no one says ban it!
May 20, 2012 4:49 pm
BIG difference
May 20, 2012 4:43 pm

Banning the internet is like banning the telephone or radio?
Do you mean to say that the problems of the internet is comparable to the phone or radio? Come on!
There is bigger Yetzer Hora in what you see in photos or videos. So, stronger measures must be employed when using the net, so the user does not fall victim to addiction.

Finally!!
May 20, 2012 4:02 pm

Thank you Rabbi Manis for bringing some sanity into what feels like a world that is getting crazier and crazier. People have to learn to live with the internet, its here to stay. dont be scared of it – learn to live with it properly.
Saying to ban internet is like banning the telephone or radio.

where is the video?
May 20, 2012 4:00 pm

It is hidden and I can’t see, but the argument makes sense. You have to live with technology, deal with it in a kosher way. It is not going away and can be used for great good as well as the opposite.

How can you say communism was much more dangerous?
May 20, 2012 3:54 pm

Each dor has its challenges according to its strengths and weaknesses. This is a quiet, spreading cancer. You cannot compare which disease is worse, they are both fatal.

RABBI MANNIS FRIEDMAN IS RIGHT 100%
May 20, 2012 3:41 pm

the internet is nothing new in this world, it is the same as radio, television, news papers, and etc. which means: it is not a metzius for it self, for instance: a knife could be used to cut chaloh and it also can be used chas vesholom to stab people, same is with internet, it could be used for everything, AND I BELIEVE THAT THE SMART AND THE RIGHT APPROACH, IS TO USE IT FOR THE RIGHT THINGS. if the oibershter did not want the yidishe kinderlach to have anything to do with oilom haze, he could of left them… Read more »

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
May 20, 2012 3:12 pm
Clever
May 20, 2012 3:05 pm

At first, I disagreed, but then, as I thought about it, Rabbi Friedman is absolutely correct. Anything and everything we can possibly see on the net, including schmutz, IS NOT TANGIBLE, which means that it can only be one thing: a Machshova Zora. (albeit a sophisticated Machshova Zora). You need to “Chap” what Rabbi Manis is saying: The data on a computer is NOT real! Think about it: the data doesn’t take up any tangible space at all. It is ALL virtual and in the MIND, which clearly defines it as a Machshova Zora. Communism was REAL. Communism wasn’t just… Read more »

oy vey
May 20, 2012 3:04 pm

Rabbi friedman is so out of touch it’s scary. When you are alone with the internet, and have access to the lowest filth with a strong yetzer hara, you can’t just stay strong, you must stay away. That’s the concept of a syag. At the very least, one should have a filter!

Must read :
May 20, 2012 2:58 pm

  B&h is sponsoring the asifa ,keep in mind they also own the filter company for the kosher internet ,so the 2 million dollar event is a huge way to market there own filter company which they invested millions of dollars in .

Thats why I don’t support this asifa because it’s just a marketing tool for b&h .

Addiction is a void
May 20, 2012 2:33 pm

Anyone who is familiar with addiction and it’s causes understands that addiction is a direct outcome of the need to fill the void that comes about from ones lack of spirituality. When one adequately feeds that void, the addiction ceases to exist. However, we have a bigger problem in that no matter how many shiurim we go to, and how much we learn, nothing seems to penetrate. There is a reason for this, and this points to the real machala of our times, and that of Yeshus – self absorption. When a person is self absorbed, it forms a barrier… Read more »

put a TV in the house
May 20, 2012 2:30 pm

Manis’ approach is that K’lal Yisorel is stronger than the internet. That we have survuved all past nisyoinos. However many many individuals did succumb to those past nisyoinis. We have to do everything we can to protect the individual. For the family that loses even one memeber, it is a holocuast. The internet has “caught” many many indiviuals. Just as the Rebbe, was against TV, and spoke out strongly against having one in the house, I believe he would be gainst unfilitered internet. I didn’t hear anyone say then, that sine we can use out technology/TV to spread Torah, lets… Read more »

I think the internet has won:)
May 20, 2012 2:24 pm

R Mannis your Twitter account has been hacked.

This makes sense for about 3 seconds...
May 20, 2012 1:57 pm

Rabbi Friedman, I must say that when I first saw this article, I was impressed. But after thinking about it, I noticed a few very obvious flaws in your theory: According to your analogy, Chabad Chassidim should have become communists, or stayed in Russia because “we’re stronger than communism.” In fact Chassidm fought it with all their might, and when the opportunity arose, they fled to the other side of the world. So when looking at the facts, according to your analogy, we should fight the internet ad mesiras nefesh, and run away from it like we ran away from… Read more »

Well said!
May 20, 2012 1:51 pm

Very well put!

Student
May 20, 2012 1:49 pm

I was by those classes!
Rabbi Friedman is a Gadol!!

Gabbai
May 20, 2012 1:42 pm

Please Rabbi, I respect you but your head is in the sand. The internet is killing us and they are doing the responsible thing.

Please CLARIFY
May 20, 2012 1:41 pm

It is Assur to type on a computer on Shabbos!!!! Not because of the TYPING (which is what he meant) BUT IT IS CERTAINLY ASSUR BECAUSE OF THE ELECTRICITY ETC…

Why are you on the internet
May 20, 2012 1:35 pm

If you don’t agree with him you obviously have no control over yourself. So what are you all doing on the internet?

Wrong
May 20, 2012 1:32 pm

The most single-type sites are dedicated to schmutz. That make the Internet a gateway to lots of things, but primarily arayot. We know ein apitropis l’arayot. We are not stronger, we must have gedarim.

opendns.com
May 20, 2012 1:20 pm

try it is is easy to set up and free and the best

MANIS
May 20, 2012 1:18 pm

YOU ARE A GENIUS!
BRILLIANT!

Human Nature
May 20, 2012 1:11 pm

Is, that when you are fought against, you fight back, plus communism-wise many Jews had the feeling that they are on a mission and part of saving something great, since it was an attack and a direct one.

How can this be compared to something that in essence doesn’t have any ideology or opinion.

All internet is: “Exposure” a window to the world, it’s familiarizing all Cultures and countries to one another, and ultimately merging all to similar mentality and ways of thinking.

One World, One Culture, and oops… One God!

thanks for posting
May 20, 2012 1:03 pm

Manis makes it so clear and simple, and of course he is so right and encouraging. I wish it was just as simple to be stronger than the klipa! However I see that when I truly try HKBH helps and it gets easier after the first difficult tries!

not wrong...at all.
May 20, 2012 12:56 pm

Instead of the doom and gloom perspective, he talks of the potential. He is not talking to the animal. Obviously the animal wants the shiny new klipah of our time. To internalize his point, one has to have a certain level of maturity. I don’t think this would help a young teenager. His advice is for someone mature. Also Notice he doesn’t say banning it is out the question. I do believe banning it is the solution for some.

I Do Not Agree With Rabbi Friedman
May 20, 2012 12:44 pm

Rabbi Freidman grew up with the protection of the Rebbe besides him our kids are growing up with the Internet beside them and no Rebbe to guide and protect them, may Hashem have mercy on our kids.

Boruch N. Hoffinger BS"D
May 20, 2012 12:44 pm

One way to protect oneself from ‘Internet’ ‘schmutz’ is to ‘Follow My Lead.’ YOU CAN BECOME A ‘SCHLIACH’ RIGHT HERE IN CROWN HEIGHTS! YOU…N O W ! I am often spreading the knowlede of ‘The 7 Noahide Laws’ to an ignorant America. Spreading wisdom, goodness and kindness helps weaken ‘the yetzer.’ I try hard. I also started a class in ‘Frankel’s Shul’ about 2 years ago. I am working at restarting the class at ‘The Sephardic Shul’ at 1433 President Street, Brooklyn NY (Crown Heights). We currently have two or three students who will come. I want to increase it.… Read more »

There was always the easy way to sin
May 20, 2012 12:31 pm

While we should take steps of sur mira; the easy availability to give in to the yetzer hara was always around. So instead of gathering thousands of Yidden to “cry” over the yetzwe hara it would be better to gather thousands of Yidden to fabreng and be bisimcha with the power Hashem gave us ie the Torah to wage battle against it. Simcha poretz geder!! It’s a shad to gather Yidden to “cry”; better to gather Yidden to sing and learn and conquer the Yetzer Hara! As Rabbi Friedman said the Chabad approach is very different!

Chavivi
May 20, 2012 12:30 pm

I comes down to two things: choices and parenting. You have a choice what to look at or not look at on the internet. The internet is a way for me to comnect to Yiddishkeit. Parents, if you are afraid that your children are accessing improper websites, don’t allow them to have a computer im e bedroom or any unspervised place. Put a pasword on the computer. The internet can be a dangerous place, but it can also bring Torah to those who have little access otherwise.

Well...
May 20, 2012 12:23 pm

The end result of communism may be worse, but it is much easier to slip into the internet dark side.

Well said
May 20, 2012 12:13 pm

Thank you for sharing! Definitely a great perspective on a recent issue!

He gets it.
May 20, 2012 12:06 pm

#2, he clearly comPared it to the inquisition so he gets the danger involved. Slow down with your criticism long enough to think it through and you might actually get his point.

wrong
May 20, 2012 12:05 pm

Rabbi Friedman. Perhaps you have not had a close encounter with a relative that suffers from the addiction R”L.How can you compare it to communism or say communism was worse? Communism was clearly an attack on Torah and mitzvos – easier to recognize and fight back. However the internet sneaks in in a way that doesn’t seem to be an attck on Torah and mitzvos

NAIVE OR IGNORANT
May 20, 2012 11:59 am

R. Friedman rightfully cites the Soviet Union as one of the biggest nisoyons. But unfortunately, MOST SUCCUMBED to it and totally assimilated. And ditto with the Spanish Inquisition and Zionism. Look at the Rambam in hilchos Yesodet Torah 5:4, where he speaks about the obligatiion to flee when under the power of a wicked king. Obviously he does not rely on the “strength” of the Yidden and does not advise them “not to be intimidated”. I would guess that the Rambam would advise us also to flee from the dangers of the Internet. The internet is indeed worse than communism:… Read more »

Where's the video?
May 20, 2012 11:44 am

It dosent show up…

rediculous
May 20, 2012 11:37 am

how could he possibly compare the internet to anything that has existed in the past? he says “now the Aveira is in your house? the aveira was aways in your house” give me a break! when was there ever such access to such Tumah? when was a kid able to go under his blanket and watch whetever he wanted without anyone knowing? when was a person ever able to chat with any person they wanted so easily? he’s obviously very oblivious to what actually is available on the internet and the trash that goes on.

the truth
May 20, 2012 11:21 am

words well spoken

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