BNEI BRAK (VINnews) — This past Shabbos, the Vizhnitzer Rebbe, HaRav Yisrael Hager shlit”a, spoke passionately to his followers, and implored them to accept a difficult “kabbalah”.
Join our WhatsApp groupSubscribe to our Daily Roundup Email
While speaking at Shalosh Seudos, the Rebbe asked his Chassidim to give up their smartphones for the entire Chanukah.
The Rebbe explained that he was given a message from Shamayim to address the ongoing struggle posed by devices. He said that unprotected smartphones are not even worth discussing, and should be tossed into the ocean. However filtered smartphones that are “kosher” still pose a threat, and he implored his Chassidim to turn over their kosher smartphones to him for the entire Chanukah.
He added that because of the difficult challenges facing Klal Yisrael, it is important to take action on Chanukah to help bring the redemption closer.
The Rebbe said that the goal of the exercise was to show people that they can function without devices. He encouraged anyone in Klal Yisrael, not only Vizhnitzers, to deposit their phones with him, and he gave a special beracha to anyone who heeded his advice.
The Rebbe then added frightening words, saying, “How can a Yid daven to Hashem before lighting the Menorah, asking for children and grandchildren who are immersed in Torah and mitzvos, with a device in their pocket?”
According to reports, the Rebbe’s words had a major impact on his followers — dozens of Chassidim gave him their smartphones. Some business owners even posted a message on their statuses saying that as per the Rebbe’s instructions, they have surrendered their devices until “Zos Chanukah” and will not necessarily respond to messages until after the Chag.
Wow that’s awesome.
I am not on that MADRIGAH, but one thing I did do, is before I lite the CHANUCKAH CANDELS, I put my phone away.
How about a kabbalah that all rebbes should live in peace and harmony with their own brothers? They can try it for Chanukah starters.
I wasn’t aware that we have prophets in our days
These days I davin alone and because I am no longer young I have a struggle to keep my Tfilot in order when there are special changes in the routine. The siddur in my phone makes it easy for me since I don’t have to turn pages and hunt for al hanisim and hallel. If I wish I can even see the Torah reading. Also my phone is smaller and lighter than my siddur. I’m waiting for a device for Shabbat and Yom Tov that operates without violating halacha.
“messages from heaven”? This I proof that the rebbe is either a Shotah or a Cheresh!
He can give up his own phone. I have sports to watch and gamble on
Put on your yarmulke here comes chanukah. I’m sure the rebbes gaboyim have smart phones.
LOL – I bet he’ll be checking everyone’s history for “research” purposes
Cellphone radiation has been shown through significant research to be a weakener of the immune system. Anyone not handing in their phone for Chanukah – and if taking it back afterward, should consider generally keeping it on ‘airplane mode’ (no communication with the radiation-producing satellites), and checking for incoming messages and texts on the hour or only as needed.