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R’ Manis Friedman: Don’t Be Intimidated by Internet

by Sandy Eller – VIN News

In an address to a group of teenage students, noted author, lecturer and educator Rabbi Manis Friedman dismissed the notion of banning the internet and rejected the idea that the Jewish community is facing an unprecedented crisis.

Speaking on May 2nd at the United Lubavitcher Yeshiva in Crown Heights, Rabbi Friedman called the internet the nisayon of today’s generation and advised students to do what Jews have been doing for years – stay strong and withstand the test that is being placed before klal yisroel.

Rabbi Friedman explained to the bochurim that while for their grandparents, it was communism that enticed Jews to stray from their yiddishkiet, today it is the internet that presents a challenge.

“The test, the nisayon of that generation was, are you going to give in to communism or not,” said Rabbi Friedman.
“In our generation, the test is can you handle a computer or you can’t? Can you handle the internet or not? That is the test. Is it any worse than communism? No, communism was much more dangerous.”

Rabbi Friedman told the students that just as Jews over the years have survived the inquisition and communism, they will weather the challenges presented by the internet as well and laughed off the idea that klal yisroel needs a mass gathering to master the challenges posed by the internet.

“They are making this big conference, you know? This huge, huge conference, all frum people are getting together to discuss the internet,” said Rabbi Friedman with his trademark smile. “That is so bad. You are going to have 10,000 Jews who are afraid of the internet. It’s almost like giving in to the internet.

“You are much stronger than the internet,” added Rabbi Friedman. “Don’t get so intimidated.”

Rabbi Manis Friedman is a noted Torah scholar, rabbi, World-renowned author, counselor and speaker and is the dean of the Bais Chana Institute of Jewish Studies Minnesota.

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8 Comments

  • Pinchos Woolstone

    this is the Chabad approach in general.
    A little light pushes away much darkness.
    We need not follow the agendas of others.
    Chabad Rabbonim need not feel the need to join the “assifa” agenda with its hysteria to be considered relevant, or for Lubavitch to be seen as “ frum as the rest”.
    We are ourselves, our Guide is the Rebbe alone.

  • In response....

    With great respect, Rabbie Friedman would have made a stronger argument if he would have at least mentioned “filters” to deal wih this klipah-wHile it is very important to make our yiddishkeit as strong as can be it is equally important to have certain protective boundaries in place.
    As well,I hope Rabbi Friedman’s comment re one actually allowed to write on the computer on Sahbbos doesn’t give all those who text on Shabbos a brach to continue to do so!

  • DeClasse- Intellectual

    Too bad those organizers of this forthcoming conference did not talk to Rabbi Friedman first. They need his words of wisdom.

    It is said that the pig raised its hoof to a Jew to show it was split and therefore it is kosher–but the TORAH states otherwise. So whom do we listen to? The intgernet is what you make of it–either way!!!!!

  • Shmueli

    In another article here we read: “Even before Rabbonim in the United States decided to hold the kinus in Citi Field tonight, Chabad Rabbonim and mashpi’im in Israel decided to hold a kinus to address the dangers posed by the internet…”
    Are the Chabad Rabbonim and mashpi’im in Israel afraid and intimidated by the big bad Internet? No. They see all the lost souls whom have clicked themselves into an abyss of impurity, R”L, and are simply being practical about preventing more of the same. Are we stronger than the Internet? Yes. However, not all of us are able to tap into that strength to overcome this threat, and need help and guidance from those of us who can. Make a conference to help others? Why not?

  • What is the comparison?

    True the internet is a double edged sword and can be used for good as well. However I am not sure I understand the comparison between the internet and communism /the inquisition. These were harsh external threats which were easily recognized although not easily overcome. Here we are dealing with an internal threat which can eat away at a person from the privacy of his own home or phone.

    I would recommend readers with android phones look into “funamo” from the android market. It is a great filter and logs all activity, for the low price of $19.It cannot be uninstalled except by an admisitrator (e.g. parent/spouse who can check on usage). There are plenty of good desktop filters as well.

  • Meshchistim Vs. Internet

    The Meshichist cult has done far more damage then the Internet could ver do!

  • Levi R.

    True, and thanx for the inspiration. But, we still need a strategy.