Maranan verabonon the gedolei Yisroel and the
roshei yeshiva in Eretz Hakodesh, have determined
that yeshiva students must not be in possession of cellular
phones. "Such phones damage the spiritual edifice of the
ben yeshiva and constitute pitfalls for those who
possess them, Hashem yeracheim," said maranan
verabonon.
Roshei yeshiva, mashgichim and maggidei shiur
have been cautioning for a long time about the ever-growing
phenomenon of the use of cellular telephones within the
yeshivos hakedoshos, noting their negative side-
effects as a detriment to the bnei Torah's commitment
to Torah study and spiritual progress. Right after Pesach a
gathering was held with maranan verabonon the
gedolei Yisroel and roshei yeshiva from all
over the country. At the meeting, the issue was discussed at
length. It was decided that yeshiva students should not be
in possession of cellular telephones, due to the spiritual
damage they inflict.
The appeal of maranan verabonon and the roshei
yeshiva states, "Our very own eyes -- not those of
strangers -- have seen that cellular telephones in the
possession of bnei yeshiva are very detrimental to
their progress in Torah and yiras Shomayim. In
addition, they totally negate the essence of the yeshiva,
severely hamper the spiritual edifice of the ben
yeshiva and pose unseen dangers, Hashem
yeracheim.
"Consequently, the roshei yeshivos, headed by
maranan verabonon the gedolei haTorah have met
to discuss this issue, and have decided that yeshiva
students must not be in possession of this device.
"We are turning to you with a heartfelt appeal: do not
stumble, because this issue is at the core of your spiritual
growth. Do not let the mal'och hamashchis encroach
upon your spiritual domain.
"On the merit [of your heeding our directives] Hashem
Yisborach will send a spirit of purity from Above, and grant
you the siyata deShmaya to grow in Torah and yiras
Shomayim.
"The yeshivos, on their part, will try to install more
public telephones and to find an appropriate way to enable
students to easily communicate with their parents."
The roshei yeshiva and mashgichim said that
they are confident that the bnei Torah will accept
this restriction, because their mentors' sole purpose is to
guarantee the spiritual progress of bnei Torah and to
enable them to take advantage of their youth for growth in
Torah and devotion of all of their energies to Torah and
avodas Hashem without any external distractions.
