The Trap Of A Generation

There is a topic that must be discussed, even though it may be uncomfortable to confront. We don’t live in an easy time; our Rabbis warn us that our generation faces one of the greatest spiritual tests in our nation’s history. They have long warned about the great danger of using unprotected cellular devices, computers, and the use of Internet in general. It is not an exaggeration to say that a staggering number of otherwise fine people have become ensnared in this evil.

The misuse of this potentially great tool has caused many to commit multiple serious offenses and sins. The natural consequence of this behavior has manifested itself in the most palpable way. Every day we discover families that have been damaged, life-partners which have been torn apart, beautiful and innocent children and teenagers who have been infected, and entire Jewish households which have utterly collapsed. Any one of these tragedies is enough to make an intelligent and feeling person cry. Day after day, week after week, we hear the same thing. More stories, from people we know, about people we know.

Therefore, someone who cares for his soul and the soul of his family will keep away from this. We see that someone who takes the first step is helped from Heaven, as in “You free me from the net laid for me, for You are my stronghold (Psalms 31:5)”. Also, “He who… shuts his eyes against looking at evil… shall dwell in great security (Isaiah 33: 15-16)”.

We unfortunately know the damage done by this evil, but we should also be aware of the reward for keeping our eyes clean: “When your eyes behold a king in his beauty, they contemplate the land round about… Your eyes shall behold Jerusalem… For Hashem shall be our ruler, Hashem shall be our prince, Hashem shall be our king: He shall deliver us (Isaiah 33: 17-22)”. Regarding these verses, our Sages taught us the following: He who is faced with an immoral sight and averts his gaze so as not to derive pleasure becomes worthy of beholding Hashem’s Glory (Tractate Derech Eretz, Arayot, Halacha 13).

Yet the challenge is great, and it seems overwhelming. It is so easy to fall so low, to wipe out days, and even months and years of intense determination. And so it must be equally achievable for us to protect ourselves. Our sages have taught us “Zeh Leumat Zeh Asah Haelokim”; Hashem made a world where we can choose between good and evil, equally. When we are faced with such incredible challenges, we must look around for ways to protect ourselves since Hashem will always provide a way.

Today, Baruch Hashem, we have wise and intelligent people who have developed a way to “filter” the internet, to make it much more difficult to fall into the traps set out by the Evil Inclination. Obviously, it is a great mitzvah to support these developers and distribute and help install these filters on all of the devices which have access to the internet.

It must be clear to all, this is not just a suggestion, but a responsibility and an obligation placed upon all of us by the Law, to protect ourselves and our children and our families from harm, G-d Forbid. It is not enough to simply rely on oneself and trust that ‘all will be fine’. One is not allowed to place himself in a situation where he can be tempted; our Sages reserved severe language for someone who fails to take precautions when they are available to him.

May it be Hashem’s will that we succeed in doing his Mitzvot with our whole heart, and may we merit and live and inherit the good and blessed life of the World to Come. May Hashem fulfill the promise of His prophets “I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be cleansed” and “He shall come as Redeemer to Zion” speedily and in our days, Amen v’Amen.

 By BJL Staff