The Satmar Rebbe of Kiryas Yoel has laid down an ultimatum for his hasidim – to rid themselves of their smartphones within a month of look for a new rebbe.
Satmar Rebbe’s Ultimatum: Turn in Smartphone or Get Out
Yeshiva World
Following the unprecedented event at CitiField led by gedolei yisrael shlita, the Satmar Rebbe of Kiryas Yoel, has laid down an ultimatum for his chassidim; to rid themselves of their smartphones within a month of look for a new rebbe.
As the chassidim gathered towards the end of Shavuos for the tradition ‘baglitein dir yomtov’ the rebbe addressed the tzibur in the beis medrash. After giving his chassidim a bracha the rebbe surprised the tzibur by coming out in a very strong tone against the smartphones, making his position on the matter crystal clear.
The rebbe reminded chassidim that one may not have a computer in one’s home, as has been the takana for some time. There are exceptions regarding a computer with internet access pertaining to making a living, but only with filtered internet.
The rebbe went on to address the smartphones, stating that all “klei kodesh”, referring to avreichim, talmidim, magidei shiur, mashgichim, shochtim, bodkim, and sofrim may not have such a device – no exceptions. The rebbe called on directors of mosdos Satmar worldwide to begin enforcing this in four weeks, permitting chassidim an interim period to readjust their lives and acquire an acceptable phone. Anyone who does not comply will no longer be permitted to continue in his position, whether this involves an avreich or any of the others mentioned.
The conversation then turned to the women, with the rebbe explaining they too may not have a smartphone under any circumstances. For men, it is permitted towards earning a livelihood, but only with internet filtering.
[Hat Tip: Seymour.]