NEW YORK (VINnews) — The Slonimer Rebbe of Bnei Brak, Rabbi Avraham Weinberg, who visits his hundreds of followers living in the United States once a year, has concluded an extended stay in Monsey, along with a farewell gathering combined with the writing of a Torah scroll which was held last week at his study hall in Boro Park.

During the event, the Rebbe spoke about the dangers of the conscription decree in Israel and also addressed the issue of unusually tall shtreimels.

After completing his visit, the Rebbe sent a letter to members of the U.S. community, focusing on what he described as the harm of technology, a topic he said he had not sufficiently addressed during the trip due to the intensity of the schedule and public receptions.

“My brothers and friends residing in the United States, may you live and be blessed with all good. The pleasant spirit from our time together has not yet faded — how good and how pleasant it is when brothers dwell together. May G-d grant that this sense of unity continue, and that the words which inspire hearts remain strong, guiding those who seek to follow in the footsteps of our holy forebears, whose flame, they promised, would never be extinguished.

“Because of the many demands and the large crowds from morning until night, I feel I did not sufficiently warn about the great stumbling block and widespread damage caused by the afflictions of technology. These tools, which spread their contamination, are like a deadly poison to the soul. Many have fallen because they were lenient with themselves, offering various justifications, and have paid a very heavy price, losing their sons and daughters in body and spirit. No one should say, ‘Peace will be upon me.’ The affliction has spread and has consumed even good families.

“We must educate our sons and daughters that these devices are an abomination for us, and they must distance themselves completely from those connected to such destructive tools. Even those who require them for their livelihood, and who use approved filtering, must understand that this is like a venomous snake bound in iron chains. If not watched carefully, it may break free and claim spiritual victims. One must not rely on leniencies that easily permit devices whose harm is great.

“I also became aware of another grave danger while among you. It is called AI [Written as Ay Ay in Hebrew]. It is the ultimate source of impurity and heresy, and its damage is immense. One must distance oneself from it with all strength, for it is a danger and a trap for those ensnared by it.

“I hereby strengthen those united in standing firm against these breaches, urging all to help one another remain steadfast, to sanctify themselves even in what is permitted, and to remain free rather than bound by the snares laid before every Jewish person. May blessing rest upon you, that you raise sons and daughters faithful to G-d and His holiness, until we merit to welcome the righteous Messiah.”