The Slonimer Rebbe, who recently concluded his annual visit to the United States to spend time with his chassidim, left behind a strongly worded letter cautioning his American followers about the spiritual dangers of modern technology and artificial intelligence, which he likened to “a venomous snake.”

The Rebbe visited his chassidim in Monsey and participated in a farewell gathering that included the writing of a Sefer Torah last week at his beis medrash in Boro Park. During the trip, he spoke publicly about concerns surrounding the draft decree in Eretz Yisroel and also addressed the issue of increasingly tall shtreimels.

After returning home, the Rebbe sent a letter to members of the American community explaining that due to the many demands on his time and the constant stream of people seeking meetings throughout his visit, he felt he had not sufficiently addressed the serious spiritual threats posed by technology.

Opening his letter warmly to his followers in the United States, he wrote of the special atmosphere he experienced during his stay and expressed his hope that the unity and inspiration would continue.

He then explained that because of the heavy schedule and large crowds, he felt he had not adequately warned about what he described as a major spiritual stumbling block. He wrote that technological devices spread impurity and act like a deadly poison to souls, adding that many have fallen as a result. He cautioned that those who were lenient with themselves, offering various justifications, have paid a very heavy price, including harm to their sons and daughters both physically and spiritually. He warned that no one should assume they are immune, noting that even strong families have been affected. He cited the posuk, “A wise man fears and turns away from evil, but a fool rages and is confident.”

The Rebbe emphasized the obligation to educate children to regard such devices as forbidden and to distance themselves from those connected to them. Even for those who require technology for their livelihood and use approved filtering systems, he warned of the inherent danger. He wrote that such devices are “like a venomous snake bound in iron chains,” explaining that if they are not watched with extreme vigilance, they can break free and cause spiritual destruction. He cautioned followers not to rely on lenient opinions that easily permit tools whose damage is great, quoting the verse, “Do not come near the entrance of her house,” and the teaching, “Go, go, say to the nazir, do not come near the vineyard.”

Turning specifically to artificial intelligence (AI), the Rebbe wrote that he became aware of its growing presence during his stay in the United States. He described it in especially harsh terms, calling it “the father of all impurity and heresy,” and warning that its destructive potential is very great. He wrote that one must distance oneself from it with all strength, because it is a danger and a trap for those ensnared in its web.

In closing, the Rebbe called on members of the community to unite in strengthening spiritual boundaries and standing firm against harmful influences. He urged them to help one another and to encourage each other to remain strong, to sanctify themselves even in permitted matters, and to live as free people not bound by the net of the yeitzer hara.

{Matzav.com}