This past Thursday, history was made once again, with the second “Knishta D’Kehuluh” convention. Numerous projects were discussed that BEZ”H, will rewrite the map of safeguarding our purity and intensifying the fervent battle against the challenges of our generation.

For the second time, over a hundred esteemed Askanim from numerous Kehiilos across New York, New Jersey, and Canada gathered under one roof. They spent long hours together, and they brainstormed and strategized to spark fresh revolutions in the respective Kehillos and circles they serve.

This event carried several vital objectives, primarily the gathering of the community Askanim themselves, those on the front lines doing the practical work. It provided an unparalleled opportunity to meet, connect, exchange advice, and share personal experiences. As everyone shared what they were doing in their own communities, each learned from the other. This provided immense inspiration and courage to continue their holy work, alongside the crucial new information they acquired to better guide the public in navigating technology safely, both spiritually and physically.

Since last year’s event, Baruch Hashem, a powerful collaboration has blossomed among the Askanim. This unity has led to monumental achievements and practical progress, helping Yiden remain insulated from severe technological temptations while simultaneously providing a wide array of kosher alternatives. These solutions make it infinitely easier to conduct business and access necessary services in a completely permissible manner.

The grand convention took place this past Thursday at the spacious “Events at the Mill” halls in Yonkers, New York. Close to 150 Askanim from over thirty communities across North America gathered as one man with one heart. Participating communities included: Emunas Yisroel, Bobov, Bobov-45, Boyan, Belz, Gur, Vizhnitz Boro Park, Vizhnitz Williamsburg, Vizhnitz Montreal, Vizhnitz Monsey, Vizhnitz Kiamesha, Vien, Vizhnitz Bnei Brak, Vizhnitz Merkaz, Tosh, Machnovka-Belz, Satmar Williamsburg, Satmar Kiryas Joel, Slonim, Skver, Pupa, Sanz, Sanz-Klausenburg, Kosson-Linden, Toldos Aharon, Toldos Yehuda-Stutchin, Toldos Mordechai, Rachmastrivka, Rachmastrivka Linden, Rachmastrivka Spring Valley, and more.

The day’s schedule was expertly crafted to maximize every moment, mainly featuring open panels where experienced Askanim shared their insights on critical topics. Major filter giants and technology companies serving the frum public were also present to showcase their latest developments directly to the Askanim.

Setting Boundaries – Filter Associations
The event opened with a critical topic: community associations with filter companies. Various proposals from the companies for advanced features and new options were discussed. Crucial initiatives that are already in motion were reviewed, with hopes of releasing the full details to the public very soon.

“There is Another Way” – Premium Filtering Options
Several Askanim took the floor to share their firsthand experiences with the superior filtering options currently available on the market, such as NetFree, Geder SafeZone, and Meshumer WebGuard. A developer of the highly sophisticated new ‘TechLock Enhanced’ filter, which offers robust and advanced filtering, also addressed the crowd. A comprehensive, clear brochure was distributed so that every Askan and community has this vital information at their fingertips, served up like a fully set table.

“Lev Lehaazin”
A deeply moving presentation was delivered by the renowned Mechanech Rabbi Yeshaya Meir Kraus Shlita, a counselor with the ‘Lev Lehaazin’ organization. He detailed the organization’s inception following the publication of the booklet Where is Yossele?. When calls poured in from individuals pleading for help because they lacked a supportive figure, a voicemail system was established. As the burning need became apparent, realizing that struggling youth must be spoken to immediately, while their inspiration is fresh, a specially trained secretary was hired to field live calls. The entire operation is guided by a Rabbinical Committee.
He highlighted their three main approaches:

1. Clarifying to the caller that he is not a failure; rather, he possesses an evil inclination that he was put in this world to overcome.
2. Encouraging him never to give up.
3. Providing practical guidance to navigate temptations.
   He also explained how ‘Lev Lehaazin’ has expanded into an anonymous helpline for hundreds of yungerleit, saving generations in the truest sense of the word.

Open Discussions
During an open forum, Askanim presented their recent initiatives. Topics included securing discounts for Kollel members at “Pro-Click” and promoting offline kiosks in Monsey to eliminate the need for personal internet access. A Halachic meishiv on technology matters also shared actual questions he has recently fielded.

Innovations in the Tech World
Mr. Dovid Goodman, an expert from the global firm IQSIM, spoke about the new era of implementing filters directly via SIM cards, which can prevent many modern pitfalls, especially regarding AI phone numbers. This presentation highlighted the profound understanding the Askanim have of the technological landscape as they seek the best solutions for the frum public.

Dinner and Networking
During dinner, an uplifting scene unfolded as circles of Askanim from across North America gathered to help one another with practical advice. Several new products from kosher filter companies were showcased, alongside community installations like the public phones already set up throughout Kiryas Yoel, and various new informational materials.

Focused Breakout Sessions
Two separate breakout meetings followed. In one corner, the ‘Vaad HaIshur’ from various communities and institutions met to share strategies for maintaining high spiritual standards, reflecting on their immense privilege as guardians of the very foundations of Yiddishkeit. In another corner, the ‘Aseh Tov’ group focused on inspiring growth and positive resolutions among all age groups, yeshiva bochurim, and children, sharing brilliant ideas to implement across the board.

The Shlosha Initiative
Harav Hagoen R’ Yisroel Margaliyos, shlita, director of Ezer LaYeshivos and a leader of the ‘Shlosha’ initiative, discussed the foundational progress ‘Shlosha’ has made for those who must use the internet for business. He stressed that work environments must be set up in the most kosher manner possible. Recognizing the massive void that still exists, he noted that much work remains until every G-d-fearing Yid knows exactly how to utilize technology purely out of necessity, strictly following the directives of our Gedolim.

Principals’ Gathering & Kehuluh’s Future
A report was given on the collaborative meetings between yeshiva menahalim arranged by ‘Lev Lehaazin’ and ‘Ezer LaYeshivos’ regarding technology’s impact on yeshivos. It was also announced that ‘Kehuluh’ is preparing to open a dedicated office to assist any Kehilla looking to establish tech-related initiatives.

A Halachic Tech Center
A major highlight was the address by Harav Hagoen R’ Dovid Mering Shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Ahavas Yisrael Vizhnitz. He stressed the critical need to establish a Halachic center for tech-related inquiries, covering Halacha, Hashkafa, and practical application. He read real questions submitted to existing Kehiilah committees, demonstrating the chaos that ensues when there is no designated address for these dilemmas. His powerful words spurred immediate action, with several Kehiilos already forming such committees to ensure every individual can receive clear Torah guidance.

Working Like a Yid
Esteemed Askanim then addressed the painful reality of poorly filtered (or unfiltered) computers in the workplace. This sparked an open discussion on a joint community campaign to raise awareness about the basic obligation to install robust Jewish filters on all devices, especially work devices used for hours each day. B’shem Hashem Na’aseh V’Natzliach.

Returning in Peace
Saturated with treasures of encouragement, knowledge, and fresh ideas, the Askanim returned home, ready to continue their holy work with renewed strength. Productive meetings and conversations continued even on the journey home and into the following days. Baruch Hashem, the seeds planted at this grand Knishta D’Kehuluh are already sprouting into practical initiatives. The results are evident everywhere: Askanim are energized and equipped with the guidance needed to advance massive projects for the benefit of all holy Kehillos and every individual, ensuring they remain guarded against the constant trials of our times, BEZ”H.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)