Community Magazine September 2011

lived with the great sadik , Yizhak. And yet, even after 60 years in a home of kedusha , the effects of her pagan upbringing were not completely erased. Her spiritual sensors were still not quite as delicate as her husband’s. If 60 years in Yizhak’s home could not erase the effects of exposure to sin, can we expect our Torah homes to neutralize the effects of what we watch? Of course, those who watch indiscriminately do not turn on the TV with the intention of contaminating their souls and eroding their sensitivity to sin. They watch for entertainment purposes, to unwind after a long day. But is the spiritual cost of such entertainment worth it? Once we allow ourselves to be exposed to the decrepit behavior that is so rampant in our society, regardless of our intention, it penetrates our souls and leaves an impression that is difficult – if not impossible – to erase. We are all familiar with the dangers of DUI – driving under the influence of alcohol, which impairs our ability to maneuver a vehicle safely. For Torah Jews, there is another danger called LUI – living under the influence of a spiritually- hostile society. This influence, too, impairs our ability to “maneuver” – to steer ourselves and our families in the direction we need to go. And unlike alcohol, which leaves our bloodstream in just a few hours, harmful spiritual influences remain with us for much longer – in Rivka’s case, for at least 60 years! What are they thinking? The dangers of exposure to sin exist for all people, regardless of age, but they are especially severe with regard to children. Though we are all influenced by what we see and hear, children, who are still in their formative stages of life, are particularly impressionable. The potential long-term effects of exposure to improper conduct are thus far more disastrous for youngsters. In all honesty, I simply cannot understand how parents allow their children to have internet access in the privacy of their rooms. What are they thinking? Surely they are aware of the dark, filthy places their children can go via the internet, and surely they are aware of how youthful curiosity can bring them there. So what are they thinking? That exposure to such filth will not affect their children? That after spending hours late at night roaming through the dark virtual alleyways they will just wake up, pray Shaharit and go to school to learn Torah, and then they will turn out just fine? Do they not realize that just a few moments of viewing inappropriate material can undo a whole year’s worth – or more – of religious education? I am often equally amazed by the kinds of social events parents allow their children to attend. A man once came to me and said, “Rabbi, you’ll be very proud. My daughter was at a rowdy pool party, and when she saw inappropriate behavior going on, she got up and left.” Dedicated inmemory of Mr. FrankBeda    18 Community magazine