All right, here's the exciting news!


Drumroll . . .


Over Shabbos, I spoke for about 20 minutes with a world-renowned Rosh Yeshiva about GYE.  I knew right away that this Rosh Yeshiva had a very good understanding of the problem, when he said (without any prompting) "It's an addiction."  I told him about some of the different services offered on GYE (Chizuk e-mails, matching with partners/sponsors, the forum, and the handbooks).  I also mentioned what I've been doing to publicize GYE in my community, but noted that some major publications have declined to carry ads for GYE.  

As we were speaking, the Rosh Yeshiva looked at me and said "How can I be of help?"  I was so happy when he asked that question!  I figured that it can only be helpful if someone of this caliber would agree to be involved with GYE, and asked if Guard could speak with the Rosh Yeshiva on the phone, to which he readily agreed.  The Rosh Yeshiva also noted that he will be in Eretz Yisrael in the near future, and indicated that he would be willing to meet with Guard in person.

I highly encourage everyone (who can) to speak with Gedolim about what GYE has to offer to those who have fallen in this area.  It's possible to have such conversations without revealing that we ourselves have faced these tests.  I chose to mention that I've faced these Nisyonos in the past, in order to show that, with the proper support, this addiction can be kept in check.  The Rosh Yeshiva told me that there are a number of people that he can refer to me.  I told him that they should contact me by e-mail, and I'll refer them to GYE.

I plan to send the Rosh Yeshiva a follow-up letter, thanking him for his time and reminding him of our discussion.

kedusha you are a super-duper PR person.
with this major RY, who knows how many people will join GYE!
yasher koach!

Thank you, Habib, but almost anyone can do the same thing (I'm talking about men, of course).

I was so exhilarated by the conversation that I could hardly sleep last night!

And I too hope that this will lead to GYE being able to help many others.

Here is my follow-up letter to the Rosh Yeshiva:

Motzei Shabbos, 19 Kislev, 5770
December 6, 2009

Dear Rav *****, Shlita,

I am deeply grateful to the Rosh Yeshiva for giving me time last night to discuss “Guard Your Eyes,” www.guardyoureyes.org, a vital resource for Frum people who have fallen prey to Internet pornography addiction.  Also, thank you so much for agreeing to speak with and/or meet with the Guard Your Eyes administrator, a true Tzadik and Mezakeh HaRabbim, who has given up his Parnasa as a computer programmer in order to help people faced with what is likely the Nisayon of our generation.

Enclosed is my letter, which was published in the October 2009 issue of ******.  Also enclosed is a full page ad that I placed in the November 2009 issue of ******* (a half page ad appears in the December 2009 issue).

If the Rosh Yeshiva knows of anyone who needs help in this area, they can contact me by e-mail at ******.

Sincerely and with great appreciation,

*********

Kedusha, a huge yasher koach!

You really have reason to feel proud.
Gosh I want to be part of that meeting between Guard and the Rosh Yeshiva!
Maybe they need someone to represent the women?
Or maybe I'll just be a fly on the wall. Im pretty good at blending in with the potted plants

BEMAKOM SHE'AIN ISH HISHTADEL LE'OIS ISH= [i]KEDUSHA!! And i wish i would be able to do more. Its not so practical living here in EY and having to call people. But im trying on coming up with ideas.

wow, wow and WOW.

Yachad Kulam Kedusha Lecha Yishaleishu!

I'm on it. I'll try and call him today, bl"n.

Thank you and tizke lemitzvos.

May everyone on this forum take your example!

7Up wrote on 06 Dec 2009 11:03:


Thank you, 7Up.

You'll be interested to know that the Rosh Yeshiva was not aware that this was an issue for women too.  I explained that, although it may be much less common and the Halachic ramifications are different for women, it can still become an addiction for some and, for this reason, GYE has an Ezras Nashim.

When i read all your doing these words come to my mind. NEKADESH ES SHIMCHA B'OLAM K'SHEM SHE'MAKDISHIM OSOH BI'SHMEI MAROM...... KADOSH KADOSH KADOSH.................

Personally, I really want to see GYE get a spousal support forum going some day.
And that would definitely mean women.

As you yourself once explained to soemone,
for women its more an emotional need than simple lust.

So, do I get to come to the meeting Guard?

Yes, if I get to bring the fly swatter.



That's mean. Sorry.  :-[

I don't know if I will be meeting him in person. I think the phone might be sufficient. (I don't do very many "in person" GYE meetings. The Satan has a whole undercover mafia trying to figure out who I am  ;D)

I think, that it is very unfitting of you to call me SATAN?!?!?!

guardureyes wrote on 06 Dec 2009 12:52:


Hard to believe. Who would want to know who you are anyway? :o

guardureyes wrote on 06 Dec 2009 12:52:


If this Rosh Yeshiva would agree to write a letter of Haskama, I think it would be a huge breakthrough for GYE.  Maybe that can be accomplished without meeting him in person, maybe not.  But we should make sure not to squander the opportunity.  

guardureyes wrote on 06 Dec 2009 11:46:


Too bad I Daven Nusach Ashkenaz!  :D ;D