Twerski on GYE - Letters of Support
Personal request from Rabbi Twerski (Oct 2016)
Dear Friend,
I believe that in our generation, the single greatest danger to Klal Yisrael is that of immorality. The plague of illicit material on the internet has affected the type of people we would never have suspected vulnerable: yeshiva bachurim, kollel yungeleit and shomrei mitzvos lemehadrin. The Satan has won a battle, hurting so many individuals and families.
But in every generation, G-d in his kindness, sends down someone to sustain Judaism such as the Baal Shem Tov with Chassidus, Rabbi Yisrael Salanter with the Mussar movement and the Chofetz Chaim with Shmiras Halashon. We are extremely fortunate that several dedicated people have developed a network to help Jews who are caught in this trap: GuardYourEyes.com. It’s one of my absolute favorite organizations and I have been involved with them in many ways since their founding (in 2007).
In my 40 years of psychiatric experience I can testify that traditional psychiatry and psychology are not effective on their own. GuardYourEyes provides a variety of anonymous tools, counseling and support for affected people, allowing thousands of Jews to get help. I get an average of five calls a week about this issue, and before GuardYourEyes was around I didn't have where to send people. Their success rate is phenomenal. I am personally aware of many, many people that have been saved.
The GuardYourEyes project is extremely important for Klal Yisrael today - it is truly a pikuach nefesh. Please open your hearts and give generously to help them continue their holy work. All of their services are free of charge and it's a great mitzvah to support them.
Right now, during the days of repentance, your support means more than ever.
May you be inscribed in the book of life.
Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski, MD
P.S. I would be happy to send an autographed copy of my new book "Teshuvah Through Recovery", which I wrote together with GuardYourEyes, to anyone who donates $500 or more.
High Holiday Campaign Letter Sept 2020 (4 months before his passing)
Dear Rabbi Twerski,
This is the email we would like to send out please, if you agree:
Dear ____,
Change is hard.
Countless Jews are looking for an exit strategy from inappropriate online content -- but realize that they are trapped.
The allure and vividness of adult content and the instant access can overwhelm the brain’s decision-making process, and often, even very ehrliche people get hooked. To compound the challenge, they have no one to talk to about it, they are too ashamed.
In the past few years the scale of the problem has become massive, and Covid-19-related stress and free time has exacerbated the problem like never before.
A recent study (by Dr. Rosemarin & Pirutinsky) has surveyed a sample group of people from various Orthodox communities. The results were shocking. 58% of single males and 51% of married males admitted that they view inappropriate online content at least once a month. And that’s before Covid-19...
It would be no exaggeration to say that the nisyonos regarding kedushah during 2020 have reached a level unprecedented in the history of Klal Yisrael!
The remedy the Ribono Shel Olam has given our generation is GuardYourEyes (GYE), an incredible organization which I’ve had the privilege to be involved in for over a decade.
GYE does amazing work. It gives people hope, support, and guidance, and has helped tens of thousands break free.
But we must realize that this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are hundreds of thousands still trapped.
With your help I am confident GYE can reach and help 20,000 new members THIS YEAR!
Please donate today.
May you be inscribed in the book of life,
Sincerely,
Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski, MD
Rabbi Twerski's Response
OK