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Apple watches are forbidden, say Charedi rabbis

Smartwatches, such as Apple's popular internet-connected timepiece, are said to pose “enormous danger,” to society

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A group of Charedi rabbis have issued a ruling against the use of smartwatches.

The rabbis, who have already warned against the perils of modern technology, said smartwatches pose “enormous danger,” to society.

Charedi newspaper Kikar Hashabbat quoted the rabbis as saying: “The severity of the destruction brought about by smartphones is already known…and the great rabbis of our generation have already warned us about the magnitude of the issue.

“Recently, different types of these devices have been upgraded, which in their appearance and name seem to be other permissible devices, such as the so-called ‘smart watch’, but they are tricks of one’s desire which imagines that they are supposedly not stated in the prohibition.”

According to the rabbis, smartwatches, which tell you how many steps you’ve walked, as well as allowing you to answer emails, are “causing the public to sin in a very serious manner.”

They said the devices “place the entire future of a generation in enormous danger.”

According to the ruling adults and children must steer clear of the devices, “even if they don’t contain a sim card.”

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