Indeed, until recently, it was nearly unheard of for anyone among those who are devout in the service of Hashem to be classified as transgressors of the words of the Chachamim. After all, we are all careful to observe the safeguards and decrees established by our holy Sages, as well as the bans and ordinances instituted by the early and later authorities. Even the rulings of the great leaders of the most recent generations have been accepted throughout the Jewish world, and all are meticulous in adhering to them. True, there are matters subject to dispute, and some follow the opinions of those who are lenient. However, such individuals cannot be classified as transgressors, for they ultimately rely on legitimate halachic authorities.
However, in recent times, such a phenomenon has indeed emerged. There now exist true ”transgressors” who do not heed the words of the Chachamim—namely, those who possess impure devices (kelim teme’im). For there is no great Torah authority in Israel who permits the possession of such devices. It is therefore impossible for those who are lenient to claim that they rely on a particular rabbi’s opinion. The conclusion is inescapable: they disregard entirely the authority of Chachmei Yisrael and thus fall under the category of one who ”casts off the yoke” entirely!
