Op-Ed: Who Defines Lubavitch Education?
The following op-ed was written by a Lubavitcher mother, who shares her thoughts after a frustrating experience signing up her young child for his first year of school:
by Anonymous
As a first-time parent, I recently reached the major milestone of selecting an elementary school for my oldest child. I was excited to explore the network of Chabad schools available in my neighborhood, and I was curious about the differences between them. Naturally, as a committed Lubavitcher, I was relieved not to have to choose between Hashkafos within the school system. We had decided to raise our children in a Lubavitch community, and we were prepared to deal with any issues inherent in the “system”. I did my diligent research, spoke to other parents, and asked many questions in order to find the school most appropriate for our child.
That’s when I discovered something disturbing: There is no “system” of Lubavitch schools, and there is no accreditation that a school must receive in order to carry the name “Chabad”. In other words, any self-proclaimed Lubavitcher is able to open up a school in a Chabad neighborhood and be readily accepted as a supplier of Lubavitcher chinuch. At least three of the newer schools we looked into had no rabbinical board, no Chinuch oversight, and certainly no “membership” in a larger Lubavitch school network.
As an educated consumer, I know that the first thing to look for in a product is who stands behind it. For decades, Jews have lived in communities that helped define them and unite them. If I were to send my child to a Solomon Shechter school, I’d have no problem knowing the school’s philosophy, mission statement, and oversight board. The same would be true for a Ravsak Day School or a Gerer Yeshiva. While there are plenty of unaffiliated Jewish Day Schools, they stand independently, without needing to feign association with a larger organization. So if there is no Lubavitch network of schools, what then defines a Lubavitcher school? Its location in a Chabad community? Its servicing of Lubavitcher kids? The identity of its founder?
For starters, there are a handful of schools that were founded by the Rebbeim and carefully guided by the Rebbe for many years. Yes, there are numerous flaws prevalent in many of these Mosdos, but it is an indisputable fact that they have earned their titles as Mosdos Chabad. Regarding the schools founded more recently, at the very least, I imagine that a school calling itself “Lubavitch” would make this claim on basis of its being created with strict adherence to Lubavitch educational standards. The Rebbe’s standards for elementary school education are no secret, and it is clear that the Rebbe felt very strongly about the definition and direction of Chinuch for the children of Anash. Yet, some of these schools brazenly call themselves “Chabad Lubavitch” while clearly going against many or all of the Rebbe’s instructions! They market themselves as more progressive than the older schools, and they shamelessly misuse quotes from the Rebbe to support policies that they adopt. But upon close inspection, they fail to stand up to the basic guidelines that the Rebbe requested for elementary school education:
1. It is an indisputable fact that the Rebbe insisted on the prioritization of Limmudei Kodesh, clearly stating that if Limmudei Chol are necessary or desired, they must be taught separately, in the afternoon, and for fewer hours than Kodesh (שערי חינוך רצה-רצט).
2. The Rebbe insisted on maintaining an atmosphere of purity and holiness for Yiddishe children, free of non-kosher animals and non-Jewish influences.
3. The Rebbe insisted on the strict separation of boys and girls in a Mossad Chinuch, even at the youngest ages. Whenever possible, the Rebbe actually requested that the boys and girls be housed in separate buildings (שערי חינוך שא-שג). To a few Shluchim who were struggling with class sizes, the Rebbe gave specific, individual permission to combine boys and girls through age 8, although this was not the standard.
4. The Rebbe insisted that Lubavitch Mosdos be headed by Chassidim who received most of their own Chinuch in Tomchei Temimim, and that any crucial decisions regarding Chinuch are placed in the hands of these Chassidim, even if they must be assisted by other educators (שערי חינוך שלז).
5. The Rebbe insisted that teachers and educators be role models in their dress, actions, and lifestyles (שערי חינוך ריז).
How is it possible, then, that some of the newer elementary schools in Chabad label themselves as “Lubavitch” and “Chassidish”, while they unabashedly do not follow many of these directives? In fact, some of these schools specifically describe their curricula as “Integrating Torah and “secular” subjects together” for a more “wholesome” and “well-rounded” educational experience.
Before you all lash out and discredit the “old” schools for their many flaws, hear me out:
The Question is not which school is better or which institution is free of issues. The question at hand is the claim of schools to be providing Lubavitcher chinuch to whole generation of unsuspecting parents, who don’t realize that the education they are signing up for is in fact more similar to a Modern-Orthodox Day School! The average Chabad parent does not sit down to review a school’s curriculum; he or she merely assumes that a Lubavitch school will adhere to basic Chabad principles and philosophy. Dedicated parents are looking for something new, something different, something smaller, but they aren’t being told that the education is “Lubavitch” in title only. For parents seeking this type of education, there are myriads of Jewish schools in America that can provide equivalent or better education.
Jewish education is in a crisis, and the influx of various types of Jewish schools may truly be a blessing. The problem begins when the “Jewish” part of the education is self-defined, without need to conform or answer to any higher authority. Some of these schools will easily list a handful of respected “Mashpiim” whom they claim to consult with, yet none of these Mashpiim has ever claimed direct responsibility for the schools’ curricula or policies. This act of name-dropping is misleading at best and purposeful falsification at worst. The fact that I occasionally talk to a specific Rav doesn’t make him the Rabbi of my independent organization and doesn’t give me credibility as an educator of young children.
How can it be that today, in the midst of our educational system, there exist institutions that are educating the next generation of Chassidim with methods that are in direct opposition to the Rebbe’s directives and not answerable to any verified board of Chassidim or Mashpiim? While these institutions may employ educators of high caliber, are these the people to be entrusted with Chinuch of the Rebbe’s Kinderlach? Teaching content that the Rebbe disapproved of and utilizing policies that the Rebbe clearly decried – is this worthy of the label “Chabad Lubavitch School”?
More than the fact that some of these schools exist under false pretenses, there is the plague of common acceptance into the mainstream Lubavitch movement. Since there isn’t any oversight required to be considered a Chassidishe school, some of the self-proclaimed mechanchim in these institutions proudly present themselves as Lubavitch educators. At a pace that is quicker than imaginable, these institutions are being listed alongside traditional, Chassidishe schools, being given the automatic credibility that other Mosdos worked long and hard to acquire. Before long, this baseless form of Chassidishe Chinuch will make serious inroads into the mainstream Lubavitch community, altering the already shaky standards that define Chassidim and Temimim.
As parents, we want the best schools for our kids. But beyond the appeal of modernity and progressive education, we must remember the Chinuch standards that our Rebbe fought so strongly for. Think of how we want our children dressing and behaving in ten years from now, and realize that the seeds of authentic Chassidishkeit are sown at the youngest ages. Most importantly, my fellow parents and educators who are begging for alternatives to problematic school systems: Let’s insist that the new institutions be built on solid, Chassidishe foundations by authentically Chassidishe Mechanchim who have themselves received their Chinuch in Tomchei Temimim.
In the introduction to Kuntres Eitz Chaim, the Frierdiker Rebbe decries the movements for modernizing Chadorim. In a sicha of Purim 1973, the Rebbe begged for Chassidim to invest in authentic Chinuch of Yiddishe children, in the ways of the Torah as they can be traced back to Har Sinai. Educational trends come and go, but the core of Kosher, Yiddishe education cannot and should not change. Success in Jewish education doesn’t come from modernity and progressivism; it is achieved solely through passing along the holy traditions of Yiras Shamayim and Kobolas Ol that are the cornerstones of authentic Chassidishe Chinuch.
another lubavitcher mother
Thank you. Very well said. The point isn’t better or worse the question is what if any are the standards
Amen
גוט גיזאגט
Terrible Argument.
Communities grow and part of that growth is demand and supply. Unfortunately the Rebbe is not here to sanction new schools. But fact is local schools have the right to call themselves lubavitch without all those ‘guidelines’. And some of the new schools get an undeservedly bad rap because they are new and unknown, but they actually teach yiddishkeit and chassidus in a more wholesome and approachable way than the older schools that just shove moshiach and tznius down children’s throats day after day in a meaningless manner.
Choice
Well said and it should be considered that the world has significantly changed since the late 70s early 80s. Things that were ‘modern’ are not so now and I would think that the Rebbe would speak to and address how the world we live in now affects Lubavitch but klal Yisroel as well. In a world where not every married couple can find shlichus, note an article currently published, and where the cost of living in NY is astronomical without tuition, one has to consider that a schooling in non-Jewish studies has become a necessity, where students are able to write proper English, do math and more to live. It is very realistic to include these classess.
I will also say that the advent of the new schools is most welcomed by me. That they use methodologies melded with our own, turns them for the good. Is it not so that the Rebbe spoke of using what there is as a means to express and teach Yiddishkeit? When we arrived in Crown Heights to take advantage of the great variety of schools, it ended up that the schools failed to draw in those not of a Lubavitch family model. We would have chosen one of the new schools were they then in existence that the children thrive rather than feel alienated and like failures when the opposite is true.
YMSP
“Choice” there’s letter after letter from the Rebbe that says that parnossa comes from Hashem, that it’s in general b’ofen nisi and that any thinking into it that’s not at the right time or not part of actually accomplishing then and there has the effect of a “garment that is too long.”
The pressure to have secular education in the 1940s-50s was more than now, not less. The availability of other business options was also less than today.
Somehow everyone who’s chosen to follow the Rebbe and to give their kids a proper Chinuch al Taharas HaKodesh manages. There’s a million reasons to say no to anything, but the Rebbe’s statements on this, and how the type of Chinuch that he advocated for is fundamental to a child, are very clear and more black and white than many other issues.
Anonymous
very well said
To the author:
I agree with you 100%, but you are preaching to the choir.
This is part of the greater “Chabad Lite” movement, and there is nothing you or I can do about it.
The defenders of the Chabad Lite movement (and the schools you speak of) will respond as follows:
1) “Who are you to judge what is Chabad and what is not?”
2) “Get a life! You’re a closed-minded Crown-Heightser”
3) “Chabad is about love, and you are speaking hate!”
4) “Who are you to decide what the Rebbe wants or doesn’t want? The Rebbe loved every Jew!”
My point here is that it is a lost cause to try and reason with this group. Try to do the right thing for yourself and your family, and teach your children what is right and what is wrong. As for Chabad Lite, they will learn the hard way when their children grow up… Wait and see.
Parent
Where do you think these “Chabad Lite” came from???? The exact mosdos that you think are so wonderful. If you think they are so amazing then tell me dear friend, why are they churning out so many young adults who want very little to do with that upbringing?
Do you think they hatched out of the blue? Nope. They were born and bred by folks like yourself. So how’s that working out for you?
To "parent"
What’s your point? Yoshke and Shabsey Tzvi also went to Yeshiva.
The author clearly acknowledged that our Yeshiva’s are not perfect. Does this legitimize the “progressive” Chillul-Lubavitch schools?
Duh
This is a faulty argument. If you would like to argue this way, then almost every Chabad school (and maybe every SINGLE one) is not really Chabad at all. Because the Rebbe said time and again that schools must not close for the summer. Now, how many of these OLD schools listened to this directive?
blabla
Gagagoogoo.
Dear author,
“I know the current system isnt perfect…. blabla but this is more about who calls themselvs chabad… blablabla” bc you are worried unsuspecting parents may choose without realizing blablabla.
The system you describe as not being perfect isnt.. if you actually walk into any of these schools for a tour.. and they agree to give you one you will not actually find out anything about the standards that their curriculem is based on… bc they dont have any you will only find out that they claim to be under all sorts of rabinical leadership and that they follow in the ways of chabad.
The school which you have just upgraded by lableling it chabad is very thorogh in educating you about who they are, what they teach and how. As a matter of fact if they feel that a perspective parent is not 100 percent comfortable with who they are… you do not get accepted.
This is not about moisdos naming themselves.. this is about your personal vendeda…
I think its time you actually be a bit like them… really honest streight forward and proud of who they are.
You hide behind a no named article and quote the Rebbeim as if you are the lubavitcher… cut the bs of being under some ausspicios yet have nothing to show for it.
yanki
Thank you for standing up to what is right, although not popular.
Shame that due to intimidation from progressive families that call themselves chabad the author is afraid to state her name.
Thank you crownheights.info for bringing this up.
Completely agree!!!!!
with every word written here-
the same is true for shluchim who represent the Rebbe and his teachings while doing things that are unacceptable and completely against what the Rebbe wanted- all in the name of Chabad!!
Shluchim and educators- if you are using the name chabad, you have high standards to follow- otherwise you are ‘cheating’ and ‘misrepresenting’- better not to do it under the lubavitch banner.
Educated Consumer
Thank you very much for taking time and writing this article. I am in full agreement with you about school’s calling themselves “Chabad” but having very little to do with Lubavitch, Chabad and chasidism….
K
Who Defines Lubavitch Education? Easy: Ask ANY misnaged. We know exactly to which school we’d NEVER send our children to.
wonderful piece
Even the “old school” Lubavitch schools would be doing a lot better if they followed the all Rebbeim’s standards.
Klalei Hachinuch V’Hadracha…
Rabbi Hodakov’s book on education….
lots of good stuff, but just needs to be implemented…
Summer Vacation?
You forgot to mention how the Rebbe wanted that our Chaydorim and Yeshivas stay open during the summer months.
Read:
I can only point out to what the Rebbe himself said about this subject.
http://www.lmaanyishmeu.com/pdf/Haderech%20Hayeshara%2017.pdf
Link to sicha:
http://www.chabad.org/therebbe/article_cdo/aid/554142/jewish/12-Tammuz-5745.htm
Hanocho:
http://jemedia.org/Farbrengen/12_Tammuz_5745/Booklets/Hebrew.pdf
Sicha in English:
http://www.sichosinenglish.org/books/sichos-in-english/27/05.htm
Also: http://whoisshmira.wordpress.com/2014/05/04/summer-vacation-is-devastating-to-the-ongoing-education-of-our-children/
agree
Very well said. You are absolutely right.
Very well said.
Very well said. This seems to be an issue for the Rabbonim. The Rabbonim need to give hashgacha on a school just as much if not more than the hashgacha on a restaurant.
Each school should be asked which Rav gives them approval to be called a chassidishe yeshiva. The Rabbonim should then appoint 3 mashpiyim who would advise the Rabbonim what they think about the school and if the school is following the instructions of the Rebbe.
Otherwise, the school of course has the option of running a school without any hashgacha from the Rabbonim and everyone will know that this school is off and running on its own ideas. Then parents can decide whether or not they want to send their children there.
As for existing schools and new schools who want the best out of their school system. It is highly important and about time to spend time and money on preparing a well thought out curriculum for each level and age.
blown away!
Very well said. At least you know ur kids will have a solid foundatio. At home… That’s one third of their education!
Applied Chassidus
I’m confused. Didn’t Rabbi Jacobson talk
just this week about the Rebbe’s views on people bringing taanos directly to hanhalos? Why is this author not putting his name on the article? What is this accomplishing?
Other Chareidishe Communities
In other Chareidishe communities, it would be impossible to open a school posting as a certain “sect’s” school, while totally negating basic policies of that sect. But here in Crown Heights mesira is rampant and so the “do as you wish” policy is blatantly enforced.
This op-ed is “on the spot”!
Anonymous?
Why write something like this anonymously? “First time parent” – really? Did this exploration really start with curiousity? Seems like a lot of judgment.
Agree
If you feel the need to defend your school against this article, the author clearly has a valid point.
Clarifications
The introduction to Kuntres Eitz Hachaim has nothing to do with LUBAVITCHER CHADORIM… It has to do with LITHUANIAN YESHIVOS GEDOLOS, as is obvious to anyone who bothers to look at the source (the Frierdiker Rebbe there decries the fact that they shave their beards, follow every heter in halachah they can get their hands on, and do not study chasidus at all — in a letter to someone who asked him why the study of chasidus is important at all if one can study mussar).
How could the editor at CrownHeights.Info publish a vicious article like this without researching the sources?
It would also be nice if the author of the article substantiated some of his/her attacking generalizations, such as that these schools mislead the parents who join them. Upon what is she basing this assertion? Does she know any parents who feel “mislead”?
And the author does not tell us how these schools responded to him/her when he/she approached them for clarification.
Or did he/she not bother to approach the schools directly at all?
Would be nice to have a name behind such a wonderful piece of vitriol? It’s so easy to lash out and hide behind anonymity. If you’re so confident in your stance, such that you can publicly denigrate people who are creating real change in our community — where assimilation among our youth in the “established” mosdos of the Rebbe is at such an alarming rate — then you could at least have the decency to reveal who you are.
YMSP
What on earth are you saying? That the standards that the Frierdiker Rebbe decried in the Litvisher Yeshivos should now be brought into Lubavitcher Chedorim? Maybe the Frierdiker Rebbe would approve, because he didn’t address them to Lubavitcher chedorim?? (because it was mufroch meiikoro!)
Kol HaPosel BMumoi Posel. No wonder the wonderful, intelligent, chassidish, caring mother who wrote the article was afraid to put her name. vdei lhovin.
YMSP
You hit the nail on the head and a yasher koach.
I found in trying to register my daughter at one school that the principal was more concerned about how far the trip would be and all kids of side issues rather than the need for her to have a Lubavitcher chinuch. If there are “mechanchim” who don’t prioritize chinuch, we’re in big trouble right there.
The permeation of Modern-Orthodox theology, which is destructive in the extreme and from which the most vurilent anti-frum propagandists stem, is something that threatens the yesodos of the kids and no one is paying proper attention to it. In smaller communities you can have a so-called Lubavitcher school that takes part in Israel day activities and advertises all kinds of stuff that’s probably a plus when di vos zeinen der vile noch nisht frum do it but is shocking when people who should know better make it a school activity.
The yesodos are formed young. We’ve got to do something.
Kol hakovod
Kol hakovod to you for clearly articulating your views
Actually they are the views of Torah And Chassidis.
Children are so innocent and pure yet so easily influenced and molded. Hence, Chinuch based on chassidisha values is such an important and vital factor for their future development.
Alli ask for is “truth in advertising”, a fundamental concept in American law. Every parent can reach their own decisions regarding their child’s chinuch
But that decision must be based on accurate information.
Let schools who do not abide by the Rebbes standards clearly and openly declare that they don’t adhere to Chabad values. That is their choice.
However, falsely stating one thing and doing the exact opposite is an indication of a lack of honesty and integrity.
Mother
Thank you for bringing this crucial issue to light with your very well written and clear article. May you only have true Chassidishe Nachas from your children !
the painful truth
The sad truth is that the “Lubavitch education” you describe is failing our students brutally.
The vast majority of our students are graduating without a solid education, and completely inequipped to support themselves, let alone a family.
How many young men are in crisis after they have their first child and suddenly realize life is EXPENSIVE and they need a find a way to make money without a high school diploma, without a strong grasp of the English language, and without the kind of work place skills you get simply from spending time in the workforce.
It’s tragic.
I went to an excellent Lubavitch school (not in the US), strong in both Jewish and secular studies, and it pains me to see how my friends who went to the types of schools you describe are struggling.
YMSP
The Rebbe dealt with this in letter after letter. While I recognize that that today means little to many people, the Rebbe’s caring and insight into human nature should speak for itself.
There’s something called emunah, recognizing that parnasso comes miraculously anyway (we make the kli and that’s through Torah, mitzvos and yegias kapaim, doing or thinking how to accomplish, rather than yegias moach, thinking over and over). Lack of emunah destroys parnasso and over thinking is compared by the Rebbe to a piece of clothing that is too long (the extra amount ruins the usefulness of the whole thing).
That is the gist of many letters.
But that too isn’t enough for many today.
So let’s look with our eyes. Jews and frum Jews in particular, succeed at a much higher rate per capita than any other group. Lubavitcher families, with KE”H a dozen or more kids, manage to survive and grow dorei doros.
Aside from that, people who learned only kodesh and who developed a hismasrus (an attitude of firm commitment – and yes, I’m overusing English to make a point) to doing whatever needs to be done, are smarter, more agile in thought and better businesspeople than those who learned unnecessary limudei chol, which only serves to slow down the thought process and is generally useless.
If the student who learned only kodesh needs certain training or a degree in a specific area, he will certainly be able to do so faster and easier, and then work with a clearer mind, than those whose primary years were wasted with limudei chol. This has been shown to be the case over and over again and at the end of the day, Hashem’s hand in everyone’s parnossa is very clear.
Anonymous
If your already such an unhappy person: your kids will need all the help they can get from the “new wave@ teachers and educators.
Learn to live your own life and leave others alone. If someone chooses a “new” school, thats their business. It’s not your job to be guardian of everyone.
Live and let live!!
LUBAVITCHER EDUCATOR
Dear Writer
You couldnt have written a better letter!!!
who defines wether this School called Lubavitch is really according to the Rebbes direction?
or according to the education altogether.
If someone puts a Board up,KOSHER RESTAURANT,but sells inside Treife meat ,does it make it kosher?
We need a global Inspection committee,where parents can turn to ,when the incorrect things are done.
I am a Lubavitcher Teacher.
Lame
Haha! Educator?????? Look at your spelling and don’t disgrace the title!
Yaakov Mark
For sure the Rebbe wanted schools with certain criteria, but what about the communities where there are Chabad Houses and few Chossidim? And what about the kids that don’t do well in the real Chossidishe schools? There are needs that these schools fulfill and yes they are teaching Lubavitch philosophy, so let them be called Lubavitch, while the other ones you speak of can be called Lubavitch Mosdos or whatever. The bottom line is you need to speak to other parents to get a feel for the school. If your kid needs the secular subjects than you send him to that type of school , and if he does not then so be it. Unfortunately we live in a world that does not resemble Crown Heights.
Shliach
Precious. Every word a pearl. Get ready for some stiff bashing here..
Could you, a a public favor, write another op in the same vein- about the institution of “Shlichus”? There are quidelines from the Rebbe that are blatantly ignored, while getting free PR from the “Lubavitch” websites. Some sites censor the photos to eliminate chillul Hashem, but clicking on the neighboring site will give the full glum picture. It’s high time seder was made here as well.
Two Questions for the Author
1) Why do you assume that the young Lubavitch parents sending their children to these schools are ignorant? Maybe they want this integrated and progressive education, even though it may go against what the Rebbe wants?
2) You speak of the Yirash Shmoayaim and chasidishkeit the “accepted and established” Chabad mosdos are supposedly educating out children with. Get a reality check. They are are not providing Yiras shomayim and chasidishkeit to most children as you assume, because if they truly were, the young Lubavitch generation would look a lot different.
Context is Everything
Dear Author,
Please clarify the following regarding your presentation of the Rebbe’s “5-Point Plan” for proper Chabad education:
1. LIMUDEI KODESH AND CHOL: You reference Shaarei Chinuch pages 295-299, that the Rebbe categorically allowed “limudei chol” ONLY in the afternoon. But reading the bottom of page 298, there, the Rebbe acknowledges extenuating circumstances where this may not be entirely possible, in which case the day should start with AT LEAST ONE teaching of kodesh.
In the case of the “progressive” school you are criticizing, did you approach them to understand how their integrated “Jewish-world wisdom” curriculum is exactly structured throughout the day and why?
Could it be that there are reasons they do what they do that involve the fundamental methods they employ?
Are you accusing them of “prioritizing” chol over kodesh? If so, do you have anything to base such an accusation off of other than the fact that their unique educational method – a method you do not profess to understand or even acknowledge anywhere in your article – may necessitate this for some reason you haven’t thought of?
In any case, I know for a fact that they start the day – their “reishis arisoseichem” — with various “Kodesh.”
2. KOSHER ANIMALS AND INFLUENCES: Regarding the insistence on kosher animal toys and non-Jewish influences, please define the latter term, and how the schools you are hinting to have transgressed this before your own eyes?
And are you really claiming that no chabad schools around the country have toys or pictures or books on their premises that have non-kosher animals?
Have you never read the Talks and Tales wonders of nature section? Is it not possible that a school could fundamentally create an environment where all of the world becomes a lesson in holiness?
Is it not the responsible thing to do to engage the school in discussion before jumping to conclusions?
In any case, the Rebbe’s approach to this topic is nuanced, and invoking it as one of five “fundamentals” in your public attack against a school is, to be polite…
3. SEPARATION OF BOYS AND GIRLS: You quote Shaar Hachinuch pages 301-303.
I’m not sure what point you meant to bring here from those pages, as NONE of the schools in your – our — community have mixed classes past the age of 5 or 6, not even the “progressive” one you’ve singled out.
(Parenthetically, according to one respected mashpiyah in this community, at least one of the “established mosdos chabad” here had mixed pre-schools before the advent of the Head Start funded programs).
And in regard to this “progressive” school — which, due to the fact that it is a small start up institution, houses its girls and boys between the ages of 3-8 in one building — there are indeed separate entrances (and even separate staircases) for the lower elementary girls and boys and girls, as the Rebbe requests on page 302 of Shaar Hachinuch.
In the other letter reference on page 302, which seems to disapprove of girls being in the same building as boys entirely, we are not given any context as to the ages of the school children involved.
And if you look up the letter in its source (Igros Kodesh vol 11 page 27), the Rebbe seems to assume that in the case of that school, there would be no difficulty in finding another location for the girls due to the small size of the class. In the case of the “progressive” school you are criticizing, separating the girls from the educational leadership that mentors the teachers constantly would prove fatal to their education (another reason why Igros Kodesh is a poor source to prove “categorical” policies of Lubavitch. The Rebbe, I believe, stressed that individual advice in Igros cannot be applied equally across the board. How then do you come off invoking Igros Kodesh to publicly disparage a fledgling community institution that most certainly has unique circumstances?)
Oh, and about that last letter (in vol.11), if you look at it in the source, it also has the Rebbe dismissing entirely the notion of uniforms for Chabad girls schools. I trust your next Op-Ed will be attacking the local established mosdos chabad for that.
4. REBBE’S INSISTENCE THAT LUBAVITCHER MOSDOS BE HEADED BY THOSE WHO RECEIVE MOST OF THEIR CHINUCH FROM TOMCHEI TEMIMIM. For this you quote Shaar Hachinuch page 337.
Yet again, you do not disclose the context of these sources to your readers, nor do you even quote them accurately.
The first letter on this topic on page 337 is in regard to the head of a Mesivta for teenagers. In that case, the Rebbe insists that even if one must hire a Talmudic lecturer who is well trained in Talmud, is God-fearing, and is “connected” with chasidus, still the head of the mesivta should be one who received “most” of his education in “Lubavitch.” (Igros Kodesh vol. 3, page 481)
Nowhere does it mention “Tomchei Temimim,” though we may perhaps assume it means that institution considering that no other chabad yeshivos EXISTED at the time — in 1950!
The other letter quoted on page 337 (from Igros Kodesh vol. 4, page 71) was written by the Rebbe to Rabbi Lipsker in Morocco, also in 1950, concerning the fact that some Moroccan leaders wanted to change the name of the Chabad yeshivah there to include the Moroccan yeshivah system name “Keter Torah.” The Rebbe cautioned against this, because then these other leaders might want to make policy changes that would alter the form of the school itself, a form which, the Rebbe says, could only be maintained if policy-making were entirely in the hands of “Temimim and those educated by my father-in-law, the Rebbe.”
Anyone familiar with the Rebbe’s terminology, knows that the latter term “those educated by my father-in-law, the Rebbe” includes all those who have been trained in the teachings and path of Chabad chasidus, and is not restricted to graduates of Tomchei Temimim (which was in any case, again, the only chabad yeshivah that EXISTED at the time of the writing of the letter).
(Parenthetically, note that on the top of page 339 in Shaar Hachinuch, the Rebbe suggests that those who CAME to Chabad rather than being BORN into it, could actually make better teachers in Chabad institutions).
5. TZNIUS AND ROLE MODELING. Here more than anywhere else, I fail to see what you are suggesting with this point? That a particular local school hires teachers that are not tznius or religious?
Clearly you have not visited the “progressive” school you are speaking of, if they are the object of your criticism here.
May I conclude pointing your attention to Rabbi Simon Jacobson’s treatment of the subject of criticizing teachers’ tznius in this very week’s online Applied Chasidus, Episode 18, available at this link (topic starts at timecode 21:38):
http://crownheights.info/something-jewish/438563/800pm-what-defines-a-lubavitcher/
Note also his statement there about publicly criticizing schools without first approaching them directly for dignified and mature discussion (at timecode 33:33).
What timely wisdom.
To #35
Apparently you are well connected, if not at the head of one such institution. The fact that you feel the need to defend yourself in so much detail is the best evidence that what the author wrote is true and timely. Truth hurts. Better have a good look at your school and make it a place that would truly make the Rebbe proud, not just according to your own warped interpretations.
#35 Your arguments are Flawed
Your detailed arguments are so flawed, they sound like a scramble to defend yourself in an irrefutable argument.
No mention of CH
Nowhere does the author mention CH or any local Mosad. The issues the author so eloquently elaborates on apply in Pittsburgh, Miami, Toronto and other Anash communities just as they do in CH.
Your detailed rebuttal is the best proof that ‘oifen ganev brent di hittel’
Chaim
Context is Everything wrote:
“May I conclude pointing your attention to Rabbi Simon Jacobson’s treatment of the subject of criticizing teachers’ tznius in this very week’s online Applied Chasidus, Episode 18, available at this link (topic starts at timecode 21:38):
http://crownheights.info/something-jewish/438563/800pm-what-defines-a-lubavitcher/”
Although I really like and appreciate Rabbi Simon Jacobson’s Applied Chasidus, which I make an effort to watch every week and I also happen to agree with much of almost everything he has to say, EXCEPT for his opinion on hoe to deal with ‘tznius’ (when it comes to teachers as discussed).
I’ll quote from another commenter:
The series is excellent wrote:
“But something irks the good Rabbi when the talk turns to doing something about tznius. His friendly and soothing demeanor changes. This is the second broadcast that he gets tipped off by the critique (which is 1000% correct).”
When it comes to this issue it seems to be more personal and not so objective.
I feel like he’s protecting someone.
E
In an official Lubavitch mosad my child was treated like a problem that needed to be eliminated. In a big school with a large staff that could have handled it much better. They didn’t have any compassion for the family situation and challenges of this child and made her feel like she was not wanted anywhere. In a small school they did not bat an eyelash when they heard what the issues were they accepted her with love and she has been THRIVING in yiddishkeit, secular academics and social and life skills. And yes ,we are average lubavitchers ffb who try to do our best. If I can get the best for my precious children from a ‘non-official’ school I have no problem with it. I prefer unofficial but in touch, loving and yes, contrary to popular opinion, frum and chassidish, to official but out of touch and corporate that makes me child feel like dirt. Thank you.
Respect
I wonder if this is the kind of arguments Rabbi Akiva’s students would have? It is okay to have varying views however, it isn’t okay to publicly shun an institution, no matter what! Anyways, some of these new institutions are doing exceptional work providing Jewish, Chassidish Chinuch Al Pi Darko. Think a little harder, would the Rebbe approve such a letter? Look again in the Tanya, Chabbad Chassidus has a great appreciation for Baalei Teshuvos. How can you state that only students of TTL should be allowed to be Mechanchim? I will not take too much time to argue with all your points because I for one will stand up and say NO!!! You can not shun and belittle in the name of the Rebbe, it is wrong!!! You can take your interpretation of the Lubavitch Chassidism and impose them on others!!! We all have the same Rebbe and the same Seforim, and the same inner spark that guides to our unique Avodos Hashem! And your Avodah is not Sinah!
It Has Only Just Begun
Oh my poor dear! Just wait. It truly doesn’t get better. It truly gets worse. No oversight. No standards. From pre-1A, way up until post-mesivta. Right now you are worried about secular studies. How about when you have to worry about the warped approach to honesty, ethics and morals, which sits clearly within LImudei Kodesh? And for all those people out there who wonder why this was unsigned? Give me a break. The educational mafia is much better organized – her child would not be allowed in any school. As it was pointed out to my husband and myself when we were crying over the broken system: You need to support your family? Open a family business. Grocery store not for you? Open a yeshiva.
Please define secular vs. jewish education
I have always been curious about what gets lumped into the secular education category.
If you believe that Hashem created the world, then you would need to believe that most things in this world are neither secular or Jewish. Would you call numbers secular? If you do, then you shouldn’t use them. Would you call water, science and therefore a big no no. But don’t you feel it is important to know where your water comes from. What about learning about your body and the way it works or should we relegate that information to the ‘secular’ category.
Aren’t all of these things miracles of our creation?
Can you imagine what life would be like without people delving into the mysteries of the world.
Accrediation
This is so spot on. Dear author sorry you are getting undo crtisisim, welcome to Chabad Education.
Your next piece should be about how education has become big business.
Thanks crownheights.info as the other site would never publish any of this unless it came from …well thanks
totally get this
When researching schools for my kids I was in shock that some of the preschools run by shluchim had the emphasis on the secular subjects. Most of the teachers wore pants, mini skirts and didn’t even cover their hair. In one of the preschool classes the main morah was not even Jewish. When I asked the rabbi why this was his response was she had a college degree but assured me that every other day one of the rabbis would come to teach the kids Jewish songs. Needless to say I didn’t send my kids to this school
As a bt I feel like shluchim are doing a major disservice to their communities and providing a very watered down version of Judaism. Today these popular cookie cutter preschools that open up remind me more of my days of going to reform Sunday school than that resembles the chabad I was raised in.
MaidofCH
Unfortunately money talks. People will vote with either their feet or their wallets. There might be pressure on some of the Chabad schools to adhere to the parents’ wishes, even if it means dilution of Chabad principles.
As an example, many of the shluchim who run “kiruv” schools or camps (for BT congregations) have to deal with intermarried couples. I know of some who accept non-Jewish children (father is Jewish), with the rationale that the child can learn Judaism, just not have a bat or bar mitzvah.
To me this is not only absurd, but harmful and confusing to both Jewish and “half-Jewish” students unless the intermarried couple is planning on conversion.
People might argue that someone like me wouldn’t send my children there anyway. That’s not the point. Lines have to be drawn somewhere; there should be no mixed messages. While I understand the fear of alienating the Jewish father — or of losing financial support — people who run Chabad schools, or run schools in the name of Chabad, have a responsibility to maintain and represent Orthodoxy, not only Chabad.
Citizen Berel
Don’t worry cause all the not frum friend of Chabad schools charge lots of money and have parents what know exactly what they are paying for.
#6
Spot on is your response. It does raise a challenging question. Does one continue following the Rebbe’s directives in education when it is clear that for some people they are not successful? I guess this not something you or I can answer however it is hard when one sees their children struggling. Some people may read this and label me in a certain way. We have always had a leader and we still do but it is clear that something has to change in education. This is hard when people say that “if the Rebbe wanted it differently he would have done so”.
Agree in principle, but I may have an answer
I found this op-ed to be an oblique, if genuinely asked, attack on “the system.” No, it is not perfect, but your question, if I understood it correctly, was who defines Chabad education? Meaning, what standards are or should be in place and under whose direction? I suggest you contact Rabbi Nochum Kaplan, who oversees Chabad schools (I forget his exact title, forgive me.) He will be able to guide you & answer your questions. The points you raised are very important & I certainly can’t address them. I am an educator, I taught in “our” schools & some policies are definitely misleading and inconsistent. However, education today is a little like salmon trying to swim upstream: some make it, others don’t.
Contact Rabbi Kaplan. I’m sure he will be able to answer your questions: perhaps he will write an op-ed in response.
Anonymous
Lady , you live in a BUBBLE ! The “system” is broken. Wake up and smell the coffe .
Crown Heights
in the olden days when You did not want to be “CHABAD” You left “Crown Heights” and moved out. some whent to Five towns, some to Monsey etc.
the point is that Now 20 years after Gimel tamuz the CHUTZPA is Great and a congregation that is the furthest from Lubavitch ways took the name [……], and same people are the leaders of the transformation to new era of Chabad Lite or just derech benei Yishmoel .
Shame on us Crown Heights
Chanoch Ha'chochom
This is an exceptional article. Very clear and articulate and you present an irrefutable argument.
You’ve just called out the emperor who is not wearing clothes. Those who are writing negative comments are simply the highly embarrassed emperor.
Kol hakavod! We want to hear more from you!
Irrefutable Argument?
Just because your mind isn’t wide enough to listen to and discuss another person’s perspective, it does not make her argument irrefutable. It makes your mind closed.
YMSP
Or maybe he’s thought it through and decided that the Rebbe knows more about Chinuch and raising the next generation than some naysayer who rips at people’s comments. That would be an open mind…
with the old breed
well said. We need to change the system where summer is a time to learn how not to learn!!!
Moshe
To the author if you got something off your chest I’m happy for you other than that it’s like a broken record round around round it goes.#2 I think the rebbe once said better to be in our dirt then their gold so whatever this system is unfortunately I’m happy my kids are in Lubavitch (like I said I think the rabbe said something to that effect someone correct me if I’m wrong)#3 however to spin the record a little more I brought up a point to the big shots in yeshiva was when you get a contract to fix your house you would not take anybody you would make sure he’s qualified insured has recommendations so on and so forth so why when they hire teachers who educate our children they don’t have any recommendations or any type of education to make them qualified I don’t know.P.s some teachers are good naturally talented
Torah (611) = Mada (114) & Amanut (497)
I find it humorous how you accuse others of shamelessly misusing quotes and yet you continuously label things as “indisputable” based on your own misuse and misunderstanding. How sad and unfortunate you are unable to truly see and believe that all the arts and sciences are part of Torah. B”H there are finally some options for Lubavitchers to provide their children with an education will actually inspire and educate them and awaken them to the true beauty and depth of Chassidus unlike so much of the narrow-minded and misdirected approach that currently is part of the “system.”
Spot On
Quite sad and unfortunate that you describe the Rebbe’s ideas as “narrow-minded and misdirected”. It’s outlooks such as yours that the writer is addressing. Enough said.
Chaya
I can’t wait till all the commentators here who are bashing “chabad lite” progressive schools, and the like have children who reject their old-school ways.
Because heed my words: there is a polarization now. Chabad will be split into two: progressives and radicals. I call them radicals because moderate conservatives always tend to become radical when they see an increase of liberalism on the other side.
Just think about history, its happened before, and continues to happen. you always have the right and the left fighting until enough time passes that they forget they were one, and hold themselves as separate entities, opposed to each other, discrediting each other.
In this day and age of the internet, if you are not a progressive, somewhere down the line someone in your family will because they wont tolerate your radicalism.
Citizen Berel
It’s ok you can send your kids to progressive school.
CHLEAKS.COM
Actually I find that those who consider themselves progressives or liberal are the real radicals. When they [name] call the conservative radical, they are just projecting.
Just look how nasty, mean and cruel the progressives or liberals get when they encounter someone who does not agree with them.
It is Tavka the progressives or liberals that try to force everyone to follow their way of life. If you don’t hold the same opinion as them then you must be a radical conservative (aka ‘Tea Party “nut”). Again a projection.
The proof of this is in the comments above.
Another point:
Yes, the more Fry the modern or ‘chabad-lite’ get, and they are getting more and more nonreligious as time goes by. The more the other side will (by nature) step up their game.
As this happens, the so called “middle line”, those who thought they can dance at both parties must make a chose of what type of life they want to lead. Do they want a frum/Chassidic life or a so called modern/chabad-lite/fry life.
After the tragedy which was COTS, I myself had to ask myself this question. It came from my own soul, not from outside influence.
One day I’ll write an extensive op-ed on my site regarding this matter.
Sara
I agree completely its a sad reality about time schools take a real stand and create high standards for our children
Mushkay
Chabad schools are thrown together with whatever teachers the “administration” (usually people with no background in education other than having taught for a year or two, but are older or perhaps more enthusiastic than others) can cobble together. If the school is in a small community with not a lot of money, then you will sadly get what you pay for. You might get lucky and get some of those old time teachers who can really teach. Or some girl right out of seminary who will be cute and fun, but with no experience.
youre missing the point.
Parents are choosing these schools precisely because they don’t adhere to the old standards, because many people who have been through the system feel it has failed them and they don’t want to subject their children to the same struggle. Who cares about the label? It can be called Chabad or not, or Yeshiva or whatever, the name is completely besides the point. Parents aren’t so stupid and naive as to sendtheir kid to an institution for 10+ years just because it says Chabad over the front floor. We’re looking at substance! These so-called progressive schools you criticize have the chasidish, warm, individualized, non-judgmental values I’m looking for, and not having the Chabad name won’t change that. Instead of criticizing, why not look at why these new schools have become so popular so quickly? Because people are fed up with failure! Keep insisting that it’s the Chabad approach, that doesn’t change what I see with my own eyes, how many children are not served by the old system.
How do you know if it's good or bad ?
Where did you take the correct info about any school , did you make an inspections /checkups or Chabad /religion regions in Torah Topics and you know the averages , min or max in every age group /class/school ….
Your info /judgements based on mommy experience of a pre1A student , that didn’t start his school yet , as well as your friendship circle mothers experience ….
Yes , maybe it’s not perfect … I believe that healthy competition will give better quality in Jewish /Chassidushe Education ….Time will tell us who is right and who wasn’t ….
Support your school and make it better , it’s a rule
to chaya
its an old split: its called frum and not frum- they “progress slowly till somewhere down the line they imtermarry and forget their faith, unfortunately-
just know in which direction you are heading.
Clarifications - Reclarified
Clarifications – Reclarified
Early I posted that the Frierdiker Rebbe’s letter printed as an introduction to Kuntres Eitz HaChaim is not focused on the “modernization” of the “cheder” (in 1930s Europe), but on the increasing lack of passion and hidur mitzvah, and the lack of study of Chasidic teaching, among the general young-adult “yeshivah” world of the day.
But on second examination, there is in fact a section in that letter where the Frierdiker Rebbe links this growing spiritual apathy among the older teenagers in the yeshivos gedolos to the growing changes in the cheders.
And I quote (translation is my own):
*****
“All things have a cause. Most of the young students who are now already in the yeshivos, when they were previously learning in cheder, the new approach of the “improved” chadorim of the G-d-fearing German-speaking Jewish community, such as Torah Im Derech Eretz, Yavneh, etc, began to sweep through, and the cheder with the melamed who was a model of Jewish warmth was thrown aside and despised. And for all kinds of dubious reasons, they began to legitimize methods in (Hebrew) literacy (lit. pronunciation) that discarded the learning of the vowels, and with the holy being treated as “mundane” and the mundane being treated, to a great degree, as “holy” and “pure,” whether against the will [of the school] or by the will [of the school]…
[Here the Frierdiker Rebbe goes into a Chasidic analysis about confession on Yom Kippur]
“…And by the time the student reaches yeshivah, he is already aware that there is a new spirit among the G-d-fearing world, and that this new spirit has taken grip of the walls of the yeshivah, to change them, or at least improve them and give them a veneer.
“The (yeshivah) student thus realizes and ponders, and comes to the conclusion that the (yeshivah) teachers and directors have progressed, and a beis medrash is no longer the “old-fashioned” place where they studied Torah for Torah’s sake; where they studied Torah in order to know the will and wisdom of the exalted Giver of the Torah, blessed be He; where they studied Torah in order to know Jewish law and fulfill mitzvos b’hidur.
(Instead), the student sees the directors of the institutions and the Talmudic lecturers focusing their hearts on the exaltedness of logic and mental gymnastics (pilpul), and he comes to think of the yeshivah as a place of human thought and intelligence; the awareness of the Giver of the Torah, that Torah is His blessed wisdom and will, is removed.
This is the summary-description of the current state of affairs in the yeshivos.”
****
Now, as mentioned in my earlier post, the Frierdiker Rebbe goes on to decry how these yeshivah students shave their beards, seek after every halachic leniency they can find, and have no education in chasidus. Clearly, he is not referring to students in chabad yeshivos – with English studies or without – but students who are receiving an education that is completely void of any Chasidic spirit, philosophy, bitul, you name it.
It is patently clear to anyone who knows anything about the Lithuanian approach to learning, that it is not uncommon for the inspiration behind their Talmudic study to be focused (if not on heavenly reward and/or earthly honor, then) entirely on the “geshmak”, the pleasure, of the intellectual inquiry, leaving one more often than not entirely un-phased spiritually after the experience. And it is no secret that the yeshivah students who shaved their beards back then — and who still do so today — were those of the Lithuanian/German persuasion.
If more proof were needed, the very fact that this letter was written in response to someone who questioned why chasidus is necessary at all if one studies “musar,” proves that the community the Frierdiker Rebbe was analyzing was not of the “Chasidic Brotherhood.”
THUS, while the Frierdiker Rebbe might be attributing the “root-cause” of these Lithuanian yeshivah students’ spiritual “coldness” (as he himself phrases it elsewhere in the letter) to changes in their cheder system of the day, when one looks at the specific changes and results the Frierdiker Rebbe is identifying, it is patently clear that they have no bearing on this “progressive” CHABAD CHASIDIC INSPIRED school the author of the above article is criticizing.
This school is infused with Chasidic joy, inspiration, teaching, and, yes, bitul.
This school is all about connecting its students in the deepest and most personal way possible to the will and wisdom of the Aibishter.
This school instills love and hiskashrus to the Rebbe, and excitement about all the Rebbe’s teachings, including the joyful anticipation of, and personal active responsibility in bringing, Moshiach.
And this school is dedicated to combatting the spiritual coldness that is so rampant among youth emerging from other yeshivos in the Jewish community, whether locally or abroad.
Ladies and gentlemen: When it comes to discussions of halachah, one is not allowed to “pasken” out of the Mishnah or Shulchan Aruch without understanding the entire underlying context of the halachic principle under discussion as well as the individual and personal and complex circumstances of the case being judged.
Thus, to bring pithy quotes from a letter written in an entirely different time and context, about an entirely different community and educational system, is not only misleading and dishonest, it is potentially greatly damaging.
The can of worms you left out
I see you diplomatically left out the fact that the “Chabad Lite” institutions are bypassing the Yiddish language, teiching directly from Loshon Kodesh to English!
This means that the number of Lubavitch adults who can intelligibly learn and really study much of what the Rebbes of Chabad wrote, is about to grow smaller and smaller!
What Lubavitcher with “Lubavitch Semichah,” who can’t really read Yiddish well, is going to truly be in a position to intelligently (that is, with a Yiddishe Kop!) give over what the Rebbes wrote????
Citizen Berel
You are confused. Both sides of the old and unsettled argument about how to teach Chumash have sincerely frum and wises proponents.
Your equating of learning Chumash or not learning Chumash with knowing or even learning Yiddish or not is as simplistic as it is false.
It may be hard for you to relate to, but there are better ways to learn a language than vayidaber Hashem un der Eibershter hut gezugt and the Hashem said.
This in not the place but the above learning sequence makes no sense from any perspective.
how low have we fallen
A commentator here completely discredits the authors theory and the only responses are “oif the ganef brent di hitel”, “the proof that your wrong is that you are defending yourself”,”you are warped”, etc.
The author or someone like minded has the responsibility to respond intelligently. Otherwise I can only conclude that these so called “progrssive” schools are actually looking to the Rebbe for guidance on how to run a school rather than being lazy like some of the old entrenched schools.
what Montessori has to do with Chabad?
Can we have a meaningful discussion about Montessori and what it has to do with Chabad?
My laundry list
I am a traditionalist.
All my kids have been through “the system” here in Crown Heights.
What I have noticed over the years is as follows (this goes for both boys and girls schools):
1. There are huge gaps in curriculum. Scope and sequence charts that teach skills progressively are virtually non-existent.
2. Each year is “luck of the draw” in terms of teachers because there is not enough teacher training to create a unified behavior standard.
3. Leadership is weak, or non-existent so that there is no quality control in the classroom, be it in academics or classroom management.
4. Teachers are hired based on the following qualifications: 1) they showed up for an interview and 2) they are willing to wait long months for a paycheck
5. There is absolutely no atmosphere of simcha or loving kindness
6. There is next to zero individualization for students who don’t fit into a particular mold
7. Parent involvement is, to put it kindly, discouraged. Parents who try to get involved, or who lodge complaints are branded as troublemakers. Unless they have a lot of money.
8. There is almost no teacher accountability. A Rebbe can threaten his students with bodily harm, a teacher can be emotionally abusive and they will still be assured job security. In some cases, they will be promoted.
9. Students are taught a lot of spit-back information and very little in the way of critical thinking skills.
10. Chassidishkeit is a “one size fits all” prescription, instead of an individualized approach to avodas Hashem. So talmidim are encouraged only to do as everyone else is doing, leaving them with unanswered questions and no ability to carve out their own unique relationship with the Rebbe and with the Aibershter.
The question is: If the “approved” Chabad mosdos are missing all this, can you blame anyone for wanting to try something different?
Anonymous
The answer, my dear fellow crown heightsers, is get Shimon Warenker into the Yeshivas the Rebbe established so that our kids will start to LOVE going to Yeshiva every day, enjoy learning and not veer from the straight path when they get older.
In summation
Your problem stems from the fact that chabad is a fee for all with no accreditation (had there been any ‘real’ system of education this would not have been possible) the same can be said about anyone claiming to be a chabad house. Your issue has nothing to do with the schools that are a lot better and more dedicated than the older more established mosdos you sing so highly about….
to 44
I agree!!!
Tzubruchene hartz
I recently went on my fb to reach out to a young teen that I met at our Chabad house. No longer frum, connected at our Friday night meal over camp songs.
The kids that this teen is associated with literally broke my heart. I experienced physical pain. Lubavitch families with children who are longer connected to their yiddishkeit in any way. Lost. Dissolusioned. Searching. And we all think this could never happen to my child. Reality check. This is happening every day to OUR children.
I do not know any of these “progressive schools” that you write about but I do know that none of these said schools existed when the aforementioned teens were in school. WE ARE DOING SOMETHING WRONG.
Change in all our Moidos must happen immediately.
IN REACH. The way we would treat a fremde child that walked into our home with love, acceptance and patience – why are we not doing that for our children. Where is the positive reinforcement, the unconditional love and acceptance that these children are craving. Connecting to kids. Listening to kids. Letting kids question and hearing them.
All the energy expended on all these back and forth comments from many wise people. People who clearly care about our children, let’s come together to make change. To raise children who leave yeshivas and girls schools with a strong sense of Jewish pride. A love of yiddishkeit. A love of being Lubavitch.
We must do something. I spend every day trying to inspire my children with love for Hashem and the Rebbe. And every day is a battle.
Let’s put our respective energies to do what needs to get done. And just get it done!!
i completely agree
with this article.
its a shame that school and shluchim use the chabasd name and in the Rebbes name go against his ways in a way that drags him with.
however…if you search hard enough, there are BH some schools that try their best to do what the Rebbe wished- and BH i am very hapy with the schools that my children are in. the mechanchim and Hanhola are always there for us, and proudly doing as the Rebbe would have liked.. the teachers are always tznius, chassidish, rebbeim have a chayus…etc.
may Hashem help you find the best place for your child.
another point…why are the modern ppl so convinced that a secular education will give their child a better education???? look around my friend, i see lots of very successful israelis who grew up with no secular, no english, and i see lots of BTs who had a very secular education who are struggling- sp open your eyes and realize- PARNASSA IS FROM HASHEM!!! try all you want but your only gonna make as much as he decides you will…its not based on a secular education- learning torah wisens you and when its time to learn a trade the mind is so sharp you can learn in a half year what it takes kids in public school 15 years plus.
Hashem Yaazor.