The Problem And The Solution

The problem: In the Israeli Charedi educational system there seem to be two types of Yeshiva high schools. 1] Where the kids learn 10- 12 hours a day of gemara to the exclusion of virtually all else. 2] For kids off the derech.

Nothing, though, for GOOD KIDS who like to play soccer and to do chesed who just don't have the desire to sit and learn non-stop. Kids who need love and warmth and not just another Tosfos. There are loads of kids off the derech today and part of the reason is the rigidity of the educational system. [Another reason is the internet we are both connected to.... but that's another story.]

When I was in Chaim Berlin we once played basketball against Torah Vo'daas! In Israel that would be unheard of. "The Mir against Ponovitch". Never. But maybe it is healthy for kids to play ball. Kids are kids. Old boring men like me have no interest in sports anymore but that doesn't mean that kids shouldn't be allowed to be kids.

The Solution: Somebody should start a school for top notch kids - who are allowed to be kids. And maybe some secular studies on the side so that a child will one day have the means to earn a living which unfortunately doesn't exist in the Charedi system. In Kelm they taught secular studies in High School and Kelm was the frummiest place around, as those students of the history of the mussar movement know.

The Problem: Money. And not being ostracized.

The Solution: Overcome the problems and obstacles! [We all have a loving Father with limitless assets.]

Even though I am a big proponent of Aliya [as is Hashem!!:-)] the educational system in Israel is one possible reason not to come.

One note: The level of learning and frumkeit in many of the Yeshivas far exceeds the standard in the non charedi school system. That's why I send my kids there. My fourteen year old son has a friend who knows all six sedarim of mishna BY HEART and he has other friends on the way. Last year he learned maseches succah and the boys in his class were memorizing the whole mesechta. My 14 and 12 year old sons and their classmates know enough to be Rabbeim in numerous post high school yeshivos for American modern orthodox kids. So it's not all bad...

Those are my two cents. If you want to take this idea further you are blessed.