The three pillars of Jewish education are Torah study, religious observance and community service. These pillars form the pillars of our communal life, so it is no wonder that Jews all over the world celebrate the Day of Torah Learning with great enthusiasm. In this blog post, religious educator Samuel Waldman will discuss each of these pillars in greater detail, as well as some topics for parents to keep in mind when choosing a school for their children.
What is Torah Study?
This is the study of the Torah, which is the foundation of the Jewish religion. Torah study is the process of learning and analyzing the words, phrases, and concepts that make up the Torah. It is based on the written and verbal tradition of the Israelites, as well as the oral traditions of the prophets. As we study the Torah, we learn how God relates to His people and the various situations and challenges they face in their daily lives. Through the Torah, we come to understand the essence of God’s character and how He wants us to relate to Him.
What is Jewish Education?
Jewish education is the process of teaching Judaism to children and adults. It begins with the study of the Torah, continues with cheder, shul and yeshiva instruction, and concludes with community service and participation in activities related to Judaism. The complete journey of a child from birth to adulthood requires a strong foundation in Jewish education. This is achieved by teaching children the basics of Judaism from a young age. The aim is to create in the child a lifelong love of Judaism, explains Samuel Waldman.
What is the Importance of a Good School?
A good school is an important part of any child’s journey to adulthood. It is through schooling that children learn about themselves, about others, and about the world around them.
Samuel Waldman has had a diverse career in religious education. After being indoctrinated by the teachings of Horav Hagoan Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L, he helped others become involved in religious education. After spending 4 years learning at Mirrer Yeshiva, he was invited to join the Kollel of The Yeshiva Mercaz HaTorah at Belle Harbor. After 2 years he become a Mashgiach of the High School there. Samuel Waldman was also a great teacher at Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe, and has left an impact on many students over the period he taught there. He has been teaching for 11 years from 4th to 7th grade, as well as teaching at Camp Torah Vodaas (now known as Camp Dora Golding) in addition to his work with Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe.
How to Help your Child Find a Good School
Here, Samuel Waldman shares a few tips to make the process of finding a good school easier.
Make sure your child is aware of the different types of schools in the area
This can help them identify the right fit for them. Encourage your child to ask questions. A good school will be able to offer more information than a bad one, and they’ll want to make sure they aren’t getting anything wrong.
Find out what programs and services are available to students.
For example, is there a summer school program? Do they have after-school programs? Research the school’s reputation in the community. Is it known for being a safe school? Is there a bad reputation for schools in the area? Make sure your child is aware of the after-school programs and services available at the school. Many Jewish schools have after-school programs that are a great way for kids to stay involved in school after hours.
Bottom line
Finding the right school for your child can be challenging. There are a number of factors that can help parents make this important decision. Your child’s age is an important consideration. As they grow older, they will experience a transition from being actively involved in a religious community to being an individual. This can be a scary, confusing time for the whole family, so it’s important to make sure you and your child are able to navigate this change smoothly.
The three pillars of Jewish education are Torah study, religious observance and community service. A great school will be able to combine these pillars to great effect, providing a balanced education that will help your child reach their full potential. If you’re still having trouble choosing the right school for your child, consider volunteering at a school in the area that you’re interested in. You’ll have more insight than anyone into what type of school is right for your child, and you can provide feedback on what works and what doesn’t.
With a little luck, you’ll find the perfect school for your child. If your child is planning to go to a Jewish school, or has already attended a Jewish school, we would love to know what your experiences were. Did you enjoy your time there? Did you have problems adjusting to the different situations you had to deal with? We would love to hear from you in the comments!