A large gathering of rabbonim and representatives of orthodox Jewish educational institutions in London last week has heard updates on current government positions on education issues of serious concern to the kehilla.
The meeting, called by Rav Efrayim Padwa, Av Beis Din of the UOHC, on behalf of the kehilla, took place at midday on Tuesday at the kehilla headquarters in Stamford Hill and was attended by a large number of rabbonim, morei horo’oh and menahalim of schools from North and Northwest London. The updates received from rabbonim and askanim were reassuring in some ways but still of deep concern in others, and reinforced the belief that increased tefillos, achdus and further intervention with government representatives are a top priority in the ongoing battle for the protection of the future of Torah-true education and of the orthodox kehilla in this country.
The meeting was opened by Chairman Reb Pinchas Fuchs, briefly explaining the background of the Chinuch crisis and the united efforts that have already brought some positive results.
Speaking on behalf of the UOHC, Rosh Hakohol Rabbi Dovid Frand, emphasized the serious concerns of the kehilla on the threats to our Chinuch and described the way these issues are being addressed by Chinuch UK. He stressed the fact that no compromises are being made on matters of Yiddishkeit, and that the employment of the traditional method of shtadlanus requires much of its activities to be carried out far from the public eye and without publicity.
Mara D’asra Rav Efrayim Padwa gave divrei bracha, expressing the wish that the meeting should bring positive results for the continuation of traditional Chinuch in this country.
Reb Yechezkel Lipschitz, Menahel of Bnos Tzion Bobov Girls School gave a first-hand report of the experience of his school in Ofsted inspections over the past three years. He contrasted the unfortunate situation where individual schools each followed their own inclination in dealing with problematic issues, often resulting in additional problems for others, with the current more unified approach working under the umbrella of Chinuch UK and its rabbinical guidance.
A detailed report of the problematic issues and current government positions on them was heard from Reb Chaim Mordechai Pinter, a representative of Chinuch UK, who has been heavily involved in discussions with rabbanim, mechanchim and government representatives. In his presentation he updated the assembly on developments as well as on future prospects and concerns. He provided clear explanations of the role of the Department for Education and that of Ofsted and its inspectors and the legal powers of the different bodies and the effects of the reports and guidance they issue. Whilst differentiating between issues that are existential threats to our spiritual future and those that are problems and worries for the future, he assured the kehilla that Chinuch UK will not compromise its Torah-true position on all these issues, despite the difficulties that our mosdos face as a result.
Copies of relevant government papers were distributed explaining the current position as regards the main issues of concern. This material demonstrated that there have been positive developments in all areas, including the issues related to ‘protected characteristics’, the teaching of the absolute truth of Brias Ha’olam as taught in the Torah, government demands for broader ‘career guidance’ and ‘preparation for life in modern Britain’, cyber-safety, information on and interaction with other religions and cultures, as well as problems faced in Ofsted’s inspections and its interpretation of legal requirements. Reb Pinter pointed out that Chinuch UK takes expert legal advice to obtain true and reliable explanation of the implications of the exact wording of all government papers, in order to have a clear picture of the way that legislation and guidance affects us. He also pointed out that the organisation works closely with the Torah Education Committee (TEC).
Rav Shmuel Lew, Dayan Kehal Yetev Lev – Satmar, Menahel of Beis Rochel School and leading askan in Chinuch UK, also described some of the issues in which progress had been made and where satisfactory understanding with government figures has resulted in subtle changes in wording that are of far-reaching importance in the protection of our mosdos from unacceptable changes and interference. He described the positive changes in government attitude to non-compliance on matters of religious principles where schools are clearly successful and well-run and conform to other government standards, and emphasized the necessity of ensuring that requirements are met in all matters of health and safety. The Rov also described the pressures faced by menahalim during Ofsted’s often long and exhausting inspections and the chizuk they require to remain steadfast in all matters of Yiddishkeit. He concluded with the wish that the tefillos and efforts of the kehilla and its representatives should be successful, particularly in these yemei ratzon, leading to our continued success in preserving our holy Torah and messora until the coming of Moshiach.
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Any Londoner will tell you from these photos that 99% of the attendees are from Stamford Hill Chaseidish mosdos. There are only one or two attendees from normal Charedi schools in Golders Green. Names hidden for obvious reasons.