It was recently reported that the Moetzas Gedolei Yisrael of Agudas Yisrael has given its approval for a master’s program next year. The program will be in an Agudas Yisrael-affiliated Beis Yaakov in Haifa.
It is now reported the Slonim Rebbe Shlita, a member of the council, has clarified the details of the approval’ for his chassidim.
During a shiur given weekly to 100 avreichim by the rebbe’s son, who is a member of the Vaad Rabbonim for Education, the rebbe’s opinion on the matter was revealed.
· It was explained the position of the rebbe’s father, the Netivos Shalom ZT”L ZY”A was to distance oneself from higher education.
· The Torah council has permitted under very limited conditions, to study for a master’s equivalent and only if the lecturers are chareidi and have not studied in university with the exception of baalei teshuvah.
· The rebbe feels such a program is not l’chatchila but only b’dieved and only after one has consulted with a rav.
· The Torah council permits the program but it does not recommend it.
It is pointed out the Slonim Rebbe’s message is directed at his chassidim only and not the general tzibur.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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3 Responses
This rebbe says ‘great program, another says “bedieved program’, next says ‘worthy program’, the fourth says ‘yes with s few nos ‘.
Gosh, golly gee!
Strange comment. The Slonim Rebbe,shlita, generally has a reputation for being progressive and focused on the well being of his chassidim. Why would he want to deny them the opportunity of gaining the needed credentials to earn a good parnassah and insisting that all the instructors must not be the most well-trained people in their field?
Commenters #1 and #2 oppose the Rebbe. Apparently the Rebbe’s been outvoted 2 to 1.