A large assembly is scheduled to take place in Jerusalem’s Arena Stadium next week for seminary (high school) girls affiliated with the Beis Yaakov system under the banner “The Way of Beis Yaakov” (בדרך בית יעקב), and its focus will be on the dangers of entering the secular academic system. The event has some angered as they have learned that funding comes from Jerusalem City Hall.
According to a Kikar News report, the driving force behind the kenos is the Slonim Rebbe Shlita, a member of the Moetzas Gedolei Yisrael of Agudas Yisrael. This very topic, secular education and the dangers it poses, was discussed by the rebbe last Shabbos during seudas shlishis. The rebbe warned that even one who is studying with the best of intentions may negatively impact one’s emunah and the bottom line, entering into an institution of secular academic education poses serious threats.
Supporters insist the event is a legitimate cultural activity and the city participates in funding such events. Secular activists feel the city is shooting itself in the foot by funding an event that seeks to persuade girls not to entertain secular education as an option for their futures.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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5 Responses
this concept may play out well in the chassidic realm, as there is not a stigma attached to working, and a great many truck driving and warehousing jobs are held by hasidic yungermen. In the Litvish world, work and even driving is an anathema, and BY graduates held down by the Hareidi glass cieling spells widespread poverty. On the other side of the balance, there is a great social cost to the highly educated career woman.
Ridiculous to fund such an event!
Jedem das seine
Zionflag, and others… the City funds other anti-moral parades and activities… why not attack their moral beliefs? Let’s fund “parades” but not Torah?????
This is clearly an attack on the opinion of the Tzaddikim by anti-Torah messengers.
Zionflag, don’t you find it ironic that the Liberal secularist who stand for a “hedonistic, do what makes you feel right attitide” can’t stand these types of “free speech”. Very hypocritical.
I attended 5 years of secular University in North America, and there is certainly a threat to pure neshamas. i am not talking about sticking ones head in the ground.
Going to College is about the experience!!!, not getting an education. Many Gedolim had secular college, and doctorates, but it was different, and they went to earn a degree.( Rav Noach, Rabbi Twersky, etc)
#1 Can you elaborate on the “great social cost to the highly educated career woman”?
The 3 to 4 courses given is far from the “highly or educated or career” women.