Shelo Tishtakach Torah M’Yisroel; By: A Melamud. With the final taste of Chanukah fading in our memories, most of us would be only too happy to do nothing more than settle back into daily routine. For the mosdos hachinuch of our town, however, efforts are just beginning as registration for the upcoming school year is all but set to begin.
As was reported a while ago, in compliance with a new initiative by the leading askonim in the field, many of the prominent chadorim and girl’s schools have delayed opening their registration until this week.
According to this new protocol, registration for these mosdos has begun this week and will b’ezras Hashem be finalized by Rosh Chodesh Adar.
In the past, parents were forced into long months of nail biting suspense and anxiety, dashed hopes and too often, ultimate rejection. With the time frame for registration and acceptance significantly narrowed down, parents will be afforded piece of mind while greatly minimizing any anguish or angst. At the same time, this gives the mosdos and askonim a real and accurate picture of the need for placement options for those who find themselves still waiting, allowing for immediate and decisive action.
Noted askan, philanthropist, and champion of all tzorchei tzibbur, Shlomo Yehuda Rechnitz of Los Angeles, who has been at the forefront of this proposal, once again so eloquently verbalized what has long been in the hearts and minds of all involved. At this week’s Chanukas Habayis of Lakewood Cheder’s new magnificent building, dedicated in memory of his grandparents, Shlomo Yehuda seized the moment to sound the alarm of all those parents and children who have until now borne the brunt of “the system”. Shlomo Yehuda quoted the Gemorah in Bava Basra that sings the praises of Yehoshua Ben Gamla and details that if not for him, Nishtakach Torah M’Yisroel”, All of Torah would have been forgotten from this world. The Gemorah tells us that at that time, “the system” was that those who were fortunate to have fathers that were capable of teaching them Torah, were privileged to learn. The Yesomim on the other hand, who had no father, remained disadvantaged, and were denied the opportunity to learn Torah. Yehoshua Ben Gamla took the initiative and instituted an entire network of Melamdei Tinokos in every county and city so all children, beginning at age six, would have the opportunity to be taught Torah. This ultimately proved successful. Shlomo Yehuda posed a fundamental question. Why did the Gemorah assume that ALL of Torah would be forgotten on the basis of a minority of Yesomim not having a place to learn? The vast majority of children had fathers who were teaching them how to learn, ultimately guaranteeing the continuity of Torah in Klal Yisroel? How would a few unfortunate Yesomim without a teacher, jeopardize the whole concept of Torah, to the extreme of Nishtakach Torah M’Yisroel? His poignant answer should truly serve as a wakeup call for us all. “One can say a Litvishe terutz, Chasidishe terutz, Balabatishe terutz or a Brisker terutz, but one thing is for certain, the Gemorah is very clear, that even ONE child left out of school chas veshalom, will ultimately lead to “Nishtakach Torah M’Yisroel!!
With that, Shlomo Yehuda continued to implore upon the assembled, including his likes of many out of town guests, to be a part of the revolution; to realize that just as Yehoshua Ben Gamla accomplished in the past, anyone of means must see to it that there are schools and yeshivos in all cities and towns regardless of where he actually lives. It is the newfound pride and joy of Lakewood that with the new registration protocol and other proposals in the making, our roshei mosdos and askanim will be duly committed to do anything and everything in their power to assure Klal Yisrael that they will never risk the untenable possibility of “Nishtakach Torah m’Yisroel.”
It is our collective tefilla that cheifeftz Hashem biyodom yatzliach, and by extension we will be zoche to the realization of “vchol bonayich limudei Hashem.”
[TLS]
The expression you are thinking of is “in full swing”, not “in full gear”. It doesn’t make sense in this context. Please change, it sounds ridiculous.
Can someone please explained how delaying applications helped the situation?
I am with Abe ob this one. If someone, anyone can explain how this much touted eitzah, of delaying applications by some Mosdos helps, particularly when it is suggested that you apply to more then one Mossad, that would be greatly appreciated
Not to sound like a pessimist, but I doubt this is going to help. And what about the girls high schools? That is even worst!!! I would like to speak personally to this man and tell him what really goes on here.
How does some schools delaying the process help? Many schools said they would delay the process but quickly changed their minds. The schools still do not have enough space. If you don’t have an older sibling good luck!
To Mommy dearest.
Before you speak to anyone please get the facts straight .Accotding to the askonim involved 98 per cent of the prblems are caused by the fact that too many parents wsnt to send theur children to only the older schools that have no room. With a growth of over a thousand new students per year thst is obviously not possible. So the real problem lies eith the parents not the schools. Evetybody knows this yet they blame the schools.
Absolutely correct
Almost every student would be placed quickly if their parents were willing to go to newer schools thst had room. There are many parents that hold out for months trying yo get into schools thst are full.
So does this mean that every single child will be placed in a yeshiva or bais Yakov type school and that no one will be completely rejected ever again. Such wise words he says that not one single yid should be without proper chinuch.
I’m a proud parent of the new Meoros Bais Yaacov founded by Rabbi Avroham Landau. I couldn’t be happier with my decision to send there.I’m hearing that he might even be opening up a parallel primary class next year, I hope its true!
Whats so difficult to understand? Instead of a whole year of confusion and waiting and then at the last minute realize there really is no room, they will know clearly the situation and enough time to deal with it. My sister in law told me she and her 2 friends sending this year are very happy with this. They know they might not get the school they want but they know they will be taken care of.
Why this stress on sending your kids to newer schools? This town is so black and white so a new school is a serious risk, which is not for everybody. Hence the parents wanting an established school. I would not want my kids in a school that was opened because the person in charge wants a job without qualifications.
Does He know that there are kids still not accepted yet this year?
To Patrice
You are free to send your kids to established schools . But the fact is that we are adding several thousand new children every year and the established schools dont have enough room for every parent that wants to send . If you are not happy with the newer schools qualifications , you are definitely welcome to hire somebody qualified and make your own school . There is nobody in this town whose job it is to make one for you .
I’m not sure what 11 is talking about, me being a parent in a new school (Meoros) . Rabbi Landau the CEO/ Founder not only did he open his school for the klal as he is currently the director of development at the Cheder/ Bais Faiga (which he brought them to a new level) and was approached by the askunim to open. Mrs Dickstein the mehnalas comes with 30 years of experience.
I’m thrilled with my choice of a new school the experience of the staff and the excitement of a new school together give my daughter a great environment to succeed!
I don’t know where to post this. I’m just hoping someone can help me. I’m looking for a school for my adorable daughter for next year and want to apply to a school I feel is the right fit. I understand the new system in place and willing to go to a newer school (of course I go down and check it out like I do with any morah I send to) HOWEVER, every day I hear about another school in town. I’m not JUST applying anywhere.. maybe tom I’ll hear about another school that may work better. I need to know where I can get a comprehensive list of all the schools in town and their numbers and maybe a little about each one. PLEASE HELP ME! Tia
how cqn we contact mr. rechnitz about this?