Q&A: Education
Education
Question
Hello Rabbi, I am becoming religious, my wife is partially so, and the children are oriented toward doing God’s will and are in a state religious kindergarten.
I would like to ask your opinion about three things:
1. Extracurricular activities: I want to enroll them in a swimming class, Krav Maga, and so on, but I haven’t found any religious framework for these things.
2. The beach: I go with them to a mixed beach; the separate beach in our area is simply inconvenient for me.
3. School: They are headed toward a mixed state religious school for boys and girls. It is the closest one to our home, and there aren’t too many other options in the area that aren’t Haredi (ultra-Orthodox).
I’m asking because I’m concerned that perhaps these things are not educationally right in terms of shaping their will. I would be glad to hear your opinion.
Answer
- If this is important to you, I think you can compromise on a non-religious framework for an extracurricular activity. Certainly at a young age (I understand they are in kindergarten).
- A separate beach is very much preferable. I do not think matters of convenience are enough to justify anything else.
- Regarding school, it’s hard for me to tell you. I tend to think there are quite a few advantages to coeducational education, but I am not sufficiently familiar with the issue, and it would be worthwhile to consult those who know it firsthand. In the lower grades of elementary school I do not see a problem at all. After that, check according to how things develop. If this is significant, you could also consider moving.
Wishing you much success, and more power to you for your dedication and thoughtfulness.