What role does a Jewish School play in a Jewish child’s Jewish identity? I am doing a school Jewish Studies project and have finished it but i would like to add someone else’s perspective. I believe that a Jewish School is important in my up bringing to being a ethical and moral Jew. A Jewish School teaches me about Jewish values and beliefs which I will carry with me into adulthood and teach my family and use in my own home. I would appreciate it if you could reply soon.
I do agree with you that a good day school education equips a young Jew with many of the tools necessary to grow into a responsible adult Jew and to build a decent, Torah-oriented family. It’s also true, however, that even the very best Torah school can only offer tools and guidance. The student, especially upon graduating, must make his or her own mind up as to the path and intensity of their subsequent Jewish life. Parents and teachers can do a great deal, but each student has to decide on his own that he is (or is not) a believer and participant in G-d’s world.
That’s not such an easy job, but the easy path isn’t always the correct one.
See this link to a famous report on the incredible importance of day schools on creating dedicated Jewish generations – Will Your Grandchildren Be Jews?
With my hope and expectation that you will live up to the high Torah ideals you’ve studied in your school,
Rabbi Boruch Clinton