As the enrollment date for yeshiva ketanos and
yeshivos gedolos approaches, Vaad HaRabbonim LeInyonei
Chinuch Be'Eretz Hakodesh summoned educators for an emergency
meeting to discuss the issue of matching the right yeshivas
to the right talmidim.
Many educators point to poor placement--either due to the
talmid's ability level or individual characteristics--
as one of the main reasons why some talmidim feel they
lag behind, and warn that such feelings can lead to a decline
in the talmid's learning and in some cases even
expulsion from the yeshiva system. Parents are often unaware
of the problem, and disastrous mistakes repeat themselves
year after year.
The conference was held last week at Beis Knesses Kehilas
Bnei Torah in Jerusalem's Ramat Shlomo neighborhood, drawing
dozens of upper-grade melamdim, principals and
inspectors, and led by HaRav Yosef Chaim Kopshitz and HaRav
Yisroel Gans.
HaRav Yosef Shrem, one of the heads of Vaad HaRabbonim,
delivered the opening remarks, noting the gravity of the
situation and saying that many parents cause their sons harm
by channeling them to unsuitable institutions, based on
considerations of social status.
HaRav Kopshitz, who has accompanied Vaad HaRabbonim since its
founding, also spoke. Quoting the statement in the gemora,
"Bonecho eilu hatalmidim." He asked why talmidim
are referred to as "sons." The educator's obligation, he
explained, is to love the talmidim as if they were his
own children. He then told several stories about gedolei
Yisroel who made a point of teaching their sons material
at a level they were able to absorb.
According to one such anecdote, the Steipler once heard that
his young grandson was taught R' Akiva Eiger at his talmud
Torah. He summoned the melamed and immediately
proceeded to rebuke him strongly, saying the youngsters did
not understand a thing, were overcome with a feeling they
were worthless and therefore had no reason to continue
learning. "If this is true of the curriculum," added Rav
Kopshitz, "certainly it applies to the place of learning, for
it is a serious wrong to bring in external considerations
when one sits down to decide on a place of study for his son.
The only factor parents and educators should consider is the
good of the talmid."
HaRav Yisroel Gans then spoke of how dear the matter of
chinuch hatalmidim was to Maran HaRav Shach,
zt'l, and how many times he heard HaRav Shach speak of
the great responsibility placed on educators' shoulders,
describing how troubled he was over the calamity that befalls
many talmidim who do not fit in well in their study
programs, to the point where they abandon the Torah world,
Rachmono litzlan.
Rav Gans voiced support for the heads of the Vaad HaRabbonim,
which operates with the blessings of gedolei Yisroel
including Maran HaRav Eliashiv who praised them effusively
for their extensive work toward the furthering of Torah.
After the opening addresses, a lively discussion ensued as
veteran principals, inspectors and educators presented
various perspectives on the issue one after another,
kedarkoh shel Torah.
In conclusion, a decision was reached to increase awareness
among parents that the key to their sons' success is a place
of Torah appropriate to their abilities and individual
characteristics, as they were graced by the Creator, and thus
they would receive a full share of nachas and
siyata deShmaya.
