Whatever Happened To Derech Eretz?
Published: January 25th, 2012
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The outside world is not as monolithic as the insular yeshiva world. I fear for our future if this attitude is allowed to continue. After one month I left the position sad, upset, and discouraged.
Yaakov Yitzchak is a pseudonym. Though The Jewish Press as a matter of policy generally does not permit the use of pseudonyms on op-ed articles, there are, as in this case, rare exceptions to that rule.
tell a friendAbout the Author: Yaakov Yitzchak is a pseudonym. Though The Jewish Press as a matter of policy generally does not permit the use of pseudonyms on op-ed articles, there are, as in this case, rare exceptions to that rule.
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4 Responses to “Whatever Happened To Derech Eretz?”
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This is a huge issue! Most yeshivas and religious communities think Halachah and learning Torah is #1. Respect for others has went out the window! Many Jews have forgotten the teachings of “Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik” and “Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel.” The problem comes from Rabbis that get up and preach about learning torah, instead of Jewish Ideas and values. How can children learn how to treat others when they are so sheltered? They are taught that anyone but the Ultra- Orthodox are not really Jews. And even worse, they are told that Non-Jews are bad people. If they teach that, how can they make a kiddush hashem? I have been to funerals where they praise a rabbi, leader and laymen, that passed and say they were so great that they got involved in helping Non-Jews and made such a wonderful “Kiddush Hashem”. Why is this not the norm? How can these children know how to treat others if they have leaders above them that do not show it? The intolerance of rabbis that will not perform a wedding with others, greet or treat another rabbi they do not agree with like sub-human Will they hold the door open for a Non-Jew? Are they not taught that EVERYONE is created in the image of God!
Sad situation. Reminds me when I experienced same years ago, and was, at times, part of the problem, sorry to say.
I think the kids are just under so much pressure, that it is very hard for them. I bet they are not perfect angels in the other part of the program either, by the way. The whole education system, in many places, is much too pressured and needs to be altered in a more spiritually holistic direction.
Yasher Koach to the Yaakov Yitzchak and the Jewish Press for exposing whatever happened to Derech Eretz?
Today’s society exhibits rudeness, and lack of ethics. Students in school learn from peer pressure, broken homes, and bad habits. Where is the parent’s concern for their children’s welfare? Parents must watch their children’s moves 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is also a must that teachers should tell parents how their children behave in school. If there is a problem, the student should report it to the teacher.
And, for the Jewish people, we must study Torah the correct way. Not by keeping your nose inside a book, but by practicing Torah at all times.
David N. Rodgers
Hillcrest, NY 11366
(718)591-7257
inflation. as salaries & prestigious titles inflate the egos, some get arrogant. i wish we could all be as humble as Moses.