Revolutionizing Education: Bringing Torah Learning to Traditional Families

How can we explain the phenomenon of numerous children transitioning from secular to Torah-based education in just one year? Behind this inspiring movement is an extraordinary initiative by Derech HaMelech in partnership with Lev L'Achim.

"The initiative began forming during the outbreak of war," says Rabbi Avraham David, director of Derech HaMelech. "A meeting took place at the home of the Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef with the Council of Torah Sages, Rabbi Zamir Cohen, and other rabbis. I was part of it. Rabbi Yosef pointed out that due to the war, the hearts of Israelis are more open. He remarked, 'During the Yom Kippur War, there was a tremendous awakening, and I sense it now. Everyone seeks spiritual growth, but sometimes forgets the most crucial aspect.' He emphasized the importance of enrolling children in Torah-based schools, which is often overlooked due to a lack of knowledge or consideration from parents."

A Thoughtful Project

Before describing the initiative born from that gathering, it's worth sharing about Derech HaMelech, established many years ago. "Our organization aims to spread Torah lessons and clean news under the guidance of the Council of Torah Sages led by Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and Maran Rosh Yeshiva Chacham Cohen," explains Rabbi David. "Just as 'Hidabroot' was founded under Chacham Shalom Cohen, so was our organization. We deliver our messages and lessons via various platforms such as phone lines, emails, and more."

How are you connected to the enrollment of children in Torah-based institutions?

"Normally, we aren't involved, but given our large audience, mostly young religious men, we asked them to contact us if they knew families sending their children to secular schools. We passed the thousands of names we received to Lev L'Achim, who reached these families, many of whom decided to enroll their children in Torah schools. This project demanded significant effort from us and Lev L'Achim, including establishing a joint phone center. We committed extensive resources to avoid missing even one family. Many other organizations participated, like Hidabroot, the Sephardic Halacha Line, and Maran's Heritage Center."

The project also received warm blessings from leading rabbis and the Sephardic Council of Torah Sages, including the Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef and Rabbi Moshe Tzedaka, who supported, blessed, and encouraged it. Rabbi Zamir Cohen, shlit"a, involved himself fully, seeing it as a significant mission. "One touching story shared by the sages involved Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, zt"l," shares Rabbi David. "In his old age, he walked with Rabbi Tzvi Siman Tov, zt"l, on a rainy Shabbat night for half an hour to convince a reluctant mother to send her son to a Torah institution. Despite being elderly and unable to use an umbrella due to Shabbat, he wouldn't miss the opportunity or postpone the conversation."

Another moving story involved a Yeshiva student. He recounted that while in sixth grade at a secular school, he randomly encountered a Torah school registrar near a synagogue. He provided his details and had no further contact, but something ignited in him, leading him to study in that school, and then the Yeshiva world, where he's now succeeding greatly. "The registrar doesn't even know who I am," said the young man on one of our broadcasts promoting the project. "But every mitzvah I perform and every page of Gemara I study is thanks to him."

Quality Education and Respect

How are the results? How many families have you reached?

"We reached numerous families in over 70 cities nationwide," Rabbi David proudly shares. "There was even a case where a grandmother called, pleading that we ask her daughter to transfer her children to a Torah education. Upon reaching the daughter, it turned out she had enrolled them in the closest school without realizing it wasn't Torah-based."

Rabbi David stresses that at this stage, all names are now being handled by Lev L'Achim representatives, who strive to find each child the right educational institution for the upcoming school year.

The enrollment meeting at the residence of the Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef with leading rabbis and Rabbi Zamir Cohen (Photo: Yaakov Cohen)

"It's important to clarify that the enrollment project doesn't target parents opposed to religion or those specifically desiring secular education for their children," explains Rabbi David. "We approach traditional families choosing secular schools for reasons such as high-level secular education or proximity. We make them aware of Torah schools offering equally, if not superior, educational standards while catering to growing religious awareness and emphasizing respect and discipline over violence. While it may be easier to send children to nearby schools, is that the only consideration? When parents understand this, they usually don't resist."

Rabbi David shares a personal encounter illustrating the necessity for Torah education: "My wife used to work at a secular school and once told young children about Yom Kippur. Soon after, she received criticism from the principal because parents had complained about 'religious coercion.' Unfortunately, that's the kind of education they're giving our children in such places – one where explaining or discussing the year's holiest day is forbidden."

Rabbi David adds that those interested can continue contacting the center to learn more about the options available in their area, whether parents are curious without any commitment or friends and family wanting to provide their acquaintances' names, even anonymously.

For contact with the center: *3322 extension 1, or via the digital form at0723400A@gmail.com