We Didn't Know How to 'Digest' It: Who's Behind the Sign That Stirred Up Social Media?

Religion in education is a much-discussed topic lately, yet a recent social media post left the secular public somewhat bewildered.

The post displayed a sign allegedly shown to parents of children in one kindergarten who complained about religious influence. It is still unclear whether this actually happened, but the very content of the sign prompts us to reconsider our approach. "Dear parents, hello," starts the sign. "Following complaints from several parents about religious influence in our kindergarten, it was decided after a joint meeting to change several things, pending further notice."

The staff then lists the things they decided to change: "From today, there will no longer be a Shabbat reception in the kindergarten. Instead, we will choose a star boy and girl each week and hold a reality show-style activity among them."

Surprised? Wait until you hear the rest: "From now on, we will teach the holidays only from a secular-atheist perspective, without any fear of religious influence. In addition, we will try to teach additional holidays like Thanksgiving, Eid al-Fitr, and Bicycle Day."

And what about the mezuzah that many parents hoped would be removed from the door? "Instead of the mezuzah that will come off the door, we thought of a delightful activity. Every month, the children will choose a character who has influenced them, and we will hang their picture on the door." Another new rule in the kindergarten, by the way, prohibits teachers from using expressions like 'with Hashem's help' and 'Hashem will watch over.'

At this stage, it appears to be a parody of those who criticize religious influence in education.