I wish to applaud Dr. Aliza Frohlich for her extremely valuable article on the importance of teaching our children spirituality, trust and faith in God. The title of her article, “The Imperative for an Additional Type of SEL: Spiritual Emunah Learning,” (October 14, 2021) may not have caught the interest of many readers.

She writes: “Children who do grow up in a home or school where God is constantly being acknowledged become spiritual. This awareness of God exists in good times and bad. During challenging times, this child sees all of life’s challenges through a spiritual eye. … And the primary spiritual skills [children] need right now are those of emunah and bitachon—faith in God. … Raising a child with God in their daily lives (emunah) allows them to face life with strength and faith. …”

She continues: “Studies indicate that people who believe in God and pray to Him actually get healthier more quickly, can tolerate pain and difficulty better, have more positive attitudes, are more persistent, and are even happier. Higher levels of ‘religiosity’ are overall associated with better mental health.”

It’s a shame that sometimes our yeshivas and we, in our homes, emphasize to our children to do the externals of God’s mitzvos. We must teach them, too, the love and involvement of God in their lives.