It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Chabad. They boldly go where no other Jewish organization often dares to tread. Their success at kiruv is legendary; the important work they have done on college campuses has kept thousands of Jewish students connected to Yiddishkeit; and their international Chabad centers across the globe has made it much easier for the Jewish traveler to find kosher food and a minyan, even in the most remote locations.
Perhaps the observation about Chabad that I find most interesting and surprising, though, is the following: All of the Chabad folks who I have been privileged to get to know are extremely well educated about arts, literature, music, science and other secular subjects. Even though they never attended college or graduate school, I can discuss virtually any subject with them at a high level.
I’m not talking about current events or popular culture … one might expect them to be familiar with those subjects in order to be better equipped for kiruv. I’m talking about the various secular subjects one learns in high school, college and beyond.
Granted, my sample of Chabad folks I know is relatively small. But I do feel there is something different about Chabad’s approach to secular education, especially when compared to other Hasidic sects like Satmar, Belz and others.
In order to learn more about this and perhaps prove my thesis, I asked Chanie Kamman, the director of the Children’s Circle at the Friendship Circle of Fairfield County in Connecticut to share her insights with me about this subject. Kamman grew up in a Chabad home; her father is Rabbi Tuvia Teldon, the chief Chabad-Lubavitch representative in Long Island, New York..
“Secular knowledge is usually self-taught,” explained Kamman. “Many Chabad individuals are knowledgeable in world events and other secular areas through their own curiosity, research and study.
“One of the fascinating things about the Rebbe is how up to date, knowledgeable and familiar he was on literally all topics, including current events and world issues. Unlike the leaders of other Hasidic sects, the Rebbe was never scared of the world’s influence on us. In fact, the Rebbe empowered us to influence the world. The Rebbe entrusted his emissaries to go out into the world and elevate it. I believe that it is that power, strength and proper standards that enable us to understand the happenings of the world and everything that’s going on, and simultaneously not get drawn into the impurities and influences that surround us.
“Additionally, growing up in a typical Chabad home that is always open to different types of people, many Chabad youngsters interact with various folks at their Friday night tables. From professors to doctors to ex-cult members to exterminators, we get to know a lot of people and discuss various topics and views over delicious challah and wine.”
Kamman explained what a Chabad elementary school program is like. “It truly varies between community styles and interests. Some Chabad schools have secular studies for all students. In some schools, the girls learn all general secular studies and the boys just learn basics like math, English and basic science. However, there are also some Chabad elementary schools for boys that don’t learn secular studies whatsoever. My husband attended such a school and my older two sons attend such a school as well. Also, keep in mind that many Chabad families who are shluchim don’t necessarily go to a Chabad community school. They’ll go to the closest Jewish day school, assuming they are lucky to have one within driving distance.”
As to high school and the opportunity to learn secular subjects, Kamman said, “The high school years for Chabad boys and girls typically look very different. I went to a Chabad girls high school in Brooklyn. We learned everything that New York State required at the time, and we studied for the New York State Regents. This included biology, history, math, etc. The boys are typically in a yeshiva setting with 100% Jewish studies throughout the day. This includes Talmud and many Hasidic topics. Of course, as the need grows, there are exceptions to the above.”
In terms of online learning opportunities, Kamman said, “Living in 2024, we are lucky to have an endless amount of positive learning opportunities online. There is actually a fully functioning and active online school for shluchim children with various time zones and language tracks! At the same time, we can all agree that the challenges of a child or teen hanging out online can be detrimental. As a parent, my number one priority is always to keep my child safe and protected, both physically, mentally and spiritually.”
What would Kamman do if her own child expressed an interest in attending college? “I have another decade until college is even an option for my kids, so it’s hard to put myself in that mindset. However, if my child would express an interest in going to college, I’d hope that I would approach their desire with curiosity, love, proper guidance and support. The Rebbe spoke many times about how there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to education. Each child is a world unto himself or herself, and I try to keep that in mind when making educational decisions for my children on a daily basis.”
As to college being necessary to prepare an individual for a livelihood, Kamman said, “The Rebbe taught that the way to secure a livelihood is through trust in Hashem. Therefore, if going to college isn’t aligned with our values, we are confident that a livelihood will come through other avenues. In fact, many people in the Chabad communities that are not teachers or shluchim are entrepreneurs and have created their own path of financial security.”
As to the Rebbe’s views about the value of secular knowledge, Kamman explained, “The Rebbe spoke very strongly and extensively — both publicly and to individuals — about the importance of creating a completely pure and holy environment for children during their crucial formidable years and to focus solely on imbuing children with the love of Torah and mitzvot for the early years of their lives. At the same time, the Rebbe knew very well about the mandatory laws of the land and understood that secular subjects must be learned.
“In a letter to a national conference of yeshiva heads in Israel, the Rebbe wrote:’Being that students are impressionable, both from direct influences and indirect influences, they are certainly affected by the attitude toward these two subjects [Jewish and secular studies]. It is absolutely necessary for the child to see clearly that although both of these subjects are studied in the yeshiva, the primary focus is the study of our living Torah and the secular studies are only secondary and much less important than the main thing.’
“Finally, while the Rebbe typically advised and guided his followers not to attend college or engage in secular studies, those who were already engaged in those studies or who were attending college would be encouraged to complete their studies and utilize their knowledge and credentials to influence others and spread Judaism. As the Rebbe told Professor Dr. Jack Hanoka, who was contemplating to stay in yeshiva as opposed to going back to graduate school to complete his Ph.D., ‘You’ll do more for Yiddishkeit with three initials after your name.’”
Michael Feldstein, who lives in Stamford, is the author of “Meet Me in the Middle” (meet-me-in-the-middle-book.com), a collection of essays on contemporary Jewish life. He can be reached at [email protected].
