As a member of the Suburban Torah Center in Livingston, I was deeply moved by the Aish film “Frontline Warriors” brought to us by Rabbi Elliot Mathias, and Rabbi James Proops’ interview with Shabbos Kestenbaum. The strength, passion and drive of people like Shabbos, Eden and Eli are truly inspiring and left everyone in the room in awe. After watching the film, I was left with a very strong feeling that a fundamental and transformative change is needed in our children’s education before they reach college.
Recognizing that many of our children currently in day schools will enter college — whether directly or after a gap year in Israel — they must be equipped with the skills to converse, debate and argue with clarity, calmness and conviction. In addition to Tanach, Halacha and Gemara, it is critical that our high schools incorporate strategic communication, public speaking and debate as essential components of their curriculum. As a community urging our children to make a strong impression and leave a positive mark on “the real world,” don’t we have a responsibility to empower and arm our children before they enter college? What are we doing? And what more can be done?
