September 10, 1999/29 Elul 5759, Vol. 52, No. 1
Letters to the EditorSeptember 10, 1999
Day, supplementary schools provide learning opportunities
Editor:As a Jewish educator, member of the Phoenix Jewish community and parent, I found the July 31 article in the Arizona Republic about Jewish day schools, "Guaranteeing their survival," by reporter Kelly Ettenborough to be misleading and inaccurate. Ettenborough is correct in stating that day schools are being founded across the country and that many people in the community believe that the education received in day schools enhances Jewish identity. However, the Jewish community is not trying to "halt the erosion of the underpinnings of their faith," as an accompanying headline stated. Jewish faith, Jewish identity and Jewish life are not eroding in this country. Increased enrollment in Jewish camps and other education programs nationwide show that Jews are extremely committed to the future of Jewish life. Furthermore, Ettenborough's article creates the misperception that Jewish continuity is dependent solely on day schools. On the contrary, many committed Jews receive a supplementary school education and attend public schools. To identify day schools as the only hope for Jewish continuity is not only misleading, it is just plain wrong. Day schools provide wonderful opportunities. The combination of public schools and supplementary schools also deliver exciting chances for growth and learning. It's important to remember that there are many choices out there and that there is more than one way to educate our children and promote Jewish continuity. Tziporah Altman-Shafer Director of Education Beth El Congregation Phoenix |
