Thousands of Orthodox Jews gathered on Monday May 16 2022 in Albany NY to rally in support of maintaining the independence of New York State’s religious and private schools. The gathering was called by the Rabbinical Union, and took place in Lafayette Park, adjacent to the Department of Education building. Monday was the of the NYS Board of Regents’ last scheduled meeting before the end of the commenting period on proposed regulations for private schools. If passed, the regulations would be the first in the history of the United States to dictate the curriculum and hiring practices of private schools. Orthodox Jews traveled to Albany to deliver their unequivocal message, coupled with a plea to the Board of Regents. “Substantial equivalency is an attack on religious freedom” proclaimed the banner above the dais, upon which sat near forty of the state’s respectable rabbis, including renowned leaders of large congregations and Torah institutions. “Torah Education has succeeded for 3,000 years” stated another banner. The rally included a broad spectrum of ages, ranging from 8 years old school children to 90-year-old rabbis, and all between who left their classrooms and jobs to attend this crucial demonstration. A delegation of rabbis met with some of the Regents in the NYSED building before the rally began. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” was the message conveyed by Rabbi Elya Ber Wachtfogel, Dean of Yeshiva Zichron Moshe In South Fallsburg, and one of the most prominent leaders of Orthodox Jewry worldwide. Rabbi Chaim Flohr, the octogenarian dean of multiple educational institutions in suburban New York, passionately described the painful situation which NYS would be putting the Orthodox community into by passing the regulations. Quoting King Solomon, the rabbi depicted the message taught in Yeshivos: “My son, fear G-D and the king (Proverbs).” “We obey G-D and the government – in that order. Our schools’ curriculum is dictated by our religion, and we will fight all the way to the Supreme Court, if it comes to that”, vowed Rabbi Flohr, pleading with NYSED officials not to “force us into a position of noncompliance” with the law. “We are loyal citizens of the state,” “In Rockland County, where I live, we pay an exorbitant school tax to support a public educational system from which we do not benefit much. We are not asking for anything in return. We did not come here today to seek any government funds. We came to ask to be left alone, and be allowed to educate our children the way G-D has commanded us to.” Outside, in the park, the same message was echoed by Rabbi Yaakov Shapiro, a brilliant author and pulpit rabbi in Queens. “Even if we wanted to change our curriculum it’s not our decision to make! We don’t own our religion” he thundered. “We are custodians of it” and we are not authorized to compromise it. “If, G-d forbid, the regulations pass, we have no option but to put our children first.” It was obvious to see a designated corner at the rally where hundreds of children were seated, in groups of classes adjoined by their mentors and principals. “The State Education Department was to be proud of our community, of the behavior of their children and of their upbringing” indicated Rabbi Shapiro, while If, G-d forbid, […]

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