Rabbi Mordechai Raizman’s Post

ICYMI: Should Christian parents enroll kids in public schools?: We don’t send children as missionaries to foreign lands and we shouldn’t send children or missionaries into what is often a hostile public school environment. #publicschool #christianschool #homeschool

The right thing to do.

I recently revisited Ta-Nehisi Coates' "Between the World and Me," specifically the first chapter, a poignant letter to his son. Coates describes a place that, despite its physical distance, mirrors my childhood. He is not from Oakland, but the spaces he describes are so similar to it. This reflection brought me to realize how my experiences growing up have shaped my perspective on the persistent dangers faced by Black & Brown bodies. The way that I lead, and certainly my views on education, are also shaped by these experiences. I understand the power of schools to do great harm, & importantly to be spaces of transformation, healing, & ingenuity.In reflecting on the trauma in Gaza, we are consistently confronting the numbness and helplessness that stems from continuous exposure to such tragedies. Reading Coates, I was starkly reminded of another numbness, as we watch videos every day- of harm, & we try to convince the world that our lives matter. Coates reminds us that a Black body can be endangered for simple acts: for selling cigarettes, a child buying skittles, for browsing a department store, for playing music too loudly, for a minor traffic violation, a baby playing pretend in a park. These heartbreaking realities have unfolded during the lifetimes of our children, of your children. This awareness is essential as we navigate our space at Pear Tree. We might find comfort in numbness as a defense, but becoming inured is not a solution. We stand as the buffer for our children, & our vigilance allows them their childhood and a very different path of growth and development - a path many of us were denied as children.Our recent Black Heritage Event was a testament to this path. It was a celebration of our children’s authentic identities, free from the burden of questioning their worth or their safety. Witnessing their creativity and spirit, we glimpse what could be possible in a world unlike any that we adults have known. This witnessing offers healing for our own fragmented educational journeys. Of course we are also plagued with anxiety. Are we doing enough? Are our children prepared? Are they ready to inherit this world?What does it mean to grow up in a Black and Brown body and be reflected, loved, witnessed, supported? What does it mean to know with absolute certainty that you matter, that your life is valuable, that you are a star- just because you’re you? I am blessed to be immersed daily in a space where these questions are being answered.With these reflections, we continue to strengthen and nurture our community here at Pear Tree. We are committed to love, resilience, & to the protection and uplifting of our children. In turn, we get to see what kind of world they can imagine when they are not expending energy defending themselves from the othering that they experience in many spaces. We get to witness what love can do when it is not shackled by fear. PS- Catch a Glimpse of Love in Action Below: https://lnkd.in/gBNX9_jj

This week's TOP-bottom report goes south to Texas and Oklahoma. For the first time, I compare the financial health and viability of 23 RELIGIOUS private colleges in those two states. The series of 2024 College Viability Apps is a resource for students, families, faculty, staff, college leaders, boards, and other stakeholders to compare the financial health and viability of both private and public colleges. If you don't want to watch the video, here is the TOP-bottom PPT file link. https://lnkd.in/ggUN6nPZ https://lnkd.in/gKx3ch2h The EdUp Experience #collegeviability #collegeclosures #willmycollegeclose #FAFSADebacle

So now the University of Spoiled Children (USC, but recently more applicable to Columbia) has had to cancel its main graduation ceremony. Those students who actually went to college to learn, attended classes and successfully completed their coursework and dissertations won’t have the opportunity to share one of the most memorable life events with their parents, spouses and families due to the mindless and vile actions of a small number of protestors. I am an old geezer with a bad memory, but I well recall my own graduation, and those of my two daughters (pouring rain in the middle of the second one). And against that, what exactly have the protestors accomplished? They have made Jewish members of the university community and others very uncomfortable if not fearful. They have disrupted many classes for people who actually want to learn. They have had their Starbucks lattes before heading over to the ‘encampment’ and taken selfies on their iPhones to show all their friends how engaged they are (oh yes, Starbucks and Apple are in Israel, but don’t let consistency interfere with my entitled self-righteousness; ‘I’m not divesting—just you nasty people helping pay for my endowed professors and my scholarships’). But exactly how many Palestinian women and childrens’ lives have they saved? You don’t have to be a math major to know that number is absolutely ZERO. Lots of violence, lots of threats, even more mindless noise, but zero results. Next time, why not try trick-or-treating for UNICEF? At least there is some finite probability of a positive result.

Juneteenth is a vital day in American history, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It's a time for celebration, reflection, and education, especially for our younger generations. But how can we approach these conversations with young children in a way that's both informative and age-appropriate? The early childhood education team at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture has created a fantastic resource guide to support young children's understanding and celebration of Juneteenth. This guide includes: Talking Tips: Practical advice on discussing slavery and freedom with children in a way that considers their age and development. Activities for Hope & Action: Engaging activities that inspire young minds to think about freedom, justice, and how they can contribute to a better future. Children's Book & Online Resource Recommendations: A curated list of books and websites that make learning about Juneteenth fun and informative. Empowering our children with knowledge and understanding is crucial for building a more just and equitable society. Let's celebrate Juneteenth together and inspire the next generation! Visit the NMAAHC website: nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth to access these resources and start meaningful conversations with your children about Juneteenth. #Juneteenth #BlackHistory #EarlyChildhoodEducation #LearningThroughPlay #SocialJustice #EmpoweringKids #ColorBraveKids

Not what I planned on posting about today but... 4 years after changing the school names that honored Confederate leaders, the Shenandoah County school board voted to change them back. Mountain View High School and Honey Run Elementary School will return to be known as - Stonewall Jackson High School and Ashby-Lee Elementary School.  3 men who fought to protect the institution of slavery in the United States. And it will cost the school district approximately $300,000 to make the changes. In 1860-61 South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, and Texas all presented "declaration of causes" for their secession from the United States and formation of the Confederacy. All included statements regarding slavery, including this one from Mississippi: "Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery—the greatest material interest of the world." The State of Texas complained against the northern states: "They have encouraged and assisted thousands of our slaves to leave their homes; and those who remain, have been incited by emissaries, books, and pictures to servile insurrection." This is only one county, in one state - we shouldn't generalize this as being a representation of the entire country - BUT, we shouldn't underestimate it's representation either. Open your eyes. #humanity #challengethestatusquo #ethicalleadership #slavery

If you caught my post yesterday shedding light on the challenges Jewish students are facing on Ontario's campuses, I want to share some uplifting news too. Despite the daunting atmosphere fueled by hatred since October 7, there's a remarkable resilience shining through our Jewish student community. Even while facing demonization from peers and faculty alike, Jewish students have risen as proud, unwavering activists for their community. And here's the most impressive part: there's no sign of this slowing down. At Hillel Ontario, we've witnessed engagement levels skyrocket by nearly 40% over the past year. Jewish students are turning up in droves to reject antisemitism and advocate for Israel. Take, for instance, the inspiring initiative by student leaders at Hillel Queen's. On the 150th day since October 7, they rallied across campus, demanding the release of hostages, condemning antisemitism, and proudly displaying their Jewish identity. These Jewish leaders are unstoppable, and their resilience is what makes them #HillelStrong. You too can be a part of shaping the Jewish university experience. By supporting Hillel Ontario during our #HillelStrong Emergency Campaign, you ensure we have the resources and programming to accommodate the growing number of Jewish students eager to make a difference. Empower Jewish students today, and watch them continue to flourish as leaders tomorrow. Contribute to our $1M goal here: https://lnkd.in/gjsXVxJ8

Why should Christian parents consider Christian schools for their children. This article from National Review helps show the need for Christian education: https://lnkd.in/gfrx-ini.

ICYMI: Check out my opinion piece on the devastating closing of the oldest Catholic school in Las Vegas and how NV should follow Florida when it comes to education: "Nevada should take a page out of Florida’s book. There, leaders in both parties voted for expanding choice to every family in the state. Catholic school enrollment is up 9% in Florida, thanks to strong outreach to families and school choice that opens the chance to families who need it most. Catholic schools there are becoming more diverse, embracing students of color and special-needs students, and they’re implementing innovative academic offerings." https://lnkd.in/ggQXpvvx #SchoolChoice