I'm jewish, but my son got into a good lutheren school.?

Question

Not so into the "baby jesus" thing. Should I keep him in public school?

Answer 1

As an Orthodox jew I would say- keep him out of a school which is built on Christian principles. The bottom line is that a lot of the practices he would be exposed to are antithetical to Judaism and a Jew should not even be present when they are happening!

On top of that- you cannot expect him to develop a strong Jewish identity or knowledge of Judaism if he is not exposed to it and taught it. This can come form home- but if he is not in a Jewish day school- at least get him into a cheder programme after school! Even better, if there is a local Jewish day school- send him there. Research has shown that the assimilation rate in orthodox jews is minute (around 3%) compared to the over 50% in Conservative/Reform/Reconstructionist- and the low level of assimilation os realted mainly to the fact that the majority of Orthodox Jews make sure their children receive strong Jewish education in a Jewish environment for the full 12 years of schooling. So the bottom line comes down to: if you want a high probablity of your child remaining jewish- educazte them in a Jewish environment- otherwise you are runing a 50/50 risk of them not staying Jewish!

Answer 2

Baby Jesus is the term for describing Jesus in his infancy. It has very little relationship to the Jesus who spread God's word.

Are you anything like you were at infancy? I'll bet the only obvious thing is your name.

You can expect that the only time the teachers will be exposing your son to the name of Jesus is in worship, which might be in group prayer, and in sicence, when evoluton MIGHT be neglected or ignored. These two occasions, which will NOT be frequent are not likely to bother your son. The rest of the curriculum is very likely to be taught better than ANY public school. If your son can understand, tell him about Jesus, the stories about Jesus (not all of them), and how non-Jews sometimes use the name of Jesus to indicate that part of God who was believed sent to earth to experience what is was like to be huan.

This preparation should prevent any surprises for him. If he's ever asked to choose a bible reading for the class, he should find out if it's ok to read from the Old Testament, as Jesus is not mentioned there and he should understand what he reads.

You should also mention the occasional negative feelings Christians have about Jews because they did not worship him (Him). This might prepare him for negative comments, but a good Christian teacher should head those off.

Also tell your son that God is the same entity for Jews and Christians, even if they see his form and his manner of teaching differently.

Above all, protect your child from the realy crummy teaching that is found in most public schools. You could teach your son the principles of evolution (or get him an appropriate book), and those pieces of history which can be taught with a Christian slant, loke the Crusades, the Inquisition, and a few other things.

Answer 3

This is not an easy question to answer. On the one hand, I agree with allonyoav; on the other hand, you're probably asking because your public school system is rotten. So, I can give you my perspective because we're Jewish and my daughter went to a Catholic high school for the reason I gave above, while my son has gone to a Jewish high school. So--being in a Catholic high school didn't influence my daughter's sense of being Jewish. However, I am reasonably certain that the priests there treated her not as well as the Catholic kids because of it. Not anti-Semitism at all, not even what I would call prejudice. I think they had difficulty dealing with her "otherness" which didn't fall neatly into the type of student they were used to dealing with.

It's also true that, while my daughter's sense of Jewish identity wasn't harmed by going to a Catholic high school, my son's Jewish identity has definitely been enhanced.

Answer 4

First and foremost your son needs AN EDUCATION - Who s better at teaching the basics the Lutheran or the public school? BTW there are many high performing public schools out there.

As for the "baby jesus" thing - YOU are the primary driving force in your child's life regarding philosophical direction. Have regular philosophical discussions with him (especially in his teen years) and indoctrination will never be a problem.

Answer 5

I think it depends on the quality of the public schools in your area verses the quality of the Lutheran school.
Depending on your sons age the religious difference may not be a big deal. Does the Lutheran school have some kind of religious practice that you would be opposed to that they won't let your son opt out of? If so I would find a different school. You're the biggest influence in your child's life, you'll make a good decision for him I am sure.

Answer 6

I am Jewish and I went to a Catholic boarding HS. I had to attend mass once every month, and stand for the daily prayer and stuff like that, but mostly I just kept to myself during that time, letting people say whatever was they said. In truth, they cannot force religion on you. You have to attend religion class for a grade, but by HS they don't teach theology as much as they teach ethics. So i had no problem with that.

I still went to High Holiday services with some friends, and went to see family for Hanukkah during my winter breaks. It was fine. After HS I joined the Hillel chapter at my university, where I was elected to serve as co-president in my sophomore year. It was OK. I am still Jewish, I am married to another Jew, and I live a Jewish life. It really depends on how well-grounded your son is in his own faith so that he is not swayed by whatever is thrown in his direction.

Best thing to do, talk to him after school and see what he thinks. Tell him "we don't believe in that because we are Jewish and we believe such and so". Chances are you will need to bone up on your own knowledge of Judaism so that you can answer questions intelligently. If you need help, talk to your local rabbi. I'm sure he/she will be more than happy to help.

Answer 7

I went to a Catholic school, and I do remember that a Jewish family did send their kids there too and they were cool with it. It is really up to you and your son, but I know a lot of people that have said that send their kids to a religious school, said that they would live in a box, if that meant they could pay the money to send their kids to school there.

Answer 8

A good Lutheran School is a good school, but you have to know that your son will learn about Jesus Christ who was born a Jew and lived among his Jewish people, but was there for Gentiles as well.

Answer 9

The whole religious thing doesn't really fly with me... but if you're really concrned that the school is in a way brainwashing your son, you could get him out and put him in the public school.

Answer 10

Education is all about experiencing diversity and developing an appreciation for different ideas -- public school, Lutheran school .... either would be a good learning experience.