Mishmeres HaSholom – Ask the Rav

Q: My daughter would love to sign up for a new arts and crafts course. I’m against the idea because of the instructress, who doesn’t meet our standards of education and hashkafah. I explained to my daughter that I don’t want her to learn anything from this woman, not even art. But my daughter objected and told me that all her friends have signed up. How can I explain this concept to her without speaking lashon hara?

A: You may explain that you don’t want her to learn anything, even technical ideas, from this type of person. You can even add that it is surprising that her friends signed up. (It is important to remember that when children say “everyone” or “the whole class” they are using it as a tactic to pressure their parents into agreeing. If you investigate, you may be surprised to discover that “everyone” may mean two or three friends.)


The questions and answers above were taken from the Mishmeres Hasholom pamphlet in Israel. For details and inquiries please e-mail us at office@hasholom.org or call 972-2 5379160.

The views expressed are of the individual author. Readers are encouraged to consult their own posek for guidance.

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