The Education Ministry on Monday issued a Director-General’s Circular establishing a uniform national policy governing the laying of tefillin in Israeli schools.

Under the new guidelines, any student who wishes to put on tefillin will be permitted to do so on school grounds in a respectful and organized manner. School administrations will be required to designate an appropriate location for the mitzvah and establish specific times during the school day when it may be observed, while ensuring that classroom instruction and the regular school schedule are not disrupted.

According to the circular, students will generally put on tefillin during school breaks. Responsibility for bringing their own tefillin and arriving to class on time will rest with the students themselves. The Education Ministry said the purpose of the guidelines is to enable students to exercise their personal choice while preserving the orderly operation of the school day.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch said the new policy is intended to eliminate the uncertainty that has surrounded the issue in recent years.

“Putting on tefillin is part of the Jewish identity of the State of Israel,” Kisch said. “The new circular provides school principals with clear guidelines that will prevent disputes and ensure a uniform approach throughout the education system.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)