Leading Gedolei Yisroel gathered Thursday in Bnei Brak for an unprecedented emergency conference with dozens of Talmud Torah administrators from across Eretz Yisroel, issuing a powerful call to strengthen chinuch and warning melamdim not to leave traditional Torah institutions for the higher salaries being offered by state-funded Chareidi schools.

The gathering, held at Yeshivas Slabodka, was led by Rav Dov Landau, Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, Rav Don Segal, Rav Shraga Shteinman, Rav Chaim Feinstein, Rav Binyamin Finkel, and Rav Shimon Galei, together with prominent rabbanim from communities throughout the country. The conference focused on the growing shortage of qualified melamdim and ways to reinforce the sacred mission of Torah education.

At the center of the event were passionate addresses highlighting the irreplaceable role of mechanchim in shaping the next generation. The Gedolim spoke about what they described as increasing financial incentives drawing melamdim to transfer to state-funded Chareidi schools (Mamlachti Chareidi, or MMa”Ch) and other educational frameworks that, they said, do not have the approval of the Torah leadership.

The Gedolim stressed that no amount of money can compare to the privilege and responsibility of educating Jewish children, urging melamdim not to abandon such a vital mission for financial gain.

Participants received a special document prepared by the conference organizers outlining the key messages and resolutions adopted at the gathering.

The statement emphasized the foundational teaching of Chazal that the world exists because of the Torah learning of young children and described melamdim as those who illuminate the Jewish future. Quoting the principle, “If there are no young goats, there will be no mature goats,” the document stressed that the next generation depends upon educators who possess outstanding character, profound yiras Shamayim, and whose fear of Heaven precedes their scholarship.

Beyond teaching Torah Shebichsav and Torah Shebaal Peh, the statement said, melamdim must serve as living examples for their talmidim, instilling a love of Torah, yiras Shamayim, exemplary middos, and genuine warmth and affection toward every child.

The Gedolim also appealed to community rabbanim to encourage talented individuals to embrace the calling of becoming melamdim from the outset, emphasizing that anyone capable of succeeding in this sacred work should be regarded as a distinguished teacher of Torah whose contribution is beyond measure.

A separate appeal was directed to parents and the broader public, urging them to recognize and appreciate the dedication and sacrifice of the melamdim who devote themselves to educating the future of Klal Yisroel.

Addressing the attraction of state-funded Chareidi schools directly, the Gedolim warned educators not to be enticed by higher salaries or material benefits. Although the financial compensation may appear greater, they said, those who leave Torah institutions approved by Daas Torah ultimately forfeit a far greater reward. They cited the explicit guidance of Maran Rav Gershon Edelstein zt”l on the matter and expressed confidence that those who resist financial temptation and continue teaching in institutions guided solely by Daas Torah will ultimately be blessed by the Ribbono Shel Olam with both abundant livelihood and lasting satisfaction.

Recognizing the financial challenges facing melamdim, the conference also called on school administrators and parents to make every effort to improve teachers’ salaries. A special appeal was issued to philanthropists and supporters of Torah to increase their assistance to Talmudei Torah, enabling them to provide better compensation. The statement further suggested that families with greater financial means consider paying higher tuition, noting that Chazal teach that the expense of Torah education is ultimately repaid by Hashem.

Before the conference concluded, school administrators raised another pressing concern with the Gedolim: the severe shortage of qualified female teachers and preschool educators in the Bais Yaakov school system. They warned that the crisis has become just as acute as the shortage of melamdim and requires an urgent, comprehensive solution.

{Matzav.com}