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| R' Chaim Soloveichik |
Rav Chaim’s analytical method of Torah study (often referred
to as the Brisker Derech) has become the standard approach to learning
Gemara in Lithuanian-style yeshivas worldwide. Needless to say, Rav Chaim is
revered, as are his Hashkafos. These Hashkafos are often cited by
Charedim to support their negative stance toward secular studies in general and
college in particular. He is famously known for his vehement opposition to
college.
But as his grandson, Rav Ahron Soloveichik, told us in shiur,
that understanding of Rav Chaim’s hashkafos is incorrect.
Rav Ahron then told us about his uncle - also named Aharon
Soloveitchik - who was a student of Rav Chaim and wanted to become a doctor. He
approached Rav Chaim to ask if he could attend medical school. Rav Chaim’s
immediate response was, ‘Of course you should go. You will be matzil
nefashos (save lives)!’
Rav Ahron explained that Rav Chaim was not inherently
opposed to college or secular studies, so long as they did not involve
heretical ideas. His concern was about the potentially negative spiritual
influences associated with secular environments, which he believed posed a
danger to one’s Emunah. However, if someone was strong in their faith
and had a clear, positive purpose - such as pursuing medicine - Rav Chaim
actually considered it a Mitzvah to attend college.
This account challenges the conventional wisdom about Rav
Chaim’s supposed unwavering opposition to college.
Students in Lakewood may scoff at this story, claiming it
contradicts Rav Chaim’s legendary stance against higher education. But I trust
my rebbe—his grandson—more than secondhand claims filtered through an
anti-college lens.
Saving lives is surely a core Jewish value. Anyone aspiring
to become a doctor should be encouraged to do so—even if it means spending less
time in Torah study. But what happens when the opportunity to pursue medicine
is blocked by a Hashkafa that views secular studies as a waste of
precious time better spent on Torah and Chasidus?
This is precisely the view held in some Chasidic
communities, which have fought New York State education officials over the
requirement to provide a formal secular studies curriculum in their schools.
They argue that their religious studies program sufficiently prepares students
to function in society.
Indeed, many in these communities manage to earn a living,
and some even become multimillionaires in various business ventures - without
any formal secular education.
Since, according to them, they harm no one - least of all
themselves - and their religious beliefs oppose secular education, they claim
that the First Amendment should protect their right to educate their children
as they see fit.
Agudath Israel has joined them in making that argument. They
claim this is what their Chasidim want. That they have no interest in
secular studies and only wish to live fulfilling lives within the insular Chasidic
bubble created by their communities.
One might call this philosophy ‘ignorance is bliss.’ While
these students are educated in Jewish law and Chasidus, they remain
ignorant about broader worldly matters. They may not care - until a crisis
strikes. When someone becomes seriously ill, they leave the bubble in search of
a doctor.
There is, of course, nothing wrong with that. But why should
they have to? Why not allow those within the community who are capable and
willing to pursue careers in medicine to do so? Why doesn’t the community value
saving lives enough to permit such individuals to attend medical school?
This would, of course, require offering at least a basic
secular education. What kind of Hashkafa relies entirely upon non-Jews
to save Jewish lives? By refusing to provide any secular curriculum, they
essentially ensure that no one within their community can become a doctor.
This is one of the many reasons I am deeply troubled by
schools that refuse to offer any secular studies. By insisting on a Torah-only
curriculum, they send the message that the potential to save lives is not
important enough to justify a secular education. And that’s simply wrong.
Recently, nine Chasidic schools in New York that refused to
comply with the state’s ‘substantial equivalency’ requirements were ordered to
shut down permanently at the end of the school year. However, according to the Gothamist:
“New York lawmakers have agreed to delay regulations on nonpublic religious schools, bowing to pressure from Orthodox Jewish leaders and ignoring concerns from the state’s top education officials.
Draft bill language reviewed by Gothamist would create another pathway for nonpublic schools to meet a standard known as ‘substantial equivalency,’ which requires them to be more or less on par with public schools in subjects like reading and math. The Democratic leaders of both branches of the state Legislature confirmed that changes to the standard would appear in the still-pending state budget.”
I find this deeply disappointing. By caving to political
pressure, lawmakers are allowing these schools to continue perpetuating
ignorance and denying students the chance to pursue meaningful careers beyond
their communities. All in the name of the First Amendment.
In my view, it’s a sad and troubling development.