Editing Learning Torah with Children (section)

==== On Pure Holiness ====
With the opening of the modern era and the development of the Haskalah movement, special difficulties arose in continuing the existence of Talmud Torahs in their existing framework. Many countries pressured their subjects to add secular studies as mandatory in the Talmud Torah educational system, and there were many places where learning in Talmud Torahs was completely forbidden, and children were required to attend government schools.

During difficult periods in Russia, under Soviet rule, Chabad Chassidim risked their lives not to send their children to learn in the 'Shkole' (Russian government school), and opened a holy war, involving life-threatening danger at every step. During these years, underground learning activities were conducted, managed secretly by Chassidim to hide from the watchful eyes of the Bolsheviks.

Even in the lands of freedom, when the Rebbe Rayatz arrived in America, he continued to fight against the introduction of secular studies as part of the curriculum in Talmud Torahs, under the slogan "America iz nit anders" (= America is not different) - demanding firmly from his chassidim who were under his authority to establish educational institutions of pure holiness.

The main argument of the opponents was that secular studies should be introduced because it was a condition for receiving government funding, but the Rebbe Rayatz firmly claimed that such calculations and considerations should not be made when dealing with the soul of the Jewish people - educating future generations.

After the passing of the Rebbe Rayatz, the Rebbe continued the campaign to establish institutions of pure holiness, and the Rebbe said on one occasion:<blockquote>"The first three years, in which a child begins to learn, are the main foundation for his future success. And specifically during this time, they take the child and contaminate his mind with English, grammar, and the like! I wish that even adults didn't know these matters! And especially children - until nine years, until twelve years - and I would say even for the following years... The desire of the Holy One, blessed be He, is to dwell specifically in the mind of a Jewish child - they take this mind and contaminate it with external wisdoms!... Where is the Jewish pride?!"</blockquote>