The proper religious hashkafic (philosophy) match is of critical importance when selecting the appropriate school for your child. Families must define where they “fit in”, in order achieve maximal success and belonging in their child's new school environment. In Israel, the blending of religious approaches within the same educational system is less common, therefore; the religious philosophy of the school should mirror that of your own, thus avoiding religious conflicts at home.

Understanding the standard Israeli terms that define one's hashkafa will give the needed knowledge when searching for the right school system.

Chiloni: Secular. No expectation that any Judaic topics will be taught in the school day. Classes are taught in a fully integrated coed learning environment.

Mesorati: Traditional (in North America would most be associated with Conservative Judaism. In U.K. Mesorti Movement). Would like to see some Judaic content offered during the school day. Classes will most likely be coed through high school.

Dati-Leumi: National Religious. (Similar to Modern Orthodoxy in North America and U.K.)  There is a commitment, with varying levels of intensity to a Torah observant lifestyle. Judaic courses, taught from an Orthodox perspective are offered daily. Classes will stop being coed anywhere from 3 to 6th grade.

Dati Leumi Torani: Families for whom Torah learning and mitzvah observance play a critical role in their lives. Schools with have separate boys and girls classes from early on. The day will include more Torah studies than a traditional Dati Leumi school, and a longer day as well.

Chardal: An abbreviation standing for: Chareidi Dati Leumi. (Typified by the working yeshiva communities both in North America and the U.K.)This term has widely been used to define the Anglo

Orthodox religious sector who follow a Charedi lifestyle, yet

may also serve in the army in religious units, attend a

Hesder yeshiva, and pursue a work career.

Chareidi: Right wing- Orthodox (similar to yeshivaish in North America and Charedi in the U.K.) In the boy's division there is a strong focus on Torah learning  with a minimalist approach to secular studies. Girl's schools offer strong Torah education, with secular studies continuing through high school.

To re-emphasize; it is imperative that the school system you choose be in harmony with the overall hashkafic tones of your home.  Typically, the school system chosen for elementary education will be continued through the high school and post high school years.

The Chiloni and Mesorati student will most likely attend the local public school in his town. The public school will have no religious classes, however TaNaCh will be part of their Bagrut exam (Matriculation exams), albeit taught through a more historical/social perspective. There is a Tali track option in many communities for the Mesorati family where some Judaic courses are offered. High school graduates will most likely enter the army after graduation for their required service.

The Dati-Leumi student will most likely attend one of the many Mamlachti Dati school systems (religious public school, known for its acronym Ma'Mad). A Ma'MaD school equally divides its day with Judaic and secular studies, with Judaic study hours generally being taught in the morning. High school students will take the bagrut matriculation exams and will most likely serve the army in one of the options geared for the religious soldier. Girls most often will fulfill a one or two year program of national service (Sheirut Leumi).

The Dati-Leumi Torani student will most likely follow the schooling pattern of either the Dati Leumi sector or the Chardal sector. These students will attend a Ma'MaD Torani school, which dedicates more hours per week to Judaic studies. As high school graduates, boys will most likely go to very strong Hesder Yeshivas or those Yeshiva Gedolas with a Zionistic slant. Girls often attend a midrasha (learning program) or a one or two year program of national service (Sheirut Leumi).

The Chardal student will most likely attend a semi-private school that integrates charedi religious values together with the importance of living in Israel. Boys may decide to attend either a yeshiva ketana with no secular studies, or a Yeshivat Tichonit (yeshiva high school) with bagrut testing.Graduates will most likely attend either a Hesder Yeshiva or Yeshiva Gedola.

Girls will attend either a Bais Yaakov or a more right wing ulpana. Graduates most often do not participate in national service, but will continue on to seminary or one of the many post high school programs designed for the Chardal and Chareidi sectors.

The Chareidi student will most likely attend a private or semi-private school(chinuch atzma'ey), with girls participating in the Bais Yaakov (BY)system. It is important to note that there are central differences between the BY system in Israel, where the Israeli system tends to be more strict. This point is most highlighted by a school's takanon, code of dress and behavior (to be kept by all family members, both in and out of school).

Upon graduation, girls will most likely either attend a post high school program offered by their high school or choose another post high school program designed to serve the needs of the Chareidi sector. Boys attend Cheder for their elementary school years and Yeshiva Ketana for their high school years. Upon completion of Yeshiva Ketana, boys will continue on to Yeshiva Gedola.

Religious idealism and growth is often the basis for making aliya. For some olim, a conscious decision may be made to go ‘full steam ahead’ in leaving TVs, DVDs, wardrobes, and old record collections in the States – in order to embark on a new religious path in Israel.

For those who are seeking heightened religious observances, it is important to remember that the philosophy of a child’s new - more religiously intense school may include changes in their lifestyle that go beyond TV. Adapting to more demanding hours of Judaic studies or a stricter dress code for example, may prove to be too much for the child already struggling to adapt to his new environment. This is especially true when making aliya with pre-teens and teenagers. Therefore, careful thinking is essential when considering sending your child to a more right wing school in Israel.

Last note: registration fills up quickly! It is important to research schools and apply before your Aliya. Within any of the semi-private schools or Chardal/Chareidi systems, there is an acceptance process. The school has no obligation to accept your child (nursery – grade 12). Registration begins as early as December for the high schools and as early as February for elementary schools. If you intend on visiting and applying to schools while on a pilot trip, it is advisable for you to bring both your child’s last report card and a recent photograph. A letter of recommendation from a Rebbe/teacher, or community Rav is often required when applying to a school within the Chareidi system.

Submitted by Miriam Naiman- NBN social services team