This past month, the Naava Kodesh Staff sat down with Rav Shmuel Eidensohn, shlit”a, of Ramat Beit Shemesh to discuss what parents should keep in mind when researching schools for their children as part of their preparation for moving to Eretz Yisroel.
Rav Eidensohn is a renowned mechanech and founder of multiple mosdos in Ramat Beit Shemesh, including Toras Moshe in RBS Aleph. His decades of experience guiding families through the chinuch system both in Israel and in America make his insights especially valuable for parents navigating the transition to life in Eretz Yisrael.
Are schools and mosdos in Eretz Yisrael prepared to absorb and support frum families making Aliyah?
Definitely. In the past, we had situations where a child would come into a class crying, and we honestly didn’t know what to do. Today, things are very different. Schools are more equipped, more sensitive, and more aware of what Olim need. We’ve developed systems to help families and guide them through the delicate process of healthy integration.
Our approach is future-focused. It’s not enough for a child to be doing well in elementary school just because he’s surrounded by support. If there’s no long-term plan, and the moment he leaves the “comfort zone” of that school he’s left without direction, then what have we really accomplished?
The goal must always be to keep the child’s future in mind. We must ask: What kind of person do we want this child to become? Not just in the months following Aliyah—but years down the road.
Therefore, the next question will be: What type of school framework will he, Be”H, continue onto after he finishes elementary school?
We need to ensure that the child — despite being a new Oleh and coming from a different culture — acquires the habits and tools necessary to successfully integrate into his future framework once he is ready and mature enough to do so, despite his different background.
The early years, especially the younger ones, are a unique opportunity to ‘bridge’ the two worlds, styles, and cultures. If these bridging years are successful, it allows the child to have a soft landing and a smooth transition and absorption into his new environment.
What if a child is behind academically or struggling with the language in the first year or two?
That’s completely normal, and it doesn’t faze us. A child can still be happy and content even while catching up. We focus on the child’s strengths, on developing the unique kochos Hashem gave him, and on building a strong social framework.
We offer tutoring, personalized programming, and emotional support. The integration process is not one size fits all – it’s about seeing the individual child and setting him up for long-term success.
What should families keep in mind as they prepare for Aliyah?
Two things stand out.
First, families must find a kehilla—not just a shul, but a true community with a Rav, with direction, with a growth-oriented atmosphere. Aliyah is meant to be an Aliyah in ruchniyus as well. Without a proper kehilla, it’s hard to maintain that trajectory.
There are many challenges in Israel that don’t exist abroad. Many Olim who saw themselves as ‘Chareidi’ abroad, arrive in Israel and encounter confusion, dilemmas, and sometimes a lack of stability. Being part of a community with a guiding Rav provides the family with the ability to stay grounded and find a path within the confusion of differing hashkafic perspectives.
Second, it is absolutely critical to properly research the schools. Parents should not assume all schools will work for every child. It’s important to find a school with a long-term vision, one that understands the chinuch system in Eretz Yisrael and knows how to work with each child’s needs.
We met families who have come to an interview without really understanding the range of options available for Olim.
Many families arrive in Israel and start off in one school, only to realize after a few months that they’ve landed in the wrong place. There are many factors that they did not consider. Had they done more research, they could have avoided this unfortunate situation.
That’s unfortunate because there are many excellent schools for Olim.
With the right research and guidance, families can Be”H find the right fit and give their children the best start.
