Public Bulletin by the Chofetz Chaim Regarding Chinuch Al Taharas Hakodesh
Pietrekov, 1903
Large poster with a compelling message by the Chofetz Chaim regarding the preservation of pure Jewish education. In this bulletin, Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, renowned as the Kohein Hagadol of Radin, extols the importance of Jewish education and maintaining the traditional syllabus of Chumash with Rashi and the teachings of Chazal as opposed to introducing modern commentaries into the program of study.
This bulletin issued by the Chofetz Chaim is exceedingly rare, as he himself attests in his opening words: “Although it has never been my way to stand at the gates of the city…” and he continues, explaining that he feels compelled to take vigorous action to preserve authentic Torah chinuch after the horror he felt upon witnessing Torah being taught in Jewish schools as if it were a history book.
At the end of the bulletin, the Chofetz Chaim establishes four principles regarding teaching Torah that are upheld until this very day:
1. Children should be taught Chumash with Rashi, with the pshat.
2. Torah teachers must be Yirei Shamayim.
3. It is the responsibility of every parent to monitor his child’s education.
4. The significance of this matter must be stressed to Jewish women and the masses.
This is a very important and rare bulletin! Since the poster was printed to be hung in
the city streets, there are very few remaining copies.
The Chofetz Chaim reprinted this bulletin in the sefer Chomas Daas (Pietrekov, 1905).
Pietrekov,
1903.
Large poster printed on one side in two columns.
Maximal size: 48.5 x 32.3 cm.
Condition: Good, with fold marks and small tears.
