Haredi Families Face Crisis as Children Deviate; Expert Offers Parental Guidance
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Haredi families face crises as children deviate from religious norms.
- Rabbi Ami Baram advocates for parental guidance over direct child intervention.
- The 'Shorashim' initiative provides professional support for struggling families.
- The program focuses on parental confidence and united family fronts.
- Urgent, professional intervention is crucial to prevent irreversible damage.
Thousands of Haredi families are grappling with a hidden crisis as their children deviate from religious norms, a situation often exacerbated by parental reactions. The issue surfaces when a child refuses to attend yeshiva, initially attributed to fatigue but quickly escalating to behavioral changes like altered dress or social withdrawal. Parental fear of societal judgment paralyzes many, while internal family dynamics turn into conflict, with fathers imposing strict boundaries and mothers attempting to offer support, further alienating the child. This rift, described as a "heartbreaking religious gap," leaves families feeling isolated.
Rabbi Ami Baram, chairman and founder of the "Hitkasrut Ma'aminim Beyachad" association and the "Shorashim" initiative, proposes a revolutionary approach: the problem lies not with the child, but with the parents' management of the crisis. Instead of trying to force the child to change, Baram emphasizes that parents must undergo internal work to regain confidence, shed guilt, and present a united front. This shift in parental approach, he argues, can transform the family's reality.
The "Shorashim" initiative offers a strategic action plan, providing professional guidance from top social workers. Parents learn to create a healthy family environment with clear boundaries and support. Sometimes, the child's struggles stem from undiagnosed issues like ADHD or incompatibility with their specific educational framework. The program equips parents to find creative solutions within the Haredi community, reinforcing family strength and unconditional love.
Baram stresses the urgency of addressing these issues, warning that impulsive reactions like anger or disengagement can cause irreversible damage. The "Shorashim" initiative operates a hotline and a parent support team available during crises to offer perspective, calm, and a clear course of action, encouraging families to seek help to restore stability and peace.