Chabad Rabbi Emphasizes Identity Over Rules in Jewish Education Approach

Rabbi Asher Farkash, a Chabad educator, continues his series on Jewish education through the lens of Chassidut, focusing in the third installment on the essence of Jewish upbringing. He argues that education should go beyond teaching children what to do and instead help them discover who they are. Drawing on teachings from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Farkash explains that education is not merely a set of commandments or prohibitions but relates deeply to a child's natural sense of identity as a Jew and the centrality of Judaism in their life.

Rabbi Farkash highlights that this perspective transforms the atmosphere at home and in the classroom, emphasizing the importance of Jewish customs in education. He advocates moving away from education that feels like a list of obligations toward a vibrant, joyful, and meaningful experience. The lesson also connects to the spiritual themes of the month of Elul, focusing on a heartfelt relationship with God that arises from internal identity rather than external duty. This approach fosters a living identity that naturally influences behavior and actions.