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role models that children choose for
themselves are often outside of the
4amily boundaries; they may be
unhealthy or inappropriate choices.
Children need to establish meaningful
relationships with adults they know,
which could mean parents, teachers,
neighbors and/or caregivers.
• The bombardment of the media
creates images for our children that
suggest the surreal is reality and that
-violence, obscenity and abuse are the
norm. It is critical that parents and
teachers take a strong position against
inappropriate media presentations and
actively guide our children toward
appropriate viewing and more mean-
ingful activities.
• The emphasis on materialism has
become overwhelming. Children are
\introduced early to an environment in
/which the acquisition of material goods
has become the symbol of status and
esteem. The belief of an - entitlement to
material goods — cars, trips, money,
jewelry, designer clothing — distorts the
achievement of essential concepts, such
as a healthy work ethic, commitment,
perseverance and problem-solving strate-
gies. These are the qualities that mean-
: gfully sustain a child into a successful
adulthood.
• The emphasis on ethical behavior
has been replaced by the acceptance of
actions that are expedient and self-serv-
ing. It is essential that we teach our chil-
dren to behave with integrity in an ethi-
cal manner — and we do so through
our own words and our deeds. In order
for our children to fully understand the
messages we send, we must be models
of our own teachings. We must behave
like the adults that we want our chil-
dren to become.
• Learning today is often pursued
For a higher grade, test score or college
admission. This is in contrast to the
historical Jewish tradition of placing a
strong emphasis on the value of an
clucation for its own sake. Our chil-
dren today are not understanding that
learning helps to shape their lives and
their intellect, opens doors of oppor-
tunity and enhances their lives in
incredible ways.
The face of the family and that of
the school have changed as society has
changed. As we hurry our children
›-)ward the finish line, we often over-
look the essential qualities that yield
the desired end results of goodness,
healthy lifestyle, happiness and peace
of mind. The challenge is to provide
the modeling, experiences and oppor-
tunities that will help to ensure suc-
cess for our children. . r

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5725 WALNUT LAKE ROAD
WEST BLOOMFIELD, MICHIGAN 48323-2373

for
Religious School
Information:
248.661.5725

28, 1999

-

8/6
1999

Detroit Jewish News

67