LETTER: LAKEWOOD BOYS NEED A REAL SUMMER: IS IT TIME TO BRING BACK TWO MONTHS OF SUMMER VACATION

It is time for Lakewood parents, schools and askanim to have a serious conversation about our boys’ summer schedule.

Why are our boys getting only about one month off from school instead of a real summer break?

Most of us grew up with close to two months of summer vacation. We were okay. We learned, we grew, we went to camp, spent time with our families, had fun and came back to school refreshed and ready for another year.

Let’s also recognize what our boys accomplish during the school year. Lakewood boys are learning Torah on an incredibly high level. From a young age, they put in long days learning serious Chumash, Mishnayos and Gemara. We should be extremely proud of them.

Giving them a longer summer does not diminish that accomplishment. It may actually strengthen it. A child who has time to recharge can return with renewed energy and enthusiasm for another year of serious learning.

Our boys work extremely hard. They have long school days, homework, tests, pressure and demanding schedules.

But they are still kids.

They need time to breathe. They need time with their families. They need a real break after giving so much of themselves throughout the school year.

And this is not a new issue. For the past 10 or 20 years, parents have been approaching yeshivos individually asking permission to take their children out earlier for the summer. Some have received permission. Others have been denied. Other families have simply struggled to make their summer plans fit into an increasingly short vacation.

Why should every family have to fight this battle individually year after year?

It is time to address the issue as a community.

And it is not only the children who need this break.

Rabbeim need a break. Teachers need a break. School workers and administrators need a break. Parents need family time.

Everyone benefits from having an opportunity to recharge before beginning another demanding school year.

A longer summer also does not mean two months without Torah. Many of our camps have plenty of learning. Boys continue to daven and learn in camp and at home. Nobody is suggesting that Torah should disappear for the summer.

Lakewood has also changed tremendously. We are not simply a kollel community anymore. We are a huge and diverse frum community with thousands of working parents and families with different schedules, needs and circumstances. Our school calendar should recognize the reality of the community Lakewood has become.

Summer vacation is not wasted time.

It means family trips. Grandparents. Siblings. Camps. Sports. Being outdoors. Developing hobbies. Making memories. And simply having a chance to enjoy being a child.

We constantly talk about the pressures facing our children and the importance of their emotional well-being. Our actions and schedules should reflect that concern.

So I am asking Lakewood schools and community leaders to consider a meaningful change:

GIVE OUR BOYS A LONGER SUMMER VACATION.

This is not about diminishing Torah or education. Our boys prove all year long how much they can learn and accomplish.

A rested and happy child can come back ready to learn, grow and accomplish even more.

Our Rabbeim deserve a real break.

Our school staff deserve a real break.

Our families deserve time together.

And our kids deserve a real summer too.