No fears on sex education — we do it

If the only evidence Ms Lipman can bring to the table “proving” the need for sex education in Orthodox schools (JC Feb 17) is a story from a friend of a friend cited in a book then she really had to dig deeply.

It is no secret that the Torah does not permit intimacy outside marriage. In order to prepare for every aspect of marriage — physical, emotional and psychological — young men and women are more than adequately prepared by teachers who themselves have undergone extensive training.

For example, the United Synagogue trains a huge cadre of marriage education teachers. This training was formulated and is run by Rebbitzen Rachie Binstock and has been lauded internationally.

We have our guidebook on intimacy in relationships; we do not need legislation to tell us what to do. We do, however, welcome opportunities to discuss relationships in an age- appropriate way in order that all our school pupils graduate from school with a clear outlook as to what constitutes healthy, functional, respectful relationships whether with their friends, future business colleagues or in marriage. Judith Nemeth,

Executive Director, Najos

Jennifer’s Lipman’s thoughtful article raises important issues but her viewpoint is problematic. She writes “Yes parental choice is important but, in a community with such opposition to sex education in the classroom, do we really think it will be taught objectively and without judgment behind closed doors?” Does her value judgment that ultra Orthodox parents will not do a good job really give her the right to impose her view on parents who strongly object to compulsory SRE? By all means, approach the parents in the ultra Orthodox community and try to persuade them of your viewpoint, but do not by-pass them and impose something on them which goes so much against their ethos and values.