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Correspondence

March 5, 1968

Letter from R. Rephun about Programming on Judaism's Views on Sex Education (1968)

Marriage & Sexuality Jewish Education
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Exchange with Dr. Morrow about Statement on Judaism's View on Sex Education (1967)

Dear Dr. Morrow: Enclosed please find the statement on Judaism's view of sex education which you solicited from me. Would you be kind enough to let me know when it is to appear in print, and to let me have two or three copies of the journal when it is published. Sincerely, Rabbi Norman Lamm: Judaism has no "official" view on sex education; only recently have efforts been made to introduce such study into the curriculum of Jewish schools. Nevertheless, the following guidelines may be said to be in consonance with the classic sources of Judaism:**Sex education should concern itself with the attainment of mental health** as part of the striving for holiness, which is the self-transcendence achieved by conscious conformity with the divine Law.**Optimally, such instruction should take place in and form part of the religious education** of the youngster. The parents’ responsibility is primarily that of holding up to the child a model of trust and love; the elementary biological information should preferably be given by the teacher.**Sex should be viewed as part of the total personality** and not restricted to the act and apparatus of reproduction. Therefore, in addition to biology plus a short course on marriage and family, it should also be related to all the other relevant religious and ethical studies in the curriculum.**While the facts should be transmitted openly and without embarrassment,** care should be taken not only not to weaken but to reinforce the youngster's natural sense of modesty.Rabbi Norman Lamm, Ph.D.
Marriage & Sexuality

Correspondence

Letter to R. Rosenfeld about Integrating Sex Education Into Day School Curriculum (1967)

Dear Lennie: Some time ago I sent you a copy of an article based on a lecture I gave concerning sex education. (If you no longer have a copy, please ask your secretary to ask mine for one.) I feel quite strongly that something ought to be done about the problem. My own very limited experience in education has necessarily circumscribed my involvement in the matter to the theory but I feel intuitively that there's a great educational contribution waiting to be made. Do you think that of the hundreds of underworked and overpaid executives and educationists you have at your beck and call that you can get one person or one committee to look into it? I'm thinking of a method of interlacing sex instruction with both religious and general studies in a truly integrated fashion in Day Schools. Alternatively, you might try a scheme of relating it to Hebrew Studies for afternoon schools and attempt it for all groups from Orthodox through Reform. Sex, after all, cuts across all lines and, at last report, has not been known to be a respecter of denominational boundaries.I would have mentioned the possibility of Rogosin Institute tack-ling the problem, but they have been dragging their feet on less formidable issues. Perhaps you can preempt one or two of their people to work with yours.Do you think it can be done? Think, think. Beter: do!Yours,RABBI NORMAN LAMMRNL/fz
Marriage & Sexuality Jewish Education

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Letter to R. Eliach Enclosing Article on Sex Education (1967)

Dear Rabbi Eliach: It is a pity that we have not had an opportunity to meet and talk for so long a time, I hope it will not be long before we have the chance to get together. Meanwhile, I am enclosing a reprint of an article based on a lecture I gave a short time ago on Sex Education. As you will notice, if you will do me the kindness of reading through it, it is only a beginning of a beginning, and is limited mostly to theory. I feel that leaders of Day School education in this country ought to concern themselves with the problem and experiment with sex Instruction in forms not hitherto attempted by secular or other religious institutions. Do you think there's any possibility of trying this In a Day School framework? Warmest regards "from house to house." Cordially, Rabbi Norman Lamm
Marriage & Sexuality Jewish Education