Letter from R. Rephun about Programming on Judaism's Views on Sex Education (1968)
Dear Norman: On the question of Sex Education which we discussed over the telephone, it appears to me that we might divide the Sex Education Program into three major parts. As per your your request, the following is a sketchy outline that might serve as a starting point. 1. The Jewish Attitude to Sexuality: This would include modesty, sanctification, arousing undesirable emotions, purity of thought and speech, etc. 2. Reproduction: This would be part of the curriculum, part of the Sex and Health Program, beginning in the lower grades, including the vegetable and animal kingdom until the time human reproduction is reached somewhere in the seventh and eighth grades. Then a program including films and lectures by medical men. 3. Problems Relating to Sex: Such as social relationships, reading matter that is psychologically unhealthy and damaging. Discretion and selectivity in movies. All this based on a very fundamental understanding of the economic and social forces that operate in our society and that transmit a sense of values so diametrically opposed to our own set of values. "How should a Jewish Boy and Girl view these experiences?"If you think this has merit and would like to develop th further, I will be glad to meet with you and work out an experimental program on the subject.With kindest personal regards, I amRSR:ED