Rabbi Moshe Don Kestenbaum

I need not expound on the impact that our children’s friends have on them. While some parents do their best to find ways to select their children’s friends, it rarely holds out for very long.

This would be the perfect shot for a selfie. I don’t own a smartphone, but I couldn’t help but think that the scene I found myself in would have made for a perfect selfie.

Last week, we began discussing how we can help stop bullying in our yeshivos. We focused on parents training themselves and their children to respect all types of people. This week, I would like to discuss what mechanchim and teachers can do to help the cause. Of course, we have to be vigilant in our yeshivos to defend and protect any victims of mistreatment. We cannot sit by idly and watch a child be put down, even if we risk unpopularity among our students and their parents. We have to stand up for what is right and the message will not be lost on our students. Witnessing how much we truly care and respect every single child will leave an indelible impression on them.