Though my good friend Health may think I am all about “cursing out” chareidim, I think they may have ground upon which to stand in this argument.
First, let us distinguish between the actions of private schools that receive government funding on condition of meeting certain benchmarks, and those who do not receive such conditional funds. On that score, whether in Israel or here, if teaching secular subjects is a condition of funding, fulfill the obligation or don’t take the money.
On the other hand, if chareidi yeshivos are not taking public funds on condition, then they – the parents of the children – can decide what kind of education they are willing to pay for, and donors to these institutions can decide what kind of education they want to support. When government funds aren’t involved, and when donors are free to choose as they see fit who they will support, it seems to me it is up to the parents. If they don’t see a need for English and Math, so be it.
Now, personally, I choose a different derech. I recognize that such subjects are useful, and serve a purpose, but if taxpayer funds aren’t being used, I don’t feel right telling others how to parent or teach.
Note – my support for privately funded chareidi schools teaching how and what they wish comes from my closely held belief in not telling others what to do outside of the publicly funded realm.
Oh, the irony of tolerance.