Israel's Education Ministry has issued for the first time a unified national policy directive governing the wearing of tefillin in state schools.
Under the new rules, state school principals must create conditions for students who wish to wear tefillin within the school premises.
The directive was prepared with the participation of professional specialists and aims to eliminate misunderstandings and tensions that have arisen between students and parents due to differing approaches by school principals in recent years.
According to the document, each school must prepare internal procedures on this matter and incorporate them into official regulations. The procedure must designate a special place for wearing tefillin and specify the exact time it will be implemented. The directive emphasizes that tefillin may only be worn during class breaks and the process must not interfere with class hours.
Additionally, the directive notes that bringing tefillin to school, as well as students' timely attendance at classes and adherence to the class schedule, remains the full responsibility of students who wish to perform this religious practice.
The Education Ministry recommends that school principals hold consultations with teaching staff, parent committees, and student councils before implementing the new policy. The goal is to prevent possible disputes and preserve the existing educational environment in schools.
Education Minister Yoav Kish commented on the issuance of the new rules:
"Wearing tefillin in a Jewish state should not be a matter of debate or local interpretation. For many years, the lack of unified regulation in this area created tension and uncertainty for students, parents, and school leadership. This directive establishes order in this area, provides school leaders with a clear framework, and guarantees that every student who wishes to wear tefillin can do so with respect, discipline, and in a natural manner."