Does the word Minhag mean anything to you? We Sefardim follow different customs from Ashkenazim and the customs, to some degree, are almost to the point of non-compatibility. If you actually bothered to read the article, you would notice that religious concerns are what form the basis for the objections of MK Ravitz. To quote, "the secular public does not understand that in the haredi public, school is not just a place in which you study and one plus one equals two... Even amongst the Ashkenazis, there is a great distinction between the ethnicities. A person who enters a Hasidic school will not see an inkling of a child from an alternative Hasidic group. Because then, what songs will be sung? Which leaders will they follow? The master of Gur or the master of Vizhnitz?" Do us all a favor, Ahava, please read the article and actually attempt to understand the issue at stake before condeming people next time you post a talkback...

Joe, I believe you are a good Jew as far as your knowledge takes you. I like to think of myself as a good Jew also. I thank you for your concern for me. The points you make are points that I have studied through for many years and I have come to my own conclusions based upon my years of study. I follow your advise. I do t'shuvah daily because none of us are perfect. Please allow your mind to venture into further study. You may be very surprised what you learn. If you allow others to do your studies for you then you will never move beyond the opinions of other men. Use your own mind and study to see if the things you are taught are so.