What It’s About

In a stunning display of religious fidelity, hundreds of students at the Old Seminary, an ultra-Orthodox school in Jerusalem, removed their TOMS shoes and walked barefoot upon discovering that their footwear contained Shaatnez, a mixture of wool and linen prohibited by Jewish law.

Why It Matters

This incident highlights the strong dedication to religious principles within the Jewish community. The immediate response from these young students echoes the enduring commitment to halacha, serving as a testament to the vitality of faith-based education in Israel.

Details

The event unfolded when a student discovered the forbidden fabric in her shoes, leading Rabbi Yisrael Levin, the school’s principal, to announce the discovery over the PA system. The pupils swiftly responded, readily removing their shoes and walking barefoot, affirming their dedication to their belief systems.

A Principal’s Pride

Rabbi Levin praised the students for their immediate and unwavering reaction. “It was touching to see the girls proudly remove their shoes without a second thought once they heard about the prohibition,” he said. Students also showed ingenuity in creating makeshift footwear from cardboard and other materials.

Halacha Above All

“The principal announced on the intercom that Shaatnez was found in shoes from the TOMS brand,” a student explained. Some girls chose to walk home barefoot, while others borrowed shoes or purchased thick socks for comfort.

Levin pointed out the significance of the timing, noting that the Torah portion read this Shabbat coincidentally addressed the prohibition of Shaatnez: “It was moving to see the girls, who are devoted to the word of God, remove their shoes with pride.”

Community Spirit

Even though there was no formal budget for replacing the shoes, the girls found creative solutions to cope with the situation, showcasing the unity and resilience within the community.

This story was first published on jpost.com.