Educating Household members:
Not only is a father obligated to educate his biological children in the fulfillment of mitzvah’s, but furthermore, it is implied from the Poskim[1] that he is also obligated to educate all of the members of his household in the fulfillment of mitzvah’s even if they are not his biological children. Thus, an individual who has adopted a Jewish child is rabbinically obligated to educate that child in mitzvah fulfillment just like his own son and daughter.
✍️From the Rav’s Desk: Teenage Boarder Education
Question
I have a teenage boarder living in my home who attends the local Frum high school and participates in activities such as listening to non-Jewish music and watching movies that their parents—and I personally—would not approve of and do not approve of for my own children. From a halachic perspective, do I have an obligation as the head of the household to address this behavior, given that she lives with us, eats with us, and is treated like a sibling to my children? Or is it not my responsibility since they are not my child?
Answer
Yes, there is a halachic obligation. As the leader of the household, you are responsible for ensuring that all members of your home—biological or not—follow the path of Torah and mitzvot. Therefore, you should approach this matter with the same seriousness as you would with your own children. Of course, the method and tone of addressing the issue depend on the relationship and the individual’s personality, so it requires sensitivity and nuance. Nonetheless, the responsibility to act is clear.
Sources:
See Admur 167:23 “And all this is regarding an adult who does not know how to bless. But to train children, one is obligated to bless on every blessing of enjoyment in order to educate them in the mitzvos. And even if there is no obligation of chinuch (education) upon him, such as one who is not from his household.”; Aruch Hashulchan C.M. 290:30 regarding an Aputrapis; Betzel Hachochma 5:3
Other opinions: Some Poskim rule there is no obligation upon the father to educate his nonbiological household members any more than any other Jew. [Rashi Pesachim 88a regarding a master of a slave; Mishneh Halachos 3:26]
[1] See Admur 167:23 “And all this is regarding an adult who does not know how to bless. But to train children, one is obligated to bless on every blessing of enjoyment in order to educate them in the mitzvos. And even if there is no obligation of chinuch (education) upon him, such as one who is not from his household.”; Aruch Hashulchan C.M. 290:30 regarding an Aputrapis; Imrei Yosher 3; Yad David Pesachim 88a; Sdei Chemed Mareches Ches Kelal Get; Betzel Hachochma 5:3; Shevet Halevi 8:95; Chanoch Lanar 2:7 footnote 15; Piskeiy Teshuvos 343:1 footnote 12; Encyclopedia Talmudit ibid p. 166 footnotes 70-75; See regarding the Chiyuv of an Aputrapis to provide the children with Mitzvah objects: Tosefta Terumos 1; Gittin 52a; Pesachim 88a; Rambam Nechalos 11:10; Michaber C.M. 290:15; Admur 434:16; Chok Yaakov 434:15; See regarding the Chiyuv of a master to educate his slave: Encyclopedia Talmudit Erech Chinuch Volume 16 p. 167 footnotes 83-84
Other opinions: Some Poskim rule there is no obligation upon the father to educate his nonbiological household members any more than any other Jew. [Rashi Pesachim 88a regarding a master of a slave; Chikrei Lev O.C. 70; Pesach Hadvir 343:3; Mishneh Halachos 3:26]