Early education – Going beyond the letter of the law:[1]
Although there exists an appropriate age of education, as will be determined in the coming Halacha’s, this does not imply that there is any restriction against educating a child in a Mitzvah prematurely. On the contrary, there are many mitzvot [i.e. Kipa, washing hands] in which it is customary and praiseworthy to educate a child from the youngest ages, even before he has officially reached the age of chinuch.[2] Such early education serves to familiarize the child with the performance of mitzvot and to instill proper habits and character traits[3], as will be explained in the forthcoming chapters with respect to each individual mitzvah. Likewise, there are a number of matters relating to prohibitions in which it is customary to be careful from the very day a child is born, not as an obligation of formal chinuch, but in order to ensure that the child is surrounded by an atmosphere of holiness. Thus, for example, many are careful not to allow non‑Jewish music to be played in the presence of an infant, nor to place images of non‑kosher animals before him, even from the moment of birth. Although the child is far below the age of chinuch, these practices are observed in order to cultivate a sanctified environment and to immerse the child in holiness from his earliest moments. However, caution must be taken that the chosen matter of education not overburden the child, as we will explain next.
The Rebbe – Education begins Before a Child Is Born[4]
See our corresponding Sefer “Lifecycles in Halacha Vol. 1: The Pregnancy and Borth” for the full details of this subject!
The Rebbe teaches that the education of a child begins long before the child enters a classroom. The preparation for raising a healthy child, both physically and spiritually, starts even before conception and continues throughout pregnancy. Parents should strive to ensure that the home is conducted with holiness, purity, and adherence to Torah values, thereby creating the strongest possible spiritual foundation for the child. In particular, the Rebbe places special emphasis on the mother’s unique role during this period, noting that the atmosphere of holiness and purity surrounding the child’s earliest development has a lasting impact on the child’s future growth and character.
Looking at holy images:[5] Throughout her pregnancy, a woman is to try to see holy images. She should visit the synagogues and halls of study and see and hear the Torah discussions of the Torah scholars and righteous men. These words of Torah will enter into her ears and sanctify the child that is within her, as the fetus hears and understands everything. So was done by the mother of Rebbe Yehoshua Ben Chanania when she was pregnant with him and for this reason she had a very holy child who was a great Torah scholar.[6]
Early Education Before Chinuch
| Practice | Permitted Before Chinuch? | Purpose |
| Kippah | Yes | Habit formation |
| Netilas Yadayim | Yes | Holiness and routine |
| Berachos | Yes | Familiarization |
| Torah songs and pesukim | Yes | Spiritual development |
| Creating holy environment | Yes | Spiritual atmosphere |
| Looking at holy images | Yes | Spiritual influence |
[1] See Toras Hakatan [Rubinovitch] Chapter 11:9-14
[2] See Ran Yuma 82a that one may do early education for all Mitzvos except fasting on Yom Kippur; Talmidei Rabbeinu Yonah Brachos 20 a regarding Shema; Encyclopedia Talmudit ibid footnote 100
[3] See Shelah Shaar Haosiyos Derech Eretz; Encyclopedia Talmudit footnote 102; Chapter 3 Halacha 1
[4] Sichos Kodesh 5729 p. 161; Hisvadyus 5744 2:1319; 3:1705; Shaareiy Chinuch p. 127-129, 139-140
[5] Shevet Hamussar 24; Toras Menachem 5750 3:179 “it is known the custom of women while they are pregnant to be very careful not to see impure items but rather only pure and holy items”; Likkutei Sichos 25:309; Shevach Habris 1:1; See Sichos Kodesh 5737 Sicha 7
[6] See Yerushalmi Yevamos 1:6; Rashi and Rav Ovadia Bartenura on Avos 2:8