Dear Matzav Inbox,
I have an overwhelming sense of disgust and frustration over the growing trend of young bochurim, some as young as in 5th and 6th grade, who are now vaping in places like shul and supermarkets. What has become of us as a community, when young boys are engaging in this dangerous and disturbing habit?
The prevalence of vaping among our boys has reached epidemic proportions in my opinion, and it is time that we, as a community, address it head-on.
Vaping involves inhaling the chemicals and toxins found in e-cigarettes, and it has quickly spread through our communities like wildfire. And yet, for reasons I cannot comprehend, it is being allowed to proliferate unchecked, even among those who are not yet teenagers.
We are seeing children in shul sneaking puffs of these poisonous devices. We are witnessing bochurim becoming addicted to something that not only damages their health but their future as well.
This is not just a harmless teenage rebellion. It is a serious problem, a machlah that is eating away at our bochurim.
I went to a chasunah last night. On my way out, I will tell you that every second bochur was vaping.
The long-term effects of inhaling these toxic chemicals are still not fully known. We are watching these young boys turn to substances that poison their bodies.
But it isn’t just about the health risks. What are we telling these boys about self-discipline, self-control, and respect for themselves and for others? What are we teaching them about the values that should be instilled in them? Are we supposed to simply look away?
And where are the parents in all of this? How are these young children getting their hands on these devices in the first place? How can we, as a community, stand by as these young boys turn to such an addictive and dangerous practice, often without even understanding the consequences of their actions?
Parents need to be vigilant, active, and involved in their children’s lives, making sure that they are not only steering clear of physical dangers but also the spiritual dangers that come with falling prey to such addictions. One thing leads to another.
Let us not kid ourselves into thinking that this is just a “phase” or something that will blow over. We have seen this pattern before with other issues in our community, where we turn a blind eye until the problem becomes so widespread and ingrained that it is nearly impossible to fix. We cannot afford to let vaping become another epidemic that ruins the lives of our young boys and bochurim.
It is imperative that we educate our children, from the youngest age, about the dangers of vaping, and instill in them a sense of responsibility for their health, their future, and their kehillah.
Let us stand together as a community and put an end to this scourge that is threatening to ruin our youth.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Parent
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i live in the ir hatora of lakewood and have not observed what you are saying
Anon,
I don’t believe you. I’ve personally seen groups of boys vaping outside a certain minyan factory near a certain large supermarket.
But I’ve seen plenty of smartphones.
Actually, in Lakewood there are ‘pushers’ who meet mesivta bachurim behind buildings and in other secluded areas to sell them the goods. Ask any bachur!
It very disturbing about the vaping, and we need to stop it, but who knows what other things these lowlives with no morals can do to our boys….
Vape is not oosir. The ashipha did not mention it.
Because we let it. Like all ills of any community, if there are no consequences things just go downhill.
Are the vapes certified Kosher? If the parents can Vape why can’t the children. If it is kosher.
Just because it’s Kosher and just because parents do it is not a reason that children should do it. Just like adults can have Kosher marital relationships and can drive cars while children Cannot.
Live and let live. You can try to stop your boys from doing it, but you probably will not be very successful.
I wish you much luck, Reb Yid.
Many people brush it off as a small problem and that there are many bigger problems. They are simply uninformed on the damage that nicotine causes on kids and adolescent brains. From harming concentration to anxiety and mood disorders, the detriments of vaping are antithetical to how we want our youth to develop.
They have tayvas, just like the parents who need big houses, latest model cars, shaitels that cost thousands of dollars and every other luxury.
Its everywhere, EVEN IN LAKEWOOD and its disgusting! These days you cannot tell anyone what to do, and if your do, you’re JUDGEING them chulilo! The the people who don’t like it have to keep quiet while the selfish armatures can do as they please. Once the tables turn and people can yell at them for breathing toxins in our space, they will soon feel stupid and stop.
We all know the stress level in the world is very high, and there’s no outlets or way out of this. While in the old days it was a tehilim today we look for external drama to fill the void and dull the pain. Unfortunately, escaping via something negative doesn’t help, its a pain killer with very many side effects. Nobody is taking away your bechira and stopping you from making bad choices. But we care that you’re sucked up in a negative habit with zero awareness. We want you vapers to know what you are doing and how people around feel when you vape in public.
They see it everywhere..Fathers & Older brothers.. Rebbeim…Its no different than smoking was years ago
(except it tastes better..they come in flavors) I have a son who had a Rebbe in fifth or sixth grade that stood by the window his cigarette hanging out and teaching!!
Parents are teachers always..Teachers are sometimes parents
Actions speak louder than words
Kids will always point out hypocracy
You CAN do something about it. ALL flavors except for tobacco are illegal in New York and New Jersey. Every store selling flavored vapes are unlicensed and therefore don’t care whom they sell it to , including minors. Many of these stores have jewish landlords that know what they are selling and are happy about it because they get more rent for illegal activities. Furthermore , many mikvahs are selling it in their ‘mikvah store’ which is an abomination. So plenty can be done. Seems like we don’t want to educate ourselves or get lectured on this subject.
we need a kol koreh from the rabbanim banning it, i recall my zayde telling me in his shtetl in Europe where everyone was pure and ruchniyus was the goal they didnt even what a telephone was, oy how far we have fallen to have Yidden have addictions all because of the tuma we are exposed in America. We really should try to live the shtetl lifestyle.
DONT BAN IT TAX IT!!!! 5TH GRADER GENERALLY CANT SPEND MORE THEN $30
Since the geder has been poyreitz, there is now herd immunity from any danger. Shoymer pesa’im…..
The bigger problem is that Parents are terrified & scared to tell their children anything – the children run the world. It’s time to go back to how the world used to be when Children were afraid of their parents.
BPMomy is correct