An unusual event occurred last Thursday at the 'Bais Yaakov Teachers' Institute of Rabbi Levin', a well-known Haredi educational institution in Jerusalem.
In the middle of the school day, a surprising announcement was heard over the public address system from the seminary's principal, Rabbi Yisrael Levin, calling on students wearing TOMS shoes to remove them immediately, citing possible Shaatnez issues.
The announcement led to a surreal scene as numerous girls quickly took their shoes off, leaving many in stockinged feet. The school, along with neighboring community members, quickly rallied to provide Crocs as temporary footwear.
Origin of the Concern
The alarm was raised after a student sent her TOMS shoes to a Shaatnez laboratory for testing. When the results suggested potential Shaatnez problems, she alerted Principal Levin. Given the popularity of TOMS shoes among the student body, particularly those with straw soles, the principal decided to take immediate action.
Ongoing Investigations
In the days following the incident, several other students reportedly sent their TOMS shoes for testing, with similar concerns being raised about potential Shaatnez issues.
People who own Toms should speak to their local Rabbi about sending their shoes for shatnez testing
