B'not Esh

B'not Esh (Hebrew: בנות אש, meaning "Daughters of Fire") is a small, ultra-Orthodox Jewish girls' school located in Israel. These schools, sometimes referred to as "flame schools" in English, are known for their focus on intense religious study and strict adherence to Jewish law (Halakha). The curriculum typically emphasizes Torah, Talmud, and Jewish ethics (Mussar), often at the expense of secular subjects. They aim to cultivate deeply religious young women prepared for marriage and motherhood within the ultra-Orthodox community. The schools are often viewed as a response to perceived threats to religious purity from the outside world and modern influences. They emphasize insularity and discourage interaction with individuals and ideologies deemed incompatible with their religious beliefs. The specific curriculum and level of stringency can vary between individual B'not Esh schools. Criticisms of these schools include concerns about the narrow curriculum, the lack of preparation for secular employment, and the potential for isolation and limited exposure to diverse perspectives.