A jew who cares said:
“I’m not sure what the rest seem to have against yeshiva bachurim??”
and said
“If $250 would keep a bachur in yeshiva for 3 extra years (that’s around how long my hats last), then yes that perhaps might be a good cause.”
If it takes only an extra $300 to incentivize 3 more years of learning, I’m for it. My issue is that it seems to me that many use learning Torah as their tool for making money and their selfishness. The Borsalino is emblematic of that. As that attitude grows, so does the appetite for support. Which leads me to my next point….
—
DaasYochid asked, “$50k per year? I’ve never heard that. Ten years is high, but not unheard of.”
Let’s do some math. Rent in the NY/NJ metro can easily cost $2000 a month for a 2 bedroom –> $24,000 yearly. Utilities, phones, car payments and gas, food, car insurance, and health insurance can easily bring it up to $35,000, more likely $40,000. I’ve left out clothing, other incidentals, and “what ifs”.
In a few years, G”W, there will be kids. A bigger place might be needed with higher rent. More health insurance needed. Diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food add more costs. Childcare is expensive. Chinuch is expensive.
Eventually, the young family might want to buy a place to live. The shver is then expected to plunk down a down payment, which could be like $100,000.
Am I missing something, or does the loose math come out to about a half million (if not more) in 10 years. Even if you cut corners here and there, you still come out with a figure of hundreds of thousands. I’m sure that most young ladies will be working and contribute greatly to that in the beginning. But as kids come along, their net earnings will either diminish due to higher child care or less ability to earn.
BTW, all of that is AFTER TAXES. In other words, the shver has to make about $700,000 to pay that half million. Even if you want to tell me that it’s only half of that, it’s still a hefty sum.