On one hand, we should be proud of the yungerleit for choosing to learn, and for a short term it is no different than those going to college.
That being said… Yidden have survived passing on the Torah for thousands of years without lifelong kollels. Men learned after work and when their children went to bed. And while sitting and learning was once a luxury for only the richest, now every girl is convinced that she needs a learning boy, and that the poverty is a worthy sacrifice. And while learning is admirable, I really wonder how many boys feel called to learn, while others are there because it’s the “right thing to do” or because of pressure from family and the community. And the boys that are there should be grateful that people care enough to sponsor their learning, instead of feeling entitled.
But there is a thin line between choosing to live in poverty and forcing that lifestyle on your children. I grew up in Teaneck, so English was my primary language. I learned a variety of subjects at school.
Edited 😳
So if you’re going to accept help, and I have no issue with that, people should be taught that they must help later as well. A kollel is not a college with tuition up front. The boys are getting a solid education for free, and should be willing to pay it back by personally donating instead of expecting the government.
Above all, strive to be better than the previous generations.