SJS–thanks for re-routing the thread….I haven’t read enough to realize it was an overdone topic to the point of sickening people.
It sounds like you have a lot of years ahead of you before you will be supporting a Kollel family (sounds like your kids haven’t started school yet)…..
I found it very interesting that you pointed out that kollel is a luxury…I’m going to have to chew on that for a while…..
Most of my friends (many years ago), and myself included, when we chose a kollel life we knew it involved major mesiras nefesh, and most of us weren’t getting a penny of support from anyone….we lived with a lot less, and enjoyed what came along with having less (things)…but the joy of sacrificing for a genuine life of Torah to build a foundation for a true Torah home has a depth and sweetness that can’t ever be replaced.
At the same time, my respect for those who are in the working field and set aside time that is truly scarce to have a chavrusa, or go to a shiur, is tremendous…..and the sweetness of that mesiras nefesh for the husband, wife, and children is irreplaceable.
As long as each person is honest with themselves, and realizes to sacrifice for Torah isn’t a bad thing, even though it is hard,,, that is what we should strive for…each in their own way and own level.