It should be ever apparent that the current model of funding yeshivot is no longer working. The chasm between the “haves” and the “have nots” is growing ever larger, the proportion of people who require tuition assistance is growing, and the wealthy of the community are as wealthy as they once were. At the same time, tuitions and other costs are RISING. Already we see attempts at finding other ways to provide Jewish education. The charter school in Florida and the Hebrew language track in the Englewood public schools are examples. The Jewish Week has run a number of stories about mainstream Orthodox families who are opting out of yeshiva for their children due to the huge cost. The problem will only grow worse. I for one, foresee a return to Orthodox children attending public schools are supplemental Talmud Torahs. While there will always be people who are totally committed to yeshivas education for their children, Orthodox will have to make room for children who parents either can’t afford such and education or are unwilling to sacrifice beyond a certain point to pay for it. For the sake of this discussion, I’ll posit a question I’ve been mulling in my head for a few years. Like many people, i can barely afford the tuition for my two children in school, When our youngest starts school, our oldest will be starting high school. I have no idea how I’ll pay for it. My wife and I don’t live high at all, and there is very little, if any fat, to trim from our lifestyle. There is no doubt that we need to increase our income. I am a trained chazzan. Would I be allowed to take a cantorial position in a Conservative congregation to pay tuition?
Menu