Joseph, certain yeshivot charge less because they offer less. I have a number of friends who send their children to a certain school in my area simply because it’s cheaper. These people know that the school offers a sub-stanfard secular education than other options, but feel they have no choice. I for one would not send my children to that school. My decision is not based on the sub-standard secular education, but rather my sense of integrity. The school in question has a television contract that all parents are required to sign. Many who sign it, maintain their televisions despite their commitment to not have one. Certain other families do that and also lie about their lifestyle. The wives have a sheitle to wear to school events, but otherwise go with their hair uncovered. I have two televisions in my home and do not hide it. My wife does not cover her hair, except in schul, and I make no pretense about it. I see no point in lying or pretneding to be something I am not in order to send my children to yeshiva. Should it come to it, I’d rather officiate in a Conservative synagogue, tell my children that I have no choice but to compromise my religious obervance in this way in order to send them to yeshiva, than lie; something that cannot be justified or explained to children so that it makes sense. My hope is that the honesty I display will carry the day. I hope you never have to make that choice. But I assure you if you do, I would never condemn you for your decision.
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