Reply To: The Cost of Being Orthodox

Haifagirl,

There is such a concept as family planning. The idea that “G-d will provide” reflects mystical and magical thinking and a lack of hishtadlut. Humans are endowed with the ability to make wise and responsible decisions and choices, and there is a lot of truth behind the idea that siyata de shmaya comes to those who help themselves.

The idea of volunteering in lieu of paying dues is something I wish more shuls did. There was a discussion about that I had with some rabbanim in the social justice sector last week.

Most families I know that are Reform or Conservative have 2-4 children.

And as far as meat goes, I find that I can get meat at prices not much higher than treif meat by shopping around at the right places in Brooklyn and Queens. I’ve done shabbat (2 meals) for around $50 many times, one meat and one dairy meal (wine from Trader Joe’s, hallah, a hearty vegetable soup for Friday night, salatim, pickles, olives, gefilte fish with chrein, kugels, roasted vegetables, chicken, steak, parve desserts, and for lunch, egg salad, cole slaw, potato salad, vegetarian chulent with kishka, halavi lokshen kugel, green salad, roasted vegetables, and dairy desserts).