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Tuesday, 25 Adar I, 5784
  |  March 5, 2024

How Should We Cover It All?

From the COLlive inbox: A Chabad mother is wondering if there is some secret she doesn't know on how to cover her family's tuition costs. Full Story

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to171
August 15, 2018 11:16 am

Generally people with degrees make money. Of course there are some that don’t. And yes, there are some who went to yeshiva all their life and can barely speak English who are doing well. But for the vast majority it’s not that way. The ones who are doing well went into business, real estate, etc… and that requires money to start up, so it’s got to come from somewhere.

to 14
August 14, 2018 3:36 pm

IGNORANCE. People with several degrees can make nothing.

this whole situation is out of proportion
August 14, 2018 9:34 am

Don’t go out of town for sem and mesivta or zal……. If you are such a large family 80K is not much and tuition committees would have to take that into consideration. can you move to a less expensive apartment, maybe a couple of blocks down, out of the major CH circle. Rents in CH have exploded, it’s ridiculous. I saw an add for an Upper East Side apartment recently which was less than a CH apt of the same size…. What is this? All the hipsters, yuppies moving in are driving up the rents. Why do they come to… Read more »

To #23
August 14, 2018 9:13 am

NO! Please do not move to Israel if you are barely making it. Hashgacha and babysitting are both overflowing so it will take a bit to find a job, and unless you’re willing to live somewhere less central you will spend TONS of money on rent. Your kids (8 of them?) will need to adjust and learn Hebrew, you will need to learn the system and language, and you’ll still have the older 3 to worry about – and they’ll probably still be learning abroad, meaning you’ll be paying dollar tuition on a shekel salary, plus dorm fees. Plus if… Read more »

Do you have FB?
August 14, 2018 9:04 am

If so join one of the Dave Ramsey groups. Or the Frum and Frugal Orthodox (something like that) group. There are posts like this ALL THE TIME and the people in those groups are smart, creative, and absolutely terrific at helping people figure this kind of thing out.

Good luck!

To 165
August 13, 2018 4:51 pm

You can say that about any other non profit religious groups as well but it’s not the point. Religious schools are part of non profits . Non profits can legally have assets that produce revenue to support their organization . Out non profit yesheva system can have this as well. Jwittness for example have massive real estate holdings and are not surviving solely on fundraising and tuition. Any fundraiser or board member that suggests parental tuition pressure or bake sales isn’t out of the box or being innovative

TO 165
August 13, 2018 9:40 am

Poor examples: The Catholic system is one of the most corrupt systems in the world, their global reach and money comes from corruption. That is not an example I would use. Savvy Chabad houses cater to secular educated jews and charge an arm and a leg for tuition. I was personally turned aware from a Chabad preschool because I was too frum and told so. The shluchim said they can make more money from secular jews because they donate on top of paying tuition. My full tuition was not good enough. I work for a non profit museum. You are… Read more »

Non profits can have assets to support the institution
August 12, 2018 7:14 pm

We need talented motivated intelligent connected hardworking fundraisers for our schools which is how any non profit survives. Additionally non profits can and should have assets that support the non profit such as real estate holdings businesses etc. The Vatican as one of many examples has this to support their parochial schools. In not sure but I get the feeling from these comments that we just pressure the over taxed parents for more tuition blood from a stone and ‘fundraiser from the working poor and or approach our relatives who may not be in any better position. This is not… Read more »

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
August 12, 2018 6:54 pm

#162

BANK OF AMERICA, FEDERAL RESERVE,
FORT KNOX ………..

Chanie
August 12, 2018 5:14 pm

Rochel, I really feel for you. My husband and I lived like that for many years. The answer is not acquiring a college degree (we both have advanced degrees), but acquiring a (more) marketable skill. One more thing, be careful about working off the books. The FBI is looking closely into frum communities which have a high proportion of families on Medicaid and food stamps.
May Hashem bless you with nachas from all your children.

Mendel
August 12, 2018 4:49 pm

Does anybody know who you need to go to to get financial assistance? My wife and I are BTs and we don’t have any relatives or connection in CH and we also struggle paying tuition. Does anybody know individuals or organizations who might help?

FADAK
August 12, 2018 8:57 am

Mrs. Rochel, I sympathize with you. Over 150 comments and I too don’t have any real good answers for you. Take pride in raising such a wonderful large family. Your children may not have all the latest gadgets or vacations but they’ll recognize the misiras nefesh you and your husband put yourself through. I was raised in the system but understood that raising a family will be my loving burdon one day. I prepared myself despite being demonized by friends and some mashpiim. Today, I BH pay my full schar limud on time and then some. The administrators take my… Read more »

we need to give people the tools to raise large families on small incomes
August 12, 2018 8:40 am

If people had sewing skills, for example, they could save by buying cheaper clothes and alter them to make them tznius. Many people don’t have any budgeting skills and know zero about investing or saving. Instead of home schooling that deprives children of having a peer group, why not create co-op schools with other parent?. Public school has a goal of turning America into a melting pot society and doesn’t foster Jewish identity at all. If like minded people got together, they could create organizations that help people make the most of their money and also create co-ops and gemachs… Read more »

System
August 11, 2018 8:52 pm

Part of the problem is the system which doesn’t really train bochurim to so anything out of working in the from world. If the poster has kids entering seminary and yeshiva she has to be at least 40. Back then it was really not the done thing to go to college… Even now we need to set up our children in a way they can support their families and i think part of that is an overhaul of the system. Also, all the votes for moving to Florida sound great but not my experience. I am not eligible for any… Read more »

MRS PERL ARBOR
August 11, 2018 8:46 pm

ITS AN ABSOLUTE CHUTZPAH FOR MESIVTAS, YESHIVAHS, SEMINARIES, TO CHARGE ANYTHING. THEY SHOULD BE HONOURED AND GRATEFUL FOR PARENTS SENDING THEIR CHILDREN IN THE FIRST PLACE.

london uk
August 11, 2018 4:37 pm

we don’t pay a penny here for school fees for education starting from preschool all the way to A levels which is entry level to uni.

NY Times Best Sellers List...
August 10, 2018 2:56 pm

It is known that the value of a book is rated on how long it remains a best seller item..
The Rebbe often wanted key matters not go off the so called “seder Hayom” and to remain a burning issue..
Judging from the overwhelming response and importance of this topic., may I suggest that writers. Askanim, rabbonim and those of influence make this a priority issue to resolve….”Hamaase hu Haikar…

Crazy but
August 10, 2018 2:03 pm

I stopped working and only my husband works. When I worked we spent more money, there was a need for cleaning help, daycare, more clothes, shaitle upkeep, double cars and insurance, we ordered in more because after a long day I had zero energy to cook. After calculating all our expenses I was only bringing home a few hundred dollars a week for a full weeks work! So I became a stay at home mom. We downsized to one car. My husband Uber’s to work. No more cleaning help. I stay home with my 8month baby, 3 year old and… Read more »

London
August 10, 2018 1:15 pm

Move to London.
The chabad schools are government funded and free for parents.

To #149
August 10, 2018 12:59 pm

149 writes:
I have plenty of frum friends with 6 kids and up who switched to public school because they could barely afford to make Shabbos.”
I find this heartbreaking. Klal Yisroel might end up losing an entire generation.

#147
August 10, 2018 12:09 pm

You hit the nail on the head. I often sit and wonder why there isn’t more of a push for vouchers in all states. I agree that people should move to a place where there are simply to make life more affordable but if not why not come out in numbers and work with the other private schools to get vouchers?

Clarify
August 10, 2018 9:43 am

I never suggested that people not have large families. I have one bh myself. All I said is that is you do, you cannot say to the yeshivas, I have 12 kids so you have no right to charge me tuition. Someone has to pay hard working staff who BTW also have families. Left CH just because of judgemental people who just love to attack any comment that they don’t like

Renting to roommates is against the law
August 10, 2018 9:17 am

The rents have risen because our already tight housing supply is being rented iliigally to roommates, I am not talking about a shome owner renting their basement to a few seminary girls or bachurim, I am talking about large land/building owners renting aapartments to roommates that can pay 1000 a room because they have 3 incomes, this practice is illegal and until we put love before greed we will have strife.

Another vote for florida
August 10, 2018 8:46 am

The seminary here is much cheaper and some of the girls that attend are local and don’t even board. I have a special needs daughter so I don’t have a choice but to send her to a public school, that being said I was pleasantly surprised that it’s not as bad as an environment as made out to be. Again based on your location. She gets full kosher meals and they have an elective to learn Hebrew. Chabad does after school classes for public school kids. The local sem has a weekly learning and they can teach the kids parsha.… Read more »

#103 again
August 10, 2018 7:12 am

One year, my husband (a respected professional) was told to go door to door collecting. My husband asked a Rav, who told him he does not have to do that.

NEED AID FROM GVERMENT
August 10, 2018 6:32 am

NOW YOU KNOW WHY THE REBBE WORKED SO HARD ON AID TO PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS. THE REBBE EVEN SAID WE COULD WORK TOGETHER WITH THE CATHOLIC POPULATION ON THIS VITAL MATTER.
THE REBBE SAID THAT EVEN THE CONSTITUTION ALLOWS FREEDOM TO BE EDUCATED IN YOUR RELIGION SO THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PAY FOR THE SECULAR EDUCATION NOT THE RELIGIOUS ONE.
THATS THE SOLUTION!!!!

# 98 has the right idea!
August 10, 2018 2:07 am

everyone just stop paying !
they can’t throw out everybody right ??!!!
the lazy admin will surely start fundraising again instead of running personal business from our school ( free) offices!

#115
August 10, 2018 1:02 am

Yes, so well said! Also in out of town communities kids have been been kicked out for financial reasons. Fundraising from the working poor doesn’t work (but it’s easier than going to the general public – which is what a board is supposed to do).

Rambam!!!
August 10, 2018 12:06 am

Today anyone who commits to diligently study (preferably 3 chapters) Rambam daily (despite not seeing the Rebbe), immediately merits to see success in parnoso! (Women defer hamitzvos) Countless people saw instant salvation from doing this! I nevertheless, feel for you and I wish you success. May we merit to see the day when tuition problem will be obsolete because “לא ילמדו עוד איש את רעהו כו…כי כולם ידעו אתי”

DMM
August 10, 2018 12:03 am

many years ago a administrator at a large chabad mosed told me “if you don’t have money send your children to public school” at the time i was penniless, facing eviction and no money for bread for my children – at times i was considering to do just that.

Rochel- the original author
August 9, 2018 11:47 pm

Hi all, this is rochel. Firstly I want you to know that I read each and every comment. It means alot to me that you took the time to respond. Some comments were very helpful and some surprising, some very encouraging. And for those and all I am thankful to you. Well not for the ones telling me we should not have had kids… our children are our biggest bracha, and we love each and every one. And if it means that we struggle more to have them, I would do it all over again. As one comment pointed out,… Read more »

I live in Florida
August 9, 2018 11:38 pm

We have step up, which is s scholarship the state gives towards school. We pay total 4K a kid which is really good for an out of town school. People we know pay even less. We have a big family so tuition is still our biggest expense but money seems to spread out much more here. We have lived in ny and we were always in debt. It wasn’t a life we couldn’t afford anything. My husband works in kashrus and just on his salary alone we afford school, mortgage, car and insurance. We don’t have food stamps or Medicaid.… Read more »

do your part and work on emuna
August 9, 2018 11:20 pm

I am in a similar position to the author, with some slight differences in the details. As the years have progressed and our family’s expenses have increased, I have found, that with each increase in expense, there has arisen an opportunity to earn more money. These opportunities entailed hard work but the way in which they arose was unexpected, and as such, I have viewed them as a gift from Hashem and as a sign that He is encouraging us and sustaining us on our path. So, to the author, I suggest the following. Work on your emuna and on… Read more »

#81 the only answer worth reading...
August 9, 2018 11:01 pm

Elect new boards that have the ability to fundraise outside the community – NOW!

What about poorer families?
August 9, 2018 10:55 pm

There are also big families living on half of the income of the author who cannot even pay basic cost of living. And for those like the author with a basic income , the cost of rent and education here ruins quality of living.

mitzraim
August 9, 2018 10:12 pm

there is no dougt that the situation is a test. just like the jews in mitzraim didnt stop having kids evethough the were slaves, so to we should continue, because thats the way we are gonna get to mashiach. may hahsem see our effort and remove the test by revealing moshiach now!

A new idea
August 9, 2018 9:43 pm

I think a women’s parnassah organization should be organized. It should have a list of all different trainings available catered to women. IE, in person courses at different times, mornings, evenings etc. and online courses, live, or self study. This way, women can find something that suits their time constraints. There should be counselors to help women find employment that makes use of thier skills, as well as resume writing support. We are capable of so much, and there are opportunities out there. It can feel completely overwhelming to sift and search by yourself. This could and should be a… Read more »

#128
August 9, 2018 9:18 pm

Start with what are you good at? Are you sociable? Do you think you could do sales? Are tech savvy? Apple and Amazon have jobs from home if you know how to work a computer. There also entry level sales positions you could look at. However, not to be a Debbie Downer without a degree at some point you will hit a glass ceiling and it vastly reduces what you are able to do. If you feel strongly against the idea of working towards a degree then I would start with what jobs you could get. There are also bank… Read more »

מאין יבוא עזרי
August 9, 2018 8:59 pm

My sister related to me the following true story. She was at a wedding and someone at the table started talking about the high cost of tuition and how she is very behind in paying her tuition bill. Aother lady, a total stranger, asked the first lady how much do you owe in tuitions, the lady thought for a second and said $18,000. The second lady reaches into her pocketbook, writes out a check for $18,000 and gives it to her.

Much Hatzlocho!
August 9, 2018 8:54 pm

to #124 Yes, that was what the Rebbe meant and clearly said, to bring down as many Neshomos as one possibly can. Not for yourself, but for Hashem and Klal Yisroel. It could very well be that your struggle is such like Adam and Chava by the Eitz Hadaas because of the tremendous Kedusha and impact every last one of specifically your precious children’s neshomos will bring to this world (down to the very last one, who just may turn out to be a Moshe Rabbeinu…) The value of every child is incomparable to that of money, even though one… Read more »

Possible Solution
August 9, 2018 8:50 pm

Try buying/selling on Amazon part time.
When you get out of your bind don’t forget those less fortunate than you

Tuition
August 9, 2018 8:22 pm

Crown heights has become unaffordable and there aren’t any organizations that help those in need. Wish it would change

Seminary
August 9, 2018 8:11 pm

At the end of the day- BR CH has the best teachers.

You may not have the “sem spirit”, since most girls work after hours, but if a girl is serious, she can gain so much, and even earn some money at the same time.

There are quite a few yeshivos who give discounts, so look at other options for yeshiva. (No need to attend the “top 3.” There are options.)

Hatzlocho! It is unfortunately struggle so many of us face. (And I live out of town with lower tuition, yet have the same struggle.)

Crown Heights Living
August 9, 2018 7:47 pm

I started reading some of the comments. Crown Heights has become extremely not affordable…..and when people say “move out” …. that’s not always an option for people. Lately I have been seeing A LOT of heimishes in our community….they are bringing there businesses to our community and buying our real estate….I think that needs to stop!!!

Ideas please!
August 9, 2018 7:45 pm

Ok, I’m ready to quit babysitting and get a “normal” job.
What ideas do you have for a Frum, chassidish mother who is not particularly creative (i.e. Not becoming a graphics designer)
List some ideas please!
Preferably part time.

Thank you 81
August 9, 2018 7:40 pm

81 is the only practical comment

Tuition$$$
August 9, 2018 6:28 pm

Elementary school is $4,000 each child (times 5) and preschool. Even if each moisad gives us a scholarship, it is still, if you do the math, way beyond our income level.

$4,000 is amazing. Here in California you’re lucky if they let you pay $8,000

More Articles About This
August 9, 2018 6:00 pm

The writer is on target and many families are stressed about the tuition prices. We need more articles about the subject and fundraising ideas instead of raising tuition from the parents every year.

My struggle
August 9, 2018 5:58 pm

While many here are appalled with the suggestion of financial burdens being a factor when it comes to having children…I still wonder about a happy medium between those secular Jews who will debate long if to have even a second child if they aren’t sure they can see them through college etc…… and our Torah world where we have 16 children and don’t bat an eye to even consider the functional aspects here? Did the Rebbe truly mean this? Does the Halacha…which encourages more children mean nothing is factored in but the Mitzva of bringing another child into the world???… Read more »

Dear Rochel...
August 9, 2018 5:39 pm

My advice; stop paying tuition, save for your future family needs. Should your children be threatened with eviction…then post again on col with your full details…..you will see the support you get, not only from anash in general. But from many gvirim….who will put down hard cash for you….or threaten to withdraw their support from the Mosdos
All will awake and…smell the coffee…..

Stop Bashing Their Jobs.. This is not helping
August 9, 2018 5:13 pm

Although many people are choosing to go to school now so that they have a chance at surviving.
Sara Schenirer is a place that helps women achieve a degree and therefore Parnassah in the frummest possible way. Never mind seminary.. the waste of 20k (although if your getting government programs you would be eligible for grants) let her start going to school so that she will be set up for good!

Nowadays
August 9, 2018 5:00 pm

This generation will pay for anything that hits the latest fad. People can be selling expensive ugly clothes- yet its “brand” so they buy it. People can charge $100 to do your makeup because “everyone goes to her.”
Start something of your own as a side job.

Thank you #115 a Shliach
August 9, 2018 4:38 pm

Best comment here. In addition to causing families to limit children, I would add that it also plays a role in kids being turned off by the system.

Some helpful suggestions from someone who was poor and is now wealthy
August 9, 2018 4:07 pm

Hi. Years ago i was in a similar situation. I had to ask my parents for money for food and rent..the key for me and my family was getting a college degree and a normal carreer. 80k with a big family is not possible. Simple as that, plus now there are lots of frum programs out there so no excuse religious wise either.

The real issue
August 9, 2018 3:55 pm

The real issue is that when the man (and woman) of this family realized that he was not going to stay in kodesh work, he should have gone out and gotten himself a degree and good marketable skills. Instead, it seems like is that he settled for an easy route and went into kosher supervising. This was a grave mistake.
I would highly recommend, anyone that does not see themselves being a teacher or a shliach, please go out and get yourself a degree so you have marketable skills.

Be fruitful and multiply
August 9, 2018 3:50 pm

One should not consider family planning for the sake of tuition payments. Any administrator that even suggests such a terrible thing should be removed from his or her post! Would the Rebbe approve of such a thing? Tell these people if they would suggest such a thing of the Rebbe was right there in the room with all of you. Halacha does NOT support that position so it’s an non discussion. People suggesting family planning are only thinking of themselves … These aren’t the people who will tend to you are sick or lonely in your golden years … children… Read more »

Scared 4 the future
August 9, 2018 3:23 pm

#115 lays it down nicely. Unfortunately there is no good answers.

A Shliach
August 9, 2018 3:07 pm

Any way you want to slice it, having a large family with even a very good income for 2 working parents is just not going to cut it. Cost of living has gone way up and tuition is out of control. Etc. Etc. There is no question that the Rebbe foresaw all of this when he campaigned for large families. Therefor he tasked certain individuals to do big fundraising, encourage people in CH to make housing affordable, and above all made it clear that schools and Yeshivahs cannot kick someone out due to lack of funds. #47 made some good… Read more »

Suggestion
August 9, 2018 2:55 pm

Gevirim could subsidize the online school to make it both affordable and full time for everyone. At present, it is both affordable and full time only for shluchim.

Torah forbids ..
August 9, 2018 2:48 pm

…to charge money for teaching Torah..every child deserves a chinuch. Regardless of money..
Let the wealthy pay to keep schools going
The poor can ride on their backs .

some ideas
August 9, 2018 2:37 pm

A mother I know with a large family is in school to get her master’s degree and got a large scholarship from a fund through the Hebrew Free Loan Society, based on family size and they don’t have a tiny income. Getting a master’s degree doesn’t have to be very expensive bc there are some therapy and medical type degrees that the government will pay the student loan if the degree-holder works in an underserved area for a few years. The government also has programs to pay off general student loans after a number of years. There are programs online… Read more »

Israel
August 9, 2018 2:27 pm

There are tons of suggestions in the comments above, some useful some outright idiotic.
It may not be for everyone but you can send your kids to high school in Israel. The religious boys high school is not Chabad, one of the girls is: https://www.naale-elite-academy.com/en/
They will speak fluent Hebrew, become more independent, get a Bagrut/decent high school education in a religious environment, you pay for the tickets to come home in the summer and pocket money.

To number 87
August 9, 2018 2:22 pm

I am shocked!!! To hear a lubavitcher (unless you aren’t one) speak that way (“if you decide to have 12 kids..”.) When having large families is something the Rebbe koched in!!!

Out of town is no easier
August 9, 2018 2:20 pm

This problem is not limited to CH. Moving out of town is not a good answer. We live elsewhere and like many CH families moving anywhere is not an option for many reasons. Our children must leave home very young. In addition to tuition costs we pay travel plus dorm or other living expenses. Food, laundry and personal items can be much higher than in a family situation. When the mosdos are closed for Yom Tovim and breaks the children can not just walk in and out of home – they either come home or araingements for hospitality need to… Read more »

Tachlis
August 9, 2018 2:04 pm

After all that’s been written here, nothing is going to change come the new school semester in Sept.
They need to build 20 story projects in CH on a massive scale, this will drive down the prices of housing in CH

Financial Advice
August 9, 2018 1:34 pm

40,0000 is an entry level wage for a professional. Part of your problem is that you and your husband are working jobs which are suitable for teenagers. You need to specialize in something and start climbing the ladder. I imagine neither of you have degrees but that isn’t such a problem. With the right resume and experience you can move up.

What can you do?
August 9, 2018 1:31 pm

Run up as much debt as possible for your husband. At the last moment declare bankruptcy if you can’t pay it any longer. Then do the same thing for the wife. Rinse and repeat. Hashem should bring Moshiach. This is our only answer.

Out of town is no easier
August 9, 2018 1:23 pm

This problem is not limited to CH. Moving out of town is not a good answer. We live elsewhere and like many CH families moving anywhere is not an option for many reasons. Our children must leave home very young. In addition to tuition costs we must pay travel plus dorm or other living expenses. Food, laundry and personal items can be much higher than in a family situation. When the mosdos are closed for Yom Tovim and breaks the children can not just walk in and out of home – they either come home or araingements for hospitality need… Read more »

If all 101 commemts....
August 9, 2018 1:17 pm

….said nothing….but gave this family 5 dollars she would be 500 dollars ahaead….and would help her far more than all fancy unrealistic etzos…..
Let her set up a. Go fund me…..on col.
We Yidden open our hearts and wallets to one another…

Hypocrisy
August 9, 2018 1:16 pm

The schools teach that the mother is the akeres habayis, but they had no problem forcing me to give up being the akeres habayis in my family. I was forced into the workplace in order to pay 100% of my salary, plus a third of my husband”s salary to tuition. We lived very simply. Maybe some of the menahel gashmis should stop living like multi-millionaires…

What Ever Happened to jewish education scholarship fund !!!
August 9, 2018 1:06 pm

Who remembers this? 2 years ago
He got the rabanim to support but nothing ever happend
https://collive.com/show_news.rtx?id=40476

to comment 15
August 9, 2018 12:59 pm

how dare you say this “Responsibility Don’t bring into this world what u cant afford ” its the rebbes ratzon to bring down as many neshamos as possible, the rebbe requested many times.. for a family to follow the rebbes ratzon with such tmimus should be blessed not the apposite. hopefully a nice solution will be made…i think its a great idea to start a trend that the best seminaray will be BR so girls do not need to go out of town and same with mesivta and zal. todate OT and BR is very menchslich and understanding regarding tuition… Read more »

From Sara
August 9, 2018 12:54 pm

You pay too much rent and u need a larger income.

Unite
August 9, 2018 12:20 pm

If all of the yeshivos would unite and register their children in public school, the government would see that they have to support yeshivos as well. Even if all the young people in Crown heights would register, there would be a majority of Jews

just don’t pay up
August 9, 2018 12:13 pm

it was more important for me that my kids wear designer clothing , latest of everything and we had israel trips , then pay schools . I didn’t have my kids just to slave away and dream that my family life would be just paying for schooling. i wanted fun with them swimming lessons and didn’t have the money for both so i chose fun and yes were having a blast ! no one has or are throwing my kids out because they are and were too well dressed and cultured and as a result are and were major assets… Read more »

Oholei Torah Board is the issue
August 9, 2018 12:07 pm

All of you commenting about sending your children local, you obviously don’t k owwhat is happening in this neighborhood (CH is no longer a community) The local pritzim have hijacked the OT and BR boards without any legal right and are demanding full tuition from everyone, including shluchim and Rebbeim. They have no shame and make sure to stick nasty comments to parents (similar to the famous former administrators of a certain local school would do) all in the name of Chinuch Al Taharas Hakodesh. Shame Shame Shame on these individuals who ran to the front of the line to… Read more »

Outside Mesivtas & Seminary's Should Be Totally Free
August 9, 2018 12:00 pm

As There where originally Created To Help The Local Shluchim
HAve a Religious Presence In Their Community;
Than It Just Got out of Hand

To #34
August 9, 2018 11:45 am

100% percent right, great yeshivah, extremely cheap, my son Meir grew so much from that yeshivah, he was really really looking towards being not frum, and that yeshivah made him a chasideshe bachur, I am very grateful for that yeshivah, is dirty cheap, if you need help financially send your son there. Two birds with one stone, now with the zal problem, Toronto zal has governmental help, and makes tuition for you very cheap, just like tzefas, it’s also a great yeshivah, now for the seminary problem, send your daughter to beis rivkah, my daughter had a phenomenal time, and… Read more »

practically
August 9, 2018 11:44 am

I would also like to hear how people do it. I am fast approaching that stage ( my oldest just entered highschool) and would also like to know how people do it. Interested to hear practical details from actual people who are in the same situation. assume you have 8 or 9 kids ranging from seminary/zal to preschool- how do you actually do it? What is your income level? what are your expenses? How do you pay for seminary? Moving away from CH (NY area) is not an option because then my husband would have no parnassah. For his skill… Read more »

Eli B.
August 9, 2018 11:28 am

As most collive posts, this is a good way to vent, less to actually solve anything. tRochel, there is, in fact little you can do. Bargaining down is good place to start, every school starts high and bargains down. A higherpaying job is good but unless you’re skilled, you will have a limit to how much ( not advocating college but hard to ask for $25 an hour for unskilled labor) . to the larger point. Crown Heights, i think is unique among other jewish communities in the follwoing: There ARE a tremendous amount of moisdos competing for the same… Read more »

We need to stop demonizing secular education
August 9, 2018 10:53 am

There is no way a large family can make it without an accompanying large salary You say you spend $200 per week on food? That’s impossible unless none of your kids live at home My children who have five or six kids kh and live out of New York spend much more than that on a Costco trip! I wish you hazlacha but we need to encourage our children to get a good profession so this does not become an endless cycle of poverty and schnorring Going for a secular education or job training is not a luxury anymore it’s… Read more »

top 5% earn $225K a year
August 9, 2018 10:39 am

How can we be expected to pay these prices for more than one or two kids? we need a community funding model for schools, like public schools, and not built on the (sore) backs of our families!

see stats here: https://dqydj.com/united-states-household-income-brackets-percentiles/

more then one job....
August 9, 2018 10:37 am

With the way the world works today even if you have a “decent paying job” it seriously doesn’t cut it. If possible, look into something extra you or your husband can do. And GET OUT OF HASHGACHA. It doesn’t pay and never did. Especially with the seemingly large family like yours.

I did the calculations.
August 9, 2018 10:35 am

With that income and that many family members (from what you wrote it sounds like 8 kids, but even if you have 10 kids plus 2 adults) the only way you are getting food stamps is if you’re hiding part of your paycheck. So, you are the prime example of those who claim to be suffering the most, while in fact, it’s those who pay their taxes. Now imagine, you make that same paycheck, but you have about half the family size. You pay taxes, which deducts about 30k from your salary. You don’t get food stamps because you know… Read more »

Shluchim grants
August 9, 2018 10:31 am

I have tremendous respect for all shluchim & we should do all we can to help them ,saying that ,there are a minority of very poor plain anash ,unofficial shluchim who are not eligible for all the discounts that official shluchim get, and are neglected and fall between the cracks. Chabad at large should not forget about these unofficial shluchim & they should be eligible for some of the shluchim discounts at summer camps & schools. Plus a lot ,but not all,of shluchim with the rebbes unprecedented Brochos to shluchim, are doing quite well & don’t need these discounts as… Read more »

Grateful We left
August 9, 2018 10:28 am

As an administrator, parent and grandparent i could write a book. When we were educating our kids, we changed jobs, extra work etc. What we didn’t do it feel entitled to welfare. Most families in CH think it’s ok to lie to get benefits. After all of blacks get it why not us. So stealing from the government is ok Tuition in CH is a joke compared to most out of town yeshivas. As an administrator i get called a gonif taking food out of their kids mouths. Somebody has to pay the staff and the ton of money it… Read more »

Imo anochi bitzarah
August 9, 2018 10:08 am

You comment that these issues are not spoken about publicly- you and many of us need emotional support and encouragement so that we don’t fall into despair and depression. Good ideas surface when you are in a group and supported- find that support, you need it and deserve it now. Having a big mishpachah is the biggest kindness that you can do for yourself and your family (and the kavanah) despite the hardship- you are living the most meaningful existence and will see the nachas

Low tuition
August 9, 2018 10:04 am

Here it’s 16-18k a year for elementary, 22-25k a year for mesivta and 25k for Zal. HaShem should help. HaShem should provide! Moshiach now!!!

Where to start ...
August 9, 2018 10:03 am

1: To those saying have fewer kids, um, that’s not helpful, unless you are suggesting that Rochel get rid of some that she already has. 2: To those saying get a college degree, yes, that does generally have a significant impact on lifetime earning potential, but it’s not a useful suggestion for someone struggling right now. (Unless you are offering to cover all expenses while they go back to school, that is). 3: Going to local schools, if they are an option, does help. If nothing else, not having to pay dorm and travel costs is a big deal. 4:… Read more »

Agreed if possible move to a smaller community
August 9, 2018 9:53 am

As the CPA said – you’re rent shouldn’t be more than 28%of your income. If you are in CH please check out either Pverland Park (Philadelphia) or Kingston/ Wilkes Barre. Both are affordable and both have beautiful growing Lubavitch communities. You could rent a place for inexpensive. both have schools run by amazing principals. Hatzlacha.

For older bochurim
August 9, 2018 9:41 am

Do semicha as an Elter Bochur working in a yeshiva, free year of room and board after shlichus and some pocket money.

This is a leadership problem
August 9, 2018 9:34 am

I got through 69 comments and see 3 pieces of advice: get a better job, go into absurd debt, or beg. The schools need to fundraise harder. It’s ok to pay some tuition, but, come on, asking a family to spend more than 1 or 2,000 per month *in total* is insane. Average, working class families earn right around 80K. We can’t expect our community to pull in 250K+ a year for everyone. We need leadership who will work this problem: cap family payments to Lubavitcher mosdos, find big donors (a la Rohr) to support education, rethink maaser for schar… Read more »

to #13
August 9, 2018 9:31 am

Hashem Yishmor
Better keep your kids home

Real issue
August 9, 2018 9:30 am

Real issue is that today’s moisdois with new boards (not new ot board) feel that they don’t have to take on any real responsibility and raise funds to cover depth. They try to squeeze and squeeze from parents who simply do not have th funds. A few years Rabbi Shemtov will struggle and hustle to raise money and help the girls school cover the debt. Today not as much. Our moisdois have to roll back and once again become real moisdois which assist and help families that don’t have the means to make ends meet. We don’t need fancy bbq… Read more »

what cheaper rent?
August 9, 2018 9:29 am

it is hard to find housing in ch for a decent price. all they want are roommates and 3 bedrooms are now 3,000 and up.

Most likely
August 9, 2018 9:27 am

Most people just don’t pay and constantly owe schools. Personally I don’t put my kids in preschool because I can’t afford it, and rather try to save for elementary

To # 63
August 9, 2018 9:26 am

Your answer is the best response to the question asked. I am saddened to read so many comments suggesting things that are so against what our Rebbe spoke so strongly about. It is a struggle, but at the end of the day Hashem will help, be it through others who will pitch in, or breaks in the tuition. Hatzlacha and nachas from your family.

who does the responsibility lie with?
August 9, 2018 9:24 am

Educating the next generation is not just the responsibility of the parents, but it is the responsibility of everyone. you and you, and me , too! If someone else’s kids don’t get the quality chinuch that they need, in the way that is suitable for that child then it is not only their parents who will feel it, but all of us will have to suffer the consequences!! You, you, yes, you too, as well as I must do all we can to invest in the future and make sure that every child is given his rightful “inheritance”. We seem… Read more »

Old question without solution
August 9, 2018 9:05 am

What is being asked is an old question. For years families such as the Author’s have been struggling to pay tuition.

It is adamantly apparent that the schools in CH and their boards are more concerned with chas v’shalom giving a discount to someone who might not REALLY need it than making sure that someone who does REALLY need a discount gets a break.

Community +
August 9, 2018 8:58 am

As a community we have to stop giving our money to institutions outside the community. Halacha clearly states about tzedoka that it’s family first, then local community, then Eretz Yisroel, then you can choose. (The Rebbe brought back shluchim when their local communities didn’t financially support them). We fund schools, shuls, mikvehs out side our community and it’s simply against halacha. 2 years ago I committed to giving matching amounts to local institutions everytime I gave to not local institutions. Then last year and this year I committed to giving people who ask for non local institutions a maximum of… Read more »

To no 63
August 9, 2018 8:58 am

We are a young couple with some money to invest, where and how? Any insight? Where to look into it?

Open your own seminary
August 9, 2018 8:28 am

With 5 girls, you would be making 100,000. How will you pay the teachers? You and your husband can be the teachers and leave your elementary and preschool children home for them to gain hands on experience in teaching.

Earn more income
August 9, 2018 8:25 am

Look for better paying jobs for both of you!

Real Answer
August 9, 2018 8:02 am

…Pound the pavement…
Thousands like you….simply go door to door in communities that don’t know them and raise big money
I did that when I had to marry off two children in same month and 4 others in a period of 3 years..
Hatzlocho

Loans
August 9, 2018 7:58 am

We are in the same boat as you (slightly higher income but no benifits). The only way we can keep afloat is to take out loans. Eventually we hope to pay them off. The rest is up to Hashem

To 12
August 9, 2018 7:55 am

Those are some very slanderous accusations. What was the last thing you did for the community? The members of our community’s boards give away countless hours of their free time purely to insure that the rebbe’s mosdos will be able to continue into the future. How can you possibly look at that spending breakdown and come away like it’s the local school’s fault? As others have mentioned, paying 20 grand for an out of town mesivta is a much bigger problem than 4 grand for local schools. This family is bh better at realizing where the priorities should be, but… Read more »

New York
August 9, 2018 7:54 am

Or wherever you live should have school choice. It doesn’t make sense that with so many Jews in New York , there is no school choice. Start a campaign now to campaign for school choice. Put it on the ballot for the next election. The Rebbe spoke about the government helping with school expenses.

Real Answer
August 9, 2018 7:54 am

…Pound the pavement…
Thousands like you….simply go door to door in communities that don’t know them and raise big money
I did that when I had to marry off two children in same month and 4 others in a period of 3 years..
Hatzlocho

To all that suggest local schools
August 9, 2018 7:53 am

For a larger family the local schools are causing the same pain and anguish 4500-5500 per child depending on how kind the honorable decision makers are this is simply an unsustainable for a regular income family The burden is on the school that’s the way it always was and with all due respect that’s the way it is supposed to be Enough of this “our cost per kid is 11000 and we are awarding you a 4000 scholarship” what a nice guy make sure that the world is aware of his honorable status or next year it will cost you… Read more »

Comments
August 9, 2018 7:49 am

I think comments like don’t have children or you should have gone to college are inappropriate for a chabad site and collive should have blocked those comments. Author is asking for advice and not for your kfirah. The real answer is that it will all work out, the proof is that even with these worries your kids are in school and you still have food on the table. It does work out. The only issue is that it’s a constant worry and not easy. It is called dagas haparnasah. For years everyone has been tossing and turning in bed over… Read more »

Talk to Rabbi Shais Taub
August 9, 2018 7:48 am

Write to Ami Magazine

To #14
August 9, 2018 7:46 am

You are wrong. There are more factors than a college degree. Both my husband and I are college educated, and while it may make us in a somewhat better situation, we are still struggling to stay afloat. Hashem is part of the equation, and so is mazal. There is no yellow brick path to success for everyone.

snarky comments
August 9, 2018 7:39 am

snarky comments with no basis in reality.
1. small families? as if that would help, plenty small families struggle too.
2. college degree ? come on we know that only on paper that may solves problems but still can’t make ends meet
Yes life is tough. school can be expensive but also compassionate and for the most part kids don’t get thrown into the street, when your short on tuition.
a little belief in Hashem would help to.
Good Luck with realities of life.

Libavitcher yungerman
August 9, 2018 7:33 am

My advice is, find a course in something you enjoy and which has the potential to earn a high income from and get a degree in that field, and then people will start to request your services

It's good to know...
August 9, 2018 7:28 am

Your problem is the financial nightmare but also great blessing of most people I know.. As #1 said..move to a cheaper place. In Lakewood for example you can live in a 5 bedroom house for only 1500 a month. Also they will never reject kids no matter how much your behind Same is true in other Chabad communities around the world…eg Melbourne Australia. I had 6 children and paid a minimal tuition….Although then there was a “Giant of a man”- Rabbi Yitzchok Groner Z”l. Who would never let a student be ousted on account of money.. But I highly commend… Read more »

Good question
August 9, 2018 7:27 am

BH for the brochos of a large family, and children who are learning Torah all day. Wondering if it would help for you and your husband to have a meeting with the schools, show them your financials on paper and ask them what to do? You’re doing all the right things, having the children, sending them to the Rebbe’s mosdos, trying to earn a living by working hard, not spending on extras, so when they see that perhaps they’ll try to help you from their end with discounts or scholarships. May Hashem continue to shower you with brochos and the… Read more »

Grants!
August 9, 2018 7:25 am

Have you looked into the different grants that help?
Pell grant/ masa / and other grants that help in yeshiva and sem.

constant stress
August 9, 2018 7:25 am

our kids were constantly being threatened to be thrown out , sometimes they were and we moved them around different schools . sen was one yr locally , yeshiva was here and there ( same thing ) . we shnored until there was no one left to go to. we didn’t do the pre shlichus ur and found the boys shlichus with friends family , it didn’t harm them but it did us . we are old , ill and tired and we haven’t finished wirh this stage . oh and we are the most hated couple around lol we… Read more »

Career
August 9, 2018 7:13 am

I don’t know what to tell you at your stage in life, but for the youngsters out there, having a combined income of $80K will not cut it. You need well over $100K for basic survival. Be smart, think ahead, and do what it takes to make this happen. Spend wisely in your younger years and make proper life choices…

Shlichus
August 9, 2018 6:59 am

You open a non profit and solicit from wealthy non frum people.

Financial Advisor
August 9, 2018 6:55 am

Hi Rochel, 1. Your rent is taking too much of your income. I assume $80,400 is take home (net income) not pretax income (gross income). because you didn’t mention taxes. Rent should not exceed 28% of your income. $80,400*.28= allows you $1875 per month on rent. 2. You should certainly try to ask for as much of a scholarship as possible, because it is unreasonable to expect your rent to decrease (this year, as a previous comment recommended moving). 3. I would venture to say look for for a cheaper seminary, but I imagine that is something you would have… Read more »

Tuition rates
August 9, 2018 6:51 am

Those sound like rates for out of town schools. Keep your children local if possible. Are those the published full tuition rates as they sound very high?
Our family struggles by fundraising-not easy but our city works that way- and arranging to pay lower amounts until March or April when tax refund comes.

¢$$$$
August 9, 2018 6:50 am

What about all the money you get back from your tax refund!?

Dave Ramsey
August 9, 2018 6:50 am

It’s all answered in your 3rd paragraph, where you wrote “My husband is a Kashrus Mashgiach”. As Dave says, your most powerful wealth building tool is your income. Your husband needs to find a better paying job. Hashgacha, with all due respect, is the easy way out. I went to night school for 4 years to get my degree, working all day In an entry level job with 4 kids and a mortgage then going to school all night, just to get my degree. Now I have opportunities available that would never have been with just a high school diploma… Read more »

Can't really say...
August 9, 2018 6:43 am

B”H Just from where I’m at (not knowing anything about your work abilities, etc) I would say that your best start is in your income. If you are working from home you have the world as your oyster. Step one, raise your prices by very, very little. The small raise in prices on your babysitting clients is unlikely to hurt them very much but will do a lot for you. Starting a side business is also a great way to up your income. A side business can be something as inconsistent as after hours babysitting (if possible) or as in… Read more »

Much Harzlocho!
August 9, 2018 6:05 am

Managing the burden of a large family depends on community wide infrastructure, leadership and resources. The rebbe tried setting that up (at the time when he campaigned for having large families) by organizing a committee to create long-term affordable rent and housing, tasked the schools to start fundraising instead of relying on tuition and lobbied the gvt for “school choice”, but none happened. So according to the laws of nature it isn’t reasonable to expect to do it all alone, but since we Jews were never limited by the laws of nature here are my thoughts and suggestions on what’s… Read more »

TO # 1
August 9, 2018 5:45 am

YOU ARE TOTALLY WRONG! THAT IS NOT WHAT THE REBBE WANTED! THE REBBE WANTED THAT CROWN HEIGHTS MUST AND SHOULD HAVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING SO THAT PEOPLE SHOULD BE ABLE TO LIVE AND STAY IN CROWN HEIGHTS AND NOT CH”V BE KICKED OUT AND THROWN OUT OF CROWN HEIGHTS BY………. BECAUSE OF……….

Keep your older kids in town
August 9, 2018 5:33 am

In town yeshivas are much cheaper.
Get scholarships for the rest of the tuitions.
That would help cut out a large chunk of your tuition bill.

worse than mitzrayim
August 9, 2018 5:28 am

We are not having any more children because of this.

In the same situation
August 9, 2018 5:26 am

Unfortunatly this is one of the nisyonos of our generation. Maybe move to the Holy Land where tuition is very very low. I don’t have the answers, but this is what I do: find out about getting school vouchers, Pell grants etc… dont encourage kids to go to out of town Yeshivas and overnight camps unless it is really important to them Negotiate hard with the schools and camps (al pi halacha the wealthy in the community are supposed to help the poor with tuition. In Every other Chasidisher group this is the way it is done, some Yeshivos are… Read more »

School Choice States
August 9, 2018 5:09 am

MOVE TO: Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana (2), Maine, Maryland, Mississippi (2), New Hampshire, North Carolina (2), Ohio (5), Oklahoma, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin (4)—and Washington, D.C– ALL HAVE SCHOOL CHOICE> Meaning reduced or free tuition depending on the state

Move to Israel
August 9, 2018 4:02 am

Move to Israel where education is free.

Birth control
August 9, 2018 3:00 am

And now you know why people arent having large families anymore

To Number 3
August 9, 2018 2:51 am

Impossible way of living

A Time Bomb
August 9, 2018 2:34 am

As a parent and now a grandparent b”h, I am convinced that the issue with tuitions is a time bomb ticking away at a ferocious pace, and it threatens Klal Yisroel. I recall the tremendous anxiety it caused me and my wife a"h throughout the years. It must be handled on a Klal Yisroel level in order for us to survive as a frum people. A national fund must be established mimicking that of the U.J.A Federation. Perhaps charter schools are the answer. I heard from friends that many young frum couples are making Aliyah because tuition in Israel is… Read more »

Spinning in circles
August 9, 2018 2:11 am

Pray, work harder, make more money.

What if they don't attend seminary?
August 9, 2018 2:03 am

would it be the end of the world?????

when?????
August 9, 2018 2:01 am

when are we, as a whole group of Jews , are going to get together and ask the city and state to pay for our kids tuition the way they spend close to 20,000 dollars per year per student in public schools. if you think things are tough now, wait till the next generation being forced to attend public school for lack of fund. Of course Moshiach will be here and tuition will be free in eretz Israel.

Yitchak p.
August 9, 2018 1:30 am

For mesivta look into tzeirei hashluchim(beis Menachem Mendel) in tzfas
Great yeshiva with amazing hanhalah was that really helped my son grow
great campus equipped with basketball soccer volleyball and football fields
Dorms are absolutely ABOVE AVERAGE each one featuring a private bathroom and shower

All for a Fraction of the regular asking price of any yeshiva (obviously a lot of government aid is utilized )

Anyway might be something to look into like I said

Israel !!
August 9, 2018 1:23 am

You guys know that in Israel religious/chabad schools are free? (Until yeshiva when they cost a few hundred $ a year) And health care. Maybe think about aliyah?

Possible options
August 9, 2018 1:05 am

You should be able to get some FAFSA money to cover Zal. Today, Bais Rivka is a viable alternative, which would also be covered by FAFSA. My husband was always on the books, but didn’t make that much, so we didn’t get any FAFSA, food stamps, WIC, or Medicaid or even child health plus. I don’t understand what is going on today. The yeshivas never gave us big breaks, but it was manageable (although we continued to pay back tuition for many years). Unfortunately,. I have heard that tuition is the new birth control and that administrators in more than… Read more »

Oholei Torah....
August 9, 2018 1:01 am

For some odd reason, the tuition committee in OT are all very wealthy and have no sympathy to anyone who can’t pay full tuition. Why are they interviewing parents? what do they understand about struggling financially?
besides, if you look closely, NONE of them have any children in this yeshiva! So why then are they on this self appointed board?
This is a community organization that benefits from being tax exempt, this requires for them to follow the rules…. why isn’t the board of a community school elected by the parent body?
This board will destroy the school

align your income and expenses
August 9, 2018 12:23 am

if you live in Crown Heights, it’s a fairly expensive area. Nowadays, it’s meant for people who make at least $50-60k / yr as a starting salary for a young professional, not a large family with 80k / yr combined income, unless you have subsidized housing. You’re paying close to half of your income for housing. On the other hand, your elementary / middle school costs are very low compared to what people pay in other cities / communities (besides some poilisher or litvisher chadorim in places like Monsey, Lakewood, etc.) Use Bais Rivka for seminary – it does not… Read more »

try to increase your income
August 9, 2018 12:11 am

babysitting and kashrus hashgocho both pay very low wages – so you can either look into ways to lower your cost of living, or if possible, look into ways to make more money. look into getting into skilled trades or some professional or para-professional occupation. Or perhaps some small business / self-employed opportunities that bring more money than simply babysitting. Do try something – trust in G-d, and believe in your abilities as well.

To#1
August 9, 2018 12:05 am

That doesn’t help seminary, mesivta and zal.

Food stamps
August 9, 2018 12:04 am

Why are you on food stamps and free healthcare if your family in earns $80,000 plus?

What should the schools do
August 9, 2018 12:03 am

They fundraise after they give people discounts and are still unable to cover their budgets.

concerning seminary
August 8, 2018 11:41 pm

if you live in ny
maybe send to BR
it won’t cost 19,000
and i heard that girls are happy there generally

also, i think we all need to start rethinking how we make simchos and cut down on a lot of the things at the simcha that cost so much and we can really do without…

talking big bouquets of flowers, more flowers all over, maybe a smaller sweet table, each person can find ways to cut down…

but even with all that the cost is staggering

ask
August 8, 2018 11:34 pm

Ask for a break in tuition. Its no shame. Good luck.

Location?
August 8, 2018 11:33 pm

Location matters. If this is in Crown Heights, do you need you stay in CH? Some states are much cheaper as far as tuition etc. If you need to stay in CH ohlei Torah mesivta and zal doesn’t charge that much. And they will work with you. Out of town yeshivas charge alot. That is a story for itself. Seminary many families have cut out as they have discovered the scam that it is. Do you have any siblings or family that can help you foot the bill? Some schools will give you a multi year payment plan, you will… Read more »

I always buy clothes
August 8, 2018 11:28 pm

second-hand. You can save a ton of money buy buying good quality used clothing. I wash it well when I come home. Look into such stores. Sometimes you can save hundreds on one garment alone. I am generally talking about quality even name brand clothing for under $10.00 each. I live in California, but I would imagine that there are similar stores on the East coast. Especially for a large family, it may be worthwhile going out of town to pick up a whole wardrobe for everyone, and each wardrobe will probably be less expensive than one garment in most… Read more »

We are fighting too many battles
August 8, 2018 11:26 pm

our community here has to support many organizations and shluchim around the world. it’s time that people face the facts, we are not a wealthy community. our schools suffer from this and put all the pressure on us, I’m a very hard-working person, earn a lot of money each month, so does my wife, but for the cost of living in this neighborhood it’s pennies. all my friends think I’m rich, but I barely make my payments each month.. it’s a constant stress. Seminary, and camp are way too expensive, and if the prices don’t go down it should be… Read more »

To the author
August 8, 2018 11:17 pm

I don’t know where you live, so I will assume Crown Heights.

Here is how you do it:

1. Tell your daughter she is not going to an expensive seminary. She can go to BR seninary or work in a school or for shluchim.

2. Again, assuming you live in CH, the Zal’s here are not $15,000 if your son is not staying in their dorm, and Mesivta is not $16,000 either.

“Mokom shelibo chofetz” does not mean at a $15,000 expense.

There, I just solved two thirds of your problem.

Moishe
August 8, 2018 11:11 pm

Send them to the poilesher chassidus schools the tuition is much cheaper and they don’t go to seminary

dear rochel
August 8, 2018 11:10 pm

thanks for your well thought of question. i have asked it over and over myself and mashpiim keep telling me rebbe rebbe rebbe don’t worry … have faith … so i have faith and i tell my bank manager the same but he doesnt believe in rebbe or in me or in g-d … he wants to see cash and repayments and credit cards being paid. i dont know the answer and look forward to hear what others say. keep the faith!

SEMINARY
August 8, 2018 11:09 pm

In these types of circumstances I feel seminary is a luxury. Girls can go to sem in Crown Heights and work.

I would never take charity...
August 8, 2018 10:57 pm

I would never be able to put myself and my children through that shame! Besides many people in our community are in the same situation! The schools must take action!!!! I don’t want my children in public schools just as much as i dont want tzedaka! If i have no choice ill put my kids in public schools and they may end up marrying goyim! But what can we do this is life…

Responsibility
August 8, 2018 10:57 pm

Don’t bring into this world what u cant afford

Bad Choice of Profession
August 8, 2018 10:44 pm

See if both of you had gotten some degrees you would be making more like 200-250k and be able to afford your tuition and not need food stamps. Post high school education is a requirement for people who want to be financially secure. Please don’t tell me how there are no guarantees in life as all good choices work off probabilities.

Public school
August 8, 2018 10:42 pm

If the Jewish institutions can’t help, just send your kids to Public school and educate them at home. These days, many kids leave the Derech anyways so why waste money on (sometimes) worthless education?

Unfortunate reality
August 8, 2018 10:39 pm

Our community is being led blindly by the very board members of our institutions. Instead of representing us and helping us they are increasingly working against us as well as against everything that is sacred and holy that the very schools themselves teach and educate us with. The school is there to serve the community and its people and it is there duty to figure out how to get it done. The inadequacies of the individuals on the boards do not call for never mind justify the kind of torment and torture that so many are facing When it comes… Read more »

Chaya
August 8, 2018 10:35 pm

Just want to say that seminary is a luxury and certainly not a necessity of life. If you live in or near NYC. Your daughter can go to Bais Rivka sem for much cheaper than 19k and get some college credits.

I would skip seminary
August 8, 2018 10:29 pm

Let your daughter go locally to br… Zal and mesivta send local and begggg for scholarships.
Perhaps it will lower your total to $50k in tuition which hashem will provide

My 2 cents (that may not be worth that)
August 8, 2018 10:29 pm

I would recommend speaking to someone who is a specialist at helping families get on welfare, the government (according to our elected officials in nys) are obligated to help you with basic needs such as food stamps rent and childcare. Since you are seemingly a large family your threshold for income should be higher and speaking to a professional will help yoilu understand what the government can do for you. Being at the welfare office is horrible but probably better than begging…. hatzlacha

The trick
August 8, 2018 10:22 pm

Don’t send to Out of Town schools. Local schools charge much less.

Scared 4 the future
August 8, 2018 10:20 pm

You did a brave move writing this. You are what is called the working poor. You make what sounds on paper a decent living but in a place like NYC that doesn’t cover anything. The only answer is to either collect money or hide your income and then get bigger breaks at the schools. Also at least for your Zal and seminary aged children there’s probably some government program or grant that you can apply for that you don’t know about or didn’t apply for correctly. As rent for non luxury three bedroom apartments start to cross that three thousand… Read more »

Crown heights
August 8, 2018 10:17 pm

We’re in the same boat, except that mommy doesn’t work. How can we manage. Waiting for moshiach.

Trump tax bill
August 8, 2018 10:14 pm

Allows you to use 529 money for tuition at private schools. If you can open a 529 account – fund it and all gains are tax free if used to pay for tuition. Speak to your accountant!

Vote.
August 8, 2018 10:13 pm

Elections are coming up. Make sure to vote for the candidates who support school choice.
Board of education pays $20,000 for each child in public school. Nothing for private school. It’s all in the vote.

Mom of three
August 8, 2018 10:10 pm

Glad I don’t have to do it anymore, but I got recommendation letters from my Rabbi, a well known community organization leader, and the yeshiva, made copies and literally went door to door. I also sent letters to people and organizations enclosing copies of the reference letters). I explained my situation and desperately pleaded for help to keep my kids on yeshiva. Very degrading at times, and always exhausting. Some gave $10, some $50 or $100. One gave several thousand (may he be blessed!!). Some gave a lecture and slammed the door in my face. That’s how I did it.… Read more »

Great Question
August 8, 2018 10:05 pm

I wish I could help, but I really don’t know. Our kids are not that old yet, but I am interested to see what type of solutions and advice people can offer. Hatzlocho rabba

move to a place with school choice
August 8, 2018 9:56 pm

Such as Milwaukee the got covers the Jewish school fully. Also you’ll be paying 1000 in rent for a house not 3000 fo a box

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