Ultra-Orthodox children are being left to poverty and lawlessness
Ultra-Orthodox leaders are blamed for deepening poverty among large families and encouraging reckless protests that endanger children, raising questions about how parents surrendered responsibility for their children’s education and lives, with deadly consequences
I recall years ago one of big donors from the US approaching Rav Shteinman, z"l, about starting up a Chareidi technology college. All Chareidi teachers. Complete separation of men and woman. Chareidim would learn trades, get jobs and not be living in misery.
ReplyDeleteRav Shteinman's answer? No! Forbidden! Better to live in poverty and Torah purity!
And who's fault is that? The evil Zionist government! They don't give enough money! They're to blame, not The Gedolim(tm) and chas v'shalom you'd even suggest that!
There is a difference between being impoverished and being penniless. I live in poverty and I love it! No bed, lying on the floor, limited heating, etc. The little Torah learning I do is so much more focused this way. So, yes, there has to be some income -- I couldn't live this way if I were penniless. But it's also important to bring the kids up to live in poverty. Then, if they become wealthy, great! They should try to become wealthy. But in the end the money is decided by H'. So if it doesn't come, then the kid will know the techniques and strategies that will allow him to be happy with his lot when he doesn't have a lot.
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DeleteI think he's thinking of that mishnah in Avos about sleeping on the floor and eating bread with salt.
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