Make it Attainable

I have been having an increasingly difficult time observing the impact of the high cost of Jewish Education, especially in the Diaspora.

There  are increasing costs of being Jewish; housing, kosher food, and education.

How is this sustainable, how is this approachable. How can we expect the average family to handle this and want this?

Yes there are funds, for tuition, support and help is out there, but why must it be  an increasing challenge to embrace ALL aspects of Judaism and Jewish life.

How often have I seen Israeli families come to the Diaspora , often for job opportunities, yet they send their children to Public schools. In Israel they had free education, even the Dati Leumi – religious public schools are free. If they are sent here through Israel for a term then the Jewish agency will pick up their tuition for a Jewish school otherwise they often choose public school . They do not want to spend the money, they are not accustomed to the expense. . It is sad, very sad.

I grew up in a family of high level and dedicated Jewish educators. My parents saw it as their mission to educate Jewish children after they went through the Holocaust.

I raised my children in a time where although  tuition was a bit lower, so were salaries, but there was no compromising on Jewish education. It was an absolute priority, even if it meant less vacations, simpler cars , Whatever it took to give our children that core foundation.

When I was researching as to why there are increasing costs of Jewish education, some of the responses included the expense of a dual curriculum. The dependency of the institution on private funding and no tax dollar support, no state funding.

Because it has become so pricey, one cannot fully blame the families that although they are connected to Jewish life, they choose Public schools.

To me this is very painful to see. I have seen the difference, the absolute transformation in a child that has left public school for a Jewish school. A beautiful light is turned on within.

Tuition has tripled since raising my children, would we, could we still prioritize Jewish Education? Yes, it is a rewarding sacrifice.

Private Philanthropic programs have shown that reduced tuition can keep schools serving and then non observant families grow significantly.

There  have been some experiments.

A Bucharian Jewish school in Queens, New York, was tuition free. The school increased to include 620 students. It is risky to depend on 1 founder.

The schools that are successful are those that tap into great Philanthropic efforts. Yes this is important. Very important.

Next is Government vouchers, which are starting slowly in some states. but this may not be completely viable, and the efforts need to be focused on Government support for textbooks and busing as well as an increase in tax credit for tuition.

Tuition tax credit, especially the Jewish  Tuition Tax credit is something that I was thrilled to discover and donate to in Arizona.

At the end of the day, there is no easy fix. Advocacy is VERY important ; parents, grandparents, schools, and community members must join hands to promote the value and importance of a Jewish Education.

In the Shulchan Aruch, the code of Jewish law, the section that lists all of the communal services going to Jewish education is Paramount. They refer to Jewish Education as a foundational religious duty and requires communities to financially support children’s education.

In these complicated times, at a time where we face existential threat to our core identity, we have an obligation to our Jewish children , to provide them with a Jewish education, for each and every one of our  precious beloved children, for they are our seeds of our future.

” Kol Hamekayem nefesh achat b’yisrael, Keilu  Kiyem Olam Maleh”

”One who maintains a single Jew is considered as if he maintained an entire world”

All Jews are equally deserving of a Jewish Education, whether rich or poor, observant or not.

We have a COLLECTIVE obligation to ensure that we make our commitment for the Jewish future thus affecting a better future for the entire  world.

Keep this in mind as we are starting the New Year

Wishing a year full of blessings

Shana Tova