Feeling Trapped by Kollel Support

I think that the most unintended consequence of being supported (by shvers, fathers, or the government) in kollel is the squeeze that it puts on all of us.

Because we are being supported, we have parnossa (barely, but somehow we make it). Becasue we are low-income families, we are eligible for programs.

If we would work and earn an income, we would not eligible for programs.

If we would work and support ourselves, we could not ask for (or take) money from family.

The vicious cycle repeats itself again and again, keeping us locked in kollel and forced to “stay in learning”.

I have a friend in Lakewood, who wasn’t being supported by his family, and refused to take programs. Because he needed money, he went to work a few years after his marriage. Now he is one of the successful real estate brokers in Lakewood today, moving hundreds of homes a year!! Why? Because he needed money, he went to work. Because he needed money, he worked hard.

But what will be with all of us, who are stuck in the mud with no way out? Are we destined to be here forever?

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Filed Under: Parental Support

Tags: government programs • kollel support • real estate lakewood