Making the Decision to Leave Kollel

Leaving kollel is in itself a process, which must be done over a period of time in order to minimize the shock to your family, friends, and most of all – to your reputation.

RULE # 1: Make the decision to get out  – and stick to it

Before you can begin the process to leave kollel, you must first actually decide that you are done. If you are plauged with endless doubts, you will not be able to successfully make the transition.

Oh, I know what you are thinking. Maybe its wrong to leave learning, my wife will think I’m a failure, my Rebbeim will look down at me, my “friends” will talk behind my back, my brothers-in-law will make me feel like an outcast, R’ Aharon Zt”l will curse me, etc. etc. These are all true (maybe not the R’ Aharon part), but ultimately you must be a man and make the decision regardless.

This is probably the hardest part of the entire “leaving kollel” experience. Making a decision is truly a difficult task, and it requires great strength of character. Deciding to leave learning, which is what has been your exclusive occupation for practically  your whole life, after having been drilled into your very being that Torah is the only thing that matters, takes tremendous courage. Decide, and abide by that decision. Now, you are a man. You are ready to continue on the journey towards a successful departure from kollel.

Next, we explore the reasons why one should leave kollel, and how to do so.

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Filed Under: Escape Kollel

Tags: doubt • kollel decision • outcast