Rav Mattisyahu Solomon on Leaving Kollel

May 08, 2009 | Comments 0

The mashgiach of Lakewood Yeshiva, Rav Mattisyahu Solomon, is the natural destination for the many kollel yungerleit of the famed yeshiva to bring their issues to. A friend of mine who left kollel at the somewhat surprising point of only 5 years related to me his experience bringing this matter before the mashgiach.

As Rav Mattisyahu’s time is very limited, he grants 5 minute appointments to those who wish to consult with his Da’as Torah. My friend used this time frame to bring his question before him. The question was, in a nutshell, “Is it alright for a kollel yungeman who is learning well to go out and seek work in order to have parnossa?” He answered that if a yungerman already has such questions, then it is probably time for him to leave. If he is not willing to entertain such thoughts and has complete faith that Hashem will provide, he would not be bothered by such matters.” My friend continued, “What should I go into?” He replied that if he has a family member with a business that he can enter, he should pursue that. He suggested against opening a business since that is too risky (a myth which we disagree greatly with on this site). When my friend asked, “Is it permitted to go to college for this?” His response was, “Not L’Chatchila (preferably not).” The 5 minutes were up, and the session ended.

What clearly emerges from this experience is that the gedolim are seeing the effects of remaining in kollel too long, and they are advising against it. Only one who is truly removed from any worries of parnossa need not take any action. Otherwise, choose a career for yourself and get out.

There are other Torah Leaders who have weighed in on this matter, we’ll hear from them in coming posts.

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