The problems with kollel checks is that there is no accountability, no standards, and they are just simply not efficient.

Here is a suggestion that is exclusive to the Lakewood kollel. The current system of learning in Bais Medrash Govoha is known as the “chaburah” system. For those unfamiliar with the term, it means that the learning is done in groups of men learning the same topic, and the chaburah is headed by someone who brought the group together initially, establishes the curriculum, and sets the overall tone for the group. The leader, referred to as the “Rosh Chaburah” is not paid extra for his duties, all he gets is a regular kollel check (if that).

Since the Rosh Chaburah is in effect running his own “mini-yeshiva” it would make sense for him to receive a mini salary in return for his efforts. The amount of compensation should be dependent on a number of criteria, each which would serve to enhance the status and image of both the chaburah and the yeshiva as a whole. He could be compensated based on a number of varying factors, such as: chaburah longevity, number of members, its desirability, the frequency of shiurim from within the chaburah, satisfaction of its members, and its successful completion of set milestones – such as entire mesechtos or topics.

In effect, the new kollel check would serve a dual purpose – it will drive those with leadership qualities to the top, and those without it out the door. It would create mini yeshivas within the greater Lakewood yeshiva – which is what the Chaburah system is in effect. A portion of the Rosh Chaburah’s responsibility could involve fund raising for the members of his chaburah, which would ensure that his chaburah would not be overrun by thrill seekers and those seeking just to get a good name for themselves.

Take the current money that is being spent on the kollel budget, cut it down to 1/5th, and use that to fund salaries for the Roshei Chaburah. These Roshei Chaburah would in turn go out and independently raise funds to pay the members of their “mini-yeshiva”, branding it as their own yeshiva and not just as generic “Lakewood”.

This would free up so much money that is needed to be raised every year for the yeshiva, while at the same time prepare the future leaders of the next generation for their eventual roles. It’s a win win for everyone – except for those who rely on the $300 a month they automatically get just for breathing, without any accountability or responsibility.

Which way do you prefer? Leave your comments below – make your voice heard!

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In Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim in Queens, the kollel program is a 6 year program, during which the yungerleit actively engage in preparing for a career in rabbanus or chinuch either by taking courses in teaching and / or focusing on practical halacha.

The Gruss kollel in Eretz Yisroel is a 2 year program as well. The goal is that after 2 (or sometimes 3) years, the kollel member should move on to assume a position of leadership back in the states.

However, most kollelim have no limit. Once someone is accepted into a kollel, they can stay as long as the kollel functions, with no chance of every being asked to leave.

On the one hand, a kollel is designed to allow someone to devote himself to learning while providing a small stipend. Torah should not have limits placed upon it, and if the yungerman feels that his still able to devote himself to full time learning, why put a stop to it?

On the other hand, if there is no real accountability there is a tendency to underperform. Imagine if politicians didn’t have to get reelected ever. Ever walk into a post office or a motor vehicles office and wonder why the service is so poor? Because they have no fear of ever getting fired, there is no need to provide good service. If kollel would be for a limited time only, the members would perhaps use their time more carefully than if kollel is “endless”.

Lakewood yeshiva floated this idea many years ago, in an effort to both save money as well as to provide a stimulus for those “older yungerleit” to make their exit while they still could. Rav Shach ZT”L ruled that Torah cannot have any limits placed on it, and kollel checks should not stop after 5 years.

What do you think should be done today? Should kollel stipends have limits on the length of time they are given, or should there be no restrictions?

Feel free to add your comments below.

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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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