What They Preach During That Year in Israel

Some of you may know I have some misgivings about the whole “year in Israel” at yeshiva and seminary. Having done that myself, I will probably send my kids to France instead. At least there, they may learn a second language.

Ezzie writes of his rebbe’s sound advice.

I still recall a conversation I had with a Rebbe in a certain yeshiva I was in for a few months. …

As we started to walk up the hill toward his home, he asked me a few basic questions, including what my plans were for the coming year. I responded that I was likely going to be going to Lander College. He questioned why I was going to college, to which I looked at him, slightly confused, as I really didn’t understand what he was asking. After a couple of seconds I responded that I needed to get a degree so I can make a living. He immediately spoke up and said simply

“That’s a copout.“

This is what is being promoted in far too many yeshivas in Israel. This is what they stand for.

The road to nowhere.