A Higher Standard? Think Again

One would expect that with all of the emphasis placed on Torah study in the Chareidi world, the fruits of that study would be reflected in the conduct of Chareidi individuals, institutions and organizations.

For example, the natural outcome of TorahTrue™ Judaism, should be "Torah true" behavior. That is, behavior that conforms to the rigorous standards demanded by the Bible and Rabbinic tradition. Instead, corruption, immorality and financial irregularities abound.

A recent letter to the Chareidi blog, Yeshiva World, puts this issue in stark relief. A father of two women, both teachers in Chareidi schools, bemoans their experiences in those institutions. One daughter was promised to be paid on a "per week basis" only to be told that there are only 4 weeks in every month. Essentially, she was shortchanged by a stingy Chareidi principal who believes that there are 48 weeks in the calendar year.

The other daughter was told that she would be paid for substitute teaching. When she approached the principal for payment, she was told that the private tutoring that she was conducting in the school (at the school's request, no less) used the school's utilities (electricity for the lights, apparently) and thereby offset the salary that she had been promised.

Lest one think that these are mere isolated incidents, enter the YWN comments. Almost every one of the ensuing twenty or so comments describe similar experiences or echo the original writer's sentiments.

One describes the administration of her daughter's school as "treating the parents and girls with the same level of disrespect, indifference, and condescending attitude." Another writes that his wife, upon requesting a written contract was told by the school principal that no written agreement would be made. After all, he said "my word is enough for me, and I'm an honest person." Of course, months later the principal denied that he had agreed to pay the original sum.

Another writer recounted his experiences at a Chareidi school's board meeting: "I was shocked to hear that is OK to pay women (Moros and teachers) a fraction of what men (Rabbeim and teachers) earn for the same hours, based on similar qualifications. One executive declared proudly that the Bais Yaakov is a 'cash cow' supporting the affiliated Yeshiva. "

If these people are managing the institutions that are educating Chareidi youth, why should anyone be surprised at the shenanigans that abound in Chareidi society?

J.D.