Q&A: Studying in a Haredi Yeshiva
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Studying in a Haredi Yeshiva
Question
Hello and blessings, Rabbi,
Following what the Rabbi wrote, I was thinking of going to study at Hebron Yeshiva
(I live nearby)
in order to sharpen my mind more through learning,
but I have a few questions:
From your familiarity with Haredi yeshivas,
would they accept a student with a knitted kippah to study there?
Would I have to wear the whole costume?
(black and white, suit, hat, and black kippah)
And one more thing: I'm concerned that they might confuse me
in my worldview,
because maybe in terms of learning they are at a high level,
but in terms of outlook,
in my view they believe in a lot of nonsense.
What does the Rabbi recommend?
Answer
A few comments.
- From all that I know, they would not accept a student with a knitted kippah, certainly not as a regular student. If you just want to sit in the study hall and learn there (and perhaps also join the lectures), that's a different matter, and I don't know.
- I don't see any reason to worry that they will ruin your worldview. If in your opinion they believe nonsense, then you won't adopt it. What's the problem? Are you afraid they'll hypnotize you? If at some stage you come to think that these things are not nonsense, then there's no problem with adopting them.
- It certainly doesn't hurt, and it's even recommended, to spend a period in a good Haredi yeshiva, but it isn't necessary for your development. You can develop even without it.