Q&A: Is There Anything to Look for in the Haredi Yeshiva World?
Is There Anything to Look for in the Haredi Yeshiva World?
Question
Hello Rabbi,
In the past I got the impression that there are certain advantages to studying in a Haredi yeshiva as opposed to a Religious Zionist one. Both what the Rabbi mentions—that it is easier there to acquire learning tools—and other things as well: the very fact that the entire focus is Torah and there aren’t so many other worlds of content, and that the ethos of the importance of Torah study is felt more strongly, and the motivation to become a Torah scholar, and perhaps even a leading sage, is higher, which encourages more competitiveness and desire and motivation to learn, etc.
Recently I heard from a Haredi person that the Haredi yeshiva world is in a bit of decline: the ethos of studying for its own sake has been eroded, there is less admiration for prodigies and exceptional types of all kinds, and more of a push toward mediocrity and staying in line. The ideal is more to be a "good yeshiva boy," and that’s it. In light of this (if you agree with it at all, or are familiar with what is going on in the Haredi yeshiva world these days), do you still think there are any significant advantages to studying in a Haredi yeshiva?
Beyond that, another question: are there specific advantages to Haredi yeshivot for people who have become religious later in life?
Answer
I don’t know what is going on there right now, but I would estimate that they still have a significant advantage at the initial stage. At least in the strongest yeshivot (Hebron, Ponevezh, etc.; there are quite a few others as well). As for yeshivot for people who became religious later in life, I know only one (Netivot Olam), but דווקא there I’m not sure there is a significant advantage. It is better to enter a regular yeshiva, as much as possible.
Discussion on Answer
I didn’t understand. Do you mean being accepted into a Haredi yeshiva? I’m not familiar with that.
As someone who both became religious later in life and also studies in a Religious Zionist yeshiva, is there any chance of getting there at all, or is it better to give up from the outset?