Dear Editor,
I write this letter as an insider. Not from what I hear from others. But as a bochur experiencing what I write.
I am acting as a whistleblower, exposing what is happening right now to the hundreds of Bocherim who would have been in Eretz Yisroel- to those who do not understand the full extent of the crisis we are in.
You may have been affected terribly by the Corana virus. But if you are like most people, you are probably past the worst of it and moving on with your life.
What exactly does “moving on with your life” mean?
You are slowly getting back to the comfort of day to day living the way it was 4 months ago, and enjoying the normalcy you are used to.
Yes, there are still many obstacles preventing life from getting back to “regular”, and many schools and camp cannot reopen.
But the parents and Rabbeim are doing a great job, doing the best they can ensuring every child, teenager and Bochur can strive and grow even in times like these.
It’s not perfect.
But it’s working for now.
But is it working for everyone?
You may not be aware, but there are hundreds if not thousands of Bochurim who aren’t just- “not past the Corona crisis”. But are actually in a much worse position than they were at the height of the pandemic.
Right now, we are the Korbanos getting hit harder than anyone else in Klal Yisroel, and I do not say this lightly.
Why, you ask?
Rosh Yeshivos and Rabbeim take Achrayis for their Bochurim currently learning in their Yeshiva.
That is the most logical and understandable approach for any responsible Rosh Yeshiva- to take care of the Bochurim currently entrusted to him.
But who takes Achrayis for those Bocherim when they graduate Yeshiva?
The Rosh Yeshiva of the next Yeshiva they attend, of course!
Or if they go to Eretz Yisroel, the system in place cultivates the maturing process of a 22 year old, teaching him to grow on his own in a new country.
But what happens when Corona virus hits right in that transition phase, and leaves a freshly graduated Yeshiva Bochur without a new Rosh Yeshiva to ensure he has the tools to survive, nor the opportunity to grow in a new environment in Eretz Yisroel?!
What happens to that Bochur?
Does he stand a chance?
Do you understand the everyday struggles every Bochur faces to do what’s right in today’s day and age EVEN WHEN EVERYTHING IS PERFECT!
Bochurim are hit so hard with today’s nisyonos… it’s a nais that any Bochur stays frum altogether.
Then strip him of his Yeshiva, Rosh Yeshiva and any Hadracha.
Does he stand a chance?
Do any of us stand a chance?
It is very easy for us Bocherim to brush aside these concerns and ensure ourselves that everything will be fine in a matter of weeks.
Let’s just enjoy the down time till things sort themselves out!
But what about the fact that the Israeli government says thay will not be letting in American boys until Chanukah?
Will our state of Ruchnious just stay frozen in place until next Pesach?!
What? Are we plain old stupid?
I’m “in” the crisis.
I promise you. I never thought I’d ever see Bochurim struggle so hard.
I’m talking about GOOD BOCHERIM.
Not Shvacha guys.
The best of the best.
Yes, they try so hard to do what’s right.
But after so many weeks with no plan in sight… we’re losing it.
There seems to be a plan for everyone.
But us.
Where are all the askanim who manage to take care of every crisis?
What’s this, if not a crisis?
A Bochur in Pain
{Matzav.com}