When Chaim left his Hasidic yeshiva at 16, he faced an uphill battle in New York City’s public schools. He struggled with math, science, and history. On top of that, his English skills were lacking. Despite being born in New York, he could hardly speak, read, or write the language. Chaim wanted to stay with his friends at the yeshiva, but he realized that getting a decent education was crucial for his future.
Chaim dedicated himself to catching up. His hard work paid off. He graduated, earned a degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and landed a job as a software engineer. While he sometimes yearns for yeshiva life, he knows he wouldn’t have achieved his success without leaving.
No student should have to make such a tough choice as Chaim did. Sadly, many former yeshiva students are left behind by a system that doesn’t meet New York State’s educational standards. These standards require all nonpublic schools, including yeshivas, to provide instruction in core subjects like math and English. They exist to ensure that every child, regardless of background, gets the education needed to thrive.
However, implementing these regulations has faced political hurdles. Recently, New York’s lawmakers discussed weakening these requirements due to pressure from powerful lobbying groups. Such negotiations risk the futures of students like Chaim and erode trust in the government’s commitment to education.
There’s an urgent need for change. Over 65,000 students are enrolled in Hasidic and Haredi yeshivas in New York. Many of these schools provide minimal secular education before age 13 and none afterward, focusing solely on religious studies. This lack of preparation leaves students ill-equipped for higher education, jobs, and everyday life.
The impact is clear. Almost half of New York City’s Hasidic population lives below the poverty line. Many yeshiva graduates struggle with tasks like understanding health care or managing budgets, leading to a cycle of dependency. The situation is unsustainable, especially as the Hasidic population continues to grow; by 2030, one in eight NYC schoolchildren will be from this community.
Some yeshiva leaders claim these regulations threaten their religious freedoms. However, these claims misunderstand substantial equivalency standards, which allow schools to blend secular education with religious teachings. Compliance doesn’t mean giving up traditions; it’s about fulfilling students’ educational needs.
This coming June, local authorities must assess whether nonpublic schools, including yeshivas, are providing substantial equivalency in education. Unfortunately, there could be attempts to delay this important process.
Any push to postpone these standards is unjustified. State education officials and local authorities must be allowed to carry out their duties without interference. Enforcing substantial equivalency is about student protection, not punishment for schools.
Every child deserves a future where they can chase their dreams without educational barriers. Students like Chaim shouldn’t have to fight to overcome challenges that could have been addressed earlier in their lives. New York’s leaders need to prioritize these students and ensure that all schools fulfill their responsibility to provide essential education.
Adina Mermelstein Konikoff is the Executive Director of YAFFED, a nonprofit organization advocating for educational equity in Hasidic and Haredi yeshivas.
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