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Stuart,
I enjoyed reading your discussion. The educators have no qualms; it is
largely the lay leadership who should see this. One of the issues within
that problem is having educators who can speak clear English and articulate
and move the lay leadership into action, dressed and acting to fit the part,
without being nebuch schnorrers. The financial response is also different on
those two levels.
I do appreciate the self-image component, which can get beaten down. Having
enough money to get new suits and have shirts pressed makes a difference
too. When you cannot afford bus fare or to get a new pair of shoes for your
children, it makes it that much more difficult to walk with head high. The
kids are savvy to your clothes situation too. And you get the new suit
leshma and your wife does not get a new outfit for Yom Tov? I now work
professionally, not on a non-profit salary that comes late and does not
increase over years, and it is still tough, but I remember the worst.
Sincerely,
Barnea Levi Selavan</HTML>
