Meet Shaindy Weichman, a mother whose son attends a Hasidic Yeshiva in New York. Like the other 65,000 boys attending such Yeshivas in this state, he’s a victim of educational neglect by the schools that are legally obligated to provide him with a basic secular education. But the reality that Shaindy is forced to contend …
There are times where patience is a virtue. But patience has its limits. When government officials are blatantly failing in their responsibilities and allowing tens of thousands of children to be denied an education year after year after year, it is time to take drastic action. More than six years ago, 52 Yeshiva graduates and …
We are taking out a full-page Ad in The New York Times. Here’s Why: Read More »
Yaffed has been fighting to end the educational neglect in Hasidic yeshivas for almost a decade. Since May of 2020, Vanessa Meghnagi has played a crucial role in that fight. Her position as the Director of Operations and Planning makes her responsible for both the backend work and future planning of Yaffed’s endeavors. She recently …
Meet Vanessa Meghnagi, Yaffed’s Director of Operations and Planning Read More »
In New York alone, tens of thousands of young Haredi men are poised to finish high school without being able to communicate in English, do basic math, or have even a minimal grasp of American History. Without adequate secular education, more than half of Haredi Jews end up poor or near poor. Unfortunately, this educational …
Yehudis Fletcher On Combatting The Systemic Harm In Haredi Communities Read More »
The New York mayoral race brought renewed attention to the question of the state of secular education in Haredi yeshivas. While Yaffed has been fighting for a decade to end educational neglect in Haredi schools, some mayoral candidates claimed that yeshivas provide an adequate education and that the state should not interfere. Joe Kolman, a …
New Documentary Reveals The Truth About Educational Neglect In Haredi Schools Read More »
If you have come here for spoilers on My UnOrthodox Life, you’ll be disappointed because I haven’t watched it. But this post isn’t about My UnOrthodox Life per se, but about the reaction from Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox leaders, writers, and influencers to the show. Some of those writers and commentators hadn’t watched the show either. …
You Don’t Like My UnOrthodox Life? Try An UnOrthodox Education. Read More »
Dr. Shalom Klein is a highly regarded community activist and entrepreneur who hosts the popular “Get Down to Business” radio show in Chicago. Dr. Klein has done extensive work researching education in Haredi communities and providing supplemental opportunities for ultra-Orthodox students. Dr. Klein spoke with Hannah Miller about his unique career path, what motivates him, …
Radio Host, Dr. Shalom Klein, On Breaking The Cycle Of Poverty In Haredi Communities Read More »
Recent events over the last few months have rekindled interest in the controversy over secular education and yeshivas. To anyone coming across the story for the first time, the prerequisites for understanding the issue may seem a daunting task. Even for those familiar with the broad outlines of the debate, certain details about the law …
Anita Altman has been the board chair of Yaffed for the last 4 years. On a recent UnEducated podcast, Anita spoke to Hannah Miller about her childhood, her long career, and how a chance encounter with Naftuli Moster profoundly affected her life. “I’m a daughter of the Bronx. I grew up in Hunts Point, once …
Anita Altman Explains Why Being Yaffed’s Board President Is Sacred Work Read More »
For over a decade, Yaffed has been focused on improving the education of Hasidic boys. Throughout this time, we have often been asked, “What about the girls? Don’t you care about their education as well?” The simple answer to this question is that we care about the education of all Hasidic and ultra-Orthodox kids. But, …
Why Does Yaffed Fight For The Education Of Hasidic Boys And Not Girls? Read More »
