Read YAFFED’s newest report on Hasidic Educational and Economic Outcomes 

This report confirms what many in our community have long known: a lack of basic education in core subjects like math, science, and English has lasting negative effects on Hasidic students long after they leave yeshiva. While Hasidic families rely on strong community-based support networks to mitigate the effects of poverty, the reality is that many struggle to make ends meet. A sound basic education is not just a legal requirement—it is essential for self-sufficiency and opportunity.

For years, defenders of the current yeshiva system have argued that Hasidic education still produces successful outcomes despite failing to comply with New York State Education Department standards. However, this report dispels this assertion. It reveals that while the enclave economy provides some employment opportunities, Hasidic individuals—particularly those with limited English proficiency and secular education—face disproportionately high rates of poverty and limited employment opportunities.

Key Findings from the Report:

High Poverty Rates:  Approximately 63% of Hasidic individuals live below or near the poverty line, compared to about 27% of non-Hasidic New Yorkers.

Dependence on Public Assistance:  Hasidic individuals are about three times more likely to be on food stamps, with more than 40% receiving SNAP benefits, and are more than twice as likely to rely on Medicaid, with about 70% enrolled.

Limited Upward Mobility: Unlike other immigrant and ethnic communities that experience economic improvement across generations, Hasidic men continue to face limited economic mobility due to inadequate educational preparation. The median income for employed Hasidic men is 30% less than that of their non-Hasidic counterparts.

English Proficiency Matters: About 13% of Hasidic male youth speak no English, as compared to just 1% of non-Hasidic male youth whose first language is not English. This is a significant barrier to accessing higher-paying jobs, restricting many to low-wage employment.

Employment in the Enclave Economy: While Hasidic businesses and schools provide jobs for community members, Hasidim generally earn less than individuals with comparable experience and education who work in the broader labor market. Hasidim are also disproportionately likely to be underemployed, with 30% of Hasidic men working less than 35 hours per week.

Enhancing Education Can Combat Poverty:  Improving secular curriculum for male yeshiva students – for many, to align with what their sisters are learning – would likely improve male English speaking abilities and other basic skills, broadening their career prospects and reducing poverty rates.

This report underscores the urgent need for comprehensive curriculum reform in Hasidic yeshivas to ensure students receive the foundational skills—particularly in English language and math—essential for economic security. The report also offers recommendations for educational improvements that could enhance economic prospects while respecting the community’s cultural and religious values.

The idea that Hasidic yeshiva graduates thrive despite the absence of a basic secular education is a dangerous myth. We must ensure that all children, regardless of their background, receive an education that equips them for today’s world.

YAFFED remains committed to advocating for meaningful educational reform and the enforcement of New York State education laws to ensure Hasidic children receive the academic tools they need to thrive.