Policies that Foster a Lack of Yashrut

In the past I noted that other private schools offer a financial aid package before parents sign a tuition contract. These schools also tend to collect tuition for the school year up front, or in 2-3 deposits, rather than monthly. Parents know what is expected and the business office likely doesn't expect to play a monthly cat and mouse game because tuition payments are mostly in the bank.

The general practice in our own day schools and yeshivot is to enroll students before the details of price are worked out, then work out a price, and after that engage in a monthly collections process. A friend of mine was encouraged to enroll her child in a school on the statement of a board member that they would very possibly be eligible for a tuition reduction (final decisions to be made in June, never mind that early enrollment took place mid-February). But without a guarantee, they weren't comfortable.

Another friend pointed out to me that their school asks all parents to sign a regular--i.e. full price--tuition contract prior to the financial aid decisions. The school has a reputation of being "flexible" but I find such a process incredibly problematic.

Pardon me for not being fully inculcated into the day school/yeshiva world, but the idea of working out the details **after** signing a contract is simply incomprehensible to me. More incomprehensible to me is why a school would ask parents to sign something knowing that a good 50-75% of parents are not going to pay that rate. The contract isn't worth the paper it is written on in such a case. If you want parents to take their obligation seriously, you have to have a serious process, one that fosters seriousness and yirat shomayim. I simply don't understand this method of operating. And I probably never will.

Quick Challah

I often hear about how much time it takes to make challah. I used to believe the same, but thanks to a friend I learned just how quick it can be to make challah. I spend a bit less than 10 minutes on preparing the dough Friday morning and a bit less than 10 minutes getting the dough from the prep bowl onto a baking sheet shortly before Shabbat. The challah tastes good, but it isn't fancy.

Seriously, it would take me more time to buy challah! (Wish I knew that when I was first married. I would have extra dough in the bank account!) Here is my easy and quick method. The only downside to this challah in my opinion is that it doesn't freeze nicely. Some might consider not being able to take challah a downside, but I make double and triple batches often enough that I don't feel incomplete with a 5 cup recipe. We aren't huge bread eaters.

8 Minutes
1. Combine 1/4 cup of warm water with 2 1/2 teaspoons of yeast and approximately 1 tablespoon of sugar. I buy yeast in bulk, but believe that this equals one package of yeast. I combine all of this right in the Kitchen Aid mixing bowl. I'm told that yeast is best prepared in a glass bowl. But time is of the essence here.

2. Go do something else for about 5 minutes while the yeast gets bubbly.

3. Come back and add 1/4 cup sugar, approx 1/4 cup oil, 2.5 cups of whole wheat flour, 2.5 cups of white flour, and another 1 and 1/4 cups of water. I keep all my challah supplies in arm's reach of my Kitchen Aid.

4. Turn on Kitchen Aid mixer to a low setting and until a ball of dough forms. If a ball isn't forming readily, grab dough and push into a ball. I use this time to wipe the counter clean.

5. Put a (clean) shower cap on top of the Kitchen Aid. Leave in a warm place.

Downtime
6. Go do whatever you need to do for many hours.

7 Minutes
7. Approximately 10 30 (corrected!) minutes before Shabbat, pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F, punch down challah and quickly shape dough (or have your kids shape the dough if you can afford extra time). Put in oven for 25 minutes. Go take a shower, set your table, or set your food up on the blech. Take challah out of oven and enjoy on Shabbat.

Shabbat Shalom all!

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Updated for reader comments:
One reader sees I haven't added the time to wash the bowl. I tend to take care of this Saturday night. I'm dealing with a million other dishes anyways.

Another readers sees I have made no cost comparison. I don't even have a clue how much bakery or commercial challah costs anymore. When I stopped buying, it was already $3.50 a loaf. I'm told challah can be as much as $5 a loaf now.

If I'm smart, I can stock up on 5 lb. white flour for as low as a dollar (that deal hasn't come around in a while). But I can normally buy for $2.29 or lower. I can buy whole wheat flour for $2.99. A bag of white and a bag of whole wheat will last me for at least a month, often longer.

Never buy yeast at the grocery store. The jar is massively expensive. For right around $5 you can get yeast in bulk at Costco. There is enough for 9-12 months in that bag!

Sugar has gone up in price. Nevertheless, a bag will last a long time and you can normally buy sugar on sale for $1.99 for a shrinking bag. I think we are down to 4 lbs. now.

I buy oil in bulk size containers for around $4.99. This too lasts a long time.

One thing my readers might notice is that I can't tell you how much a recipe costs. This isn't due to lack of mathematical skill. But I might make a post on how I set a grocery budget and why I don't engage in calculating out the cost or this and that.

Financial Aid: What School Goes First?

Despite the fact we sometimes refer to the Day School or Yeshiva schools as a "system", we are well aware the schools in the "system" are actually individual schools, despite staff cross over and the notion of feeder schools. There is no central application processing, central business office, or central financial aid office. Every year there are complaints of children who have not been placed, and despite my sympathy, you can't exactly have full placement without an actual system.

I have some a few friends with students in a handful of schools and they have to work with each school individually on tuition discounts. In some cases, one school is very flexible and another school quite rigid. Without going into a comment thread knocking tuition discount recipients, I'd like to hear from readers about how schools in your locality have dealt with distribution of discounts in a way that is reasonable.

My conversation left me a bit concerned that there are schools (perhaps mine, perhaps yours) that are taking on the burden of discounts at their own expense and the expense of their parents, while other schools cash in so to speak (a horrible choice of words I realize). Now granted, just like admissions, I realize that each school is completely independent, but there is definitely reason to be concerned.

If you have any experience (administration, scholarship committee), I'd like to know if you have ever negotiated with other schools on distribution of income? Should a certain school go first in giving a discount, like the school that has had most the children for most the years?

And while we are discussing admissions and tuition, what was the increase (or decrease) at your school this year? I believe we were 3% this year, which is relatively low compared to past years, except that our incomes aren't increasing at the same rate.

Public Service Annoucement: Linked In Workshop

Last minute, I realize. This Sunday, February 20, at YIWH (West Hempstead) the Sisterhood presents a Linked In Workshop with Chaim Shapiro. Sounds interesting. 7PM on Sunday, RSVP requested. I received notification, but I'm unsure about posting the rsvp number since it is a private line. You can check the presenter's website and outline here.

Still trying to catch up with past emails.

Retirement Advice: Get Married and Stay Married

Hat Tip: a friend

As per this article at CBS Money Watch, a study by the Center for Retirement Research shows that being part of a couple makes economic sense. The article goes on to address the benefits of economies of scale for consumption that exist for individuals who are part of a married unit. A married couple can attain the same standard of living as one person with the same income. There is some interesting analysis in the study on women's vs. men's consumption and health.

The study is a mathematical analysis and does not look at underlying factors beyond consumption patterns, resource allocation, and economies of scale as to why married couples are more successful in utilizing their resources. I don't find the take-away conclusion of the study to be particularly groundbreaking as it confirms something I have understood instinctively. I don't agree with the CBS Money Watch article conclusion that " it’s reasonable to assume that two or more unmarried people who live together and share resources would also benefit from shared consumption" as I believe that shared consumption is only one piece of the puzzle. The larger pieces of the puzzle would be the factors of commitment to the unit, stability, an underlying satisfaction within the marriage that often changes consumption patterns, and shared goals focused on the unit, not the individual.

It isn't unusual for younger singles to believe that marriage will put a damper on their finances. I don't think such is usually the case, so long as there is (reasonable) marital harmony. The advice "get married and stay married" is solid financial advice! What should be added is that increasing one's satisfaction within the marriage will improve the bottom line.

Virtual Education

A number of my readers have pointed out a Guest Post from a member of the OU's Department of Day School and Educational Services division on the possibility of conversion of the limudei chol department with teachers and specialists from a "bricks and mortar" school to an online virtual charter school, particularly K12, staffed by learning coaches.

In 2007 I hosted a Guest Post from a reader on the idea of virtual education for Yeshiva Students. Between then and now, I am only aware of one small (and new) Yeshiva that is using the model of Yeshiva + a Virtual Academy. That school is Yeshivas Ohev Shalom of Los Angeles. As per the Rosh Yeshivas' article on Outsourcing General Studies, when it comes to outsourcing in their yeshiva, there have been some worthwhile gains. They write of time gained when classroom time isn't wasted on discipline and the advantages of tailored curriculum the ability to offer more advanced courses despite a small population. It seems that in the Yeshiva environment, there is much to be gained outsourcing general studies. The authors mention that the online public school model is more demanding [compared to the Yeshiva model].

It is a shame that that we have few examples of outsourcing general education, both in Yeshiva school and Day Schools. Is the education a marked improvement, and in which environment? What are the actual cost savings? Is this model successful for younger children, particularly younger elementary child (who, in my experience, require a good deal of monitoring)?

As a tuition paying parent, I'm intrigued by the idea of a virtual online academy and I'd love to see if tested, but I don't think that I'd be willing to put my child in this environment just yet. At this point I simply don't know enough people who have worked with such a model and given our own experiences with our children, I have a number of concerns. But, if the OU is serious about convincing the public that this is something viable, it would be great to see the program piloted, especially in the younger grades.

42 and Never Employed, Now What?

Kollel Guy writes of what the 42 year old, never employed person should do. And he suggests (you guessed it) something creative with a very high potential return. The sky is the limit! And of course with shidduchim rapidly approaching, one needs money now. Forget about developing the hard and soft skills, just go out there and sale, sale, sale. No need for a fancy degree, no need for computer skills. No need for minimal experience. Just be confident, present a great argument, make connections, and (like magic) those people skills can magically create income.

Let's ignore the fact that making the sale does involve some actual skills, such as market research targeting the correct market and just cut to a different issue: people skills aren't all that natural. Just like other skills, mentoring is something worth seeking out.

While 'Kollel Guy' suggests just getting out there (after all, giving a chabura or convincing someone of your Torah is great training), I'd suggest a more traditional route, combined with an entrepreneurial spirit.

There is certainly nothing wrong with looking large opportunities, but there is much to be gained by seeking regular (low paying) employment, watching other people in action, and taking advantage of the mentoring therein. By all means, if a lucrative opportunity presents itself, spend time pursuing it. But, don't discount the value of career development through a more normal track. . . even in your 40's.

Rav Aviner on a Segula to Reverse Debt

Hat Tip: Another fantastic reader

Rav Aviner answers a question on a potential segula with a much more Jewish approach!

Q: Our debt continues to grow. Is there a Segula to reverse this trend?

A: Certainly. You should spend less than you bring in and not rely on the miracle of overcoming the rules of mathematics. The Tur wrote that one should limit his expenses. And the Mishnah Berurah wrote that this is a harsh criticism against those who are enticed to spend money on luxuries without seeing the consequences, which will lead to theft and disgrace in the end. Biur Halachah chap. 529. One should plan well.

My type of Rabbi! Also see Rav Aviner on "Cake and Punch" Weddings.

Some Good News About the Pesky 1099 Requirement

Hat Tip: A reader, thanks!

The 1099 Requirement hidden in the Health Care bill has been repealed by the Senate in an overwhelming vote. Let's hope that the other House does the same. After processing 1099s for clients, I'm hopeful that implementing a 1099 plan will be one task I can cross off my list of stuff to do. It isn't the printing that is the problem. Gathering the info on contractors alone can be difficult when organization is not perfect. And, I don't know too many small businesses with superb record keeping. I can't imagine gathering information on vendors. Let's hope that small businesses can breathe a sigh of relief soon.

Thank you for my readers who are sending me stories at a rapid speed. My apologies that I'm falling behind. I have not ignored any emails and I hope to get to each and every recent email. There are some great post topics there. Thank you.