Spot on!

I don’t know what prompted Michael Feldstein to address this issue (“It’s Time for a Jewish Vocational School,” June 15, 2023) but I can tell you from personal experience that this is a much-needed option for our community.

I have spent hours researching vocational schools under Jewish auspices in the tri-state area. There are none. I found one in California. ORT (New York) closed several years ago. Agencies such as HASC, Ohel, OU and COPE advertise “vocational training,” but do not offer courses in the trades.

I have been told by many rabbis and school administrators that there is “just no buy-in from the Jewish Orthodox community.” Orthodox contractors in the trades tell me that they learned on the job.

So yes, a vocational/trade school under Touro, YU or independently is sorely needed for those who don’t see academics in their future.

Years ago Jewish girls were told that nursing was not a profession for a frum person; look how things have changed!

Kudos to Mr. Feldstein for bringing this issue to the attention of our community. Let’s try to create an alternative.

Name Withheld Upon Request

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