benignuman:
There is an entire new career path with several people who work in it almost full time. It is called yeshiva placement. It consists of some very precious tzaddikim who devote their time, generously at that, to insuring that individuals get placed in yeshivos (both girls and boys). The phenomenon of yeshivaless kids is not new, and it is far from uncommon. In fact, the estimates for the region of northeast US (encompassing New York all boros, Lakewood, Monsey, and neighboring NJ) are a few thousand kids. It is foolish and even infantile to simply suggest that we create more yeshivos dedicated to OTD kids. There is a huge leak in the ship, consisting of rejected admissions and expulsions, and the kids are drowning. They are not drop outs, but push outs. This has been said by Gedolim, and repeated at conventions of Agudah and Torah Umesorah.
Recognizing the yeshiva’s privilege to be selective, one can still question whether the criteria being used have any connection to the eventual success of the talmid and the welfare of the yeshiva. The statement that a particular kid “will ruin my child” or will “destroy the yeshiva” cannot be supported by any empirical data, even by anecdotal experience. Yet, yeshivos “check”, and make decisions that are life changing, even tragic.
North America is quite steeped in this problem. But we should turn to the meeting table or drawing board. What is being done to remedy the situation? What can be done to save the neshamos that are being thrown into the streets?