I think the OP is making a very good point that our level of what is considered “normal expenditures” has gone up tremendously from only 20-30 years ago. When looking to cut expenses many many people look at their high tuition bills and want the cuts to come from there before looking at those expectations that have increased in the last few decades. Those paying tuitions in the 26-50 age range ask yourselves if your parent’s generation would
lease cars (or drive only new model cars)
take vacations to Florida/EY 1-2 times per year
eat out 1-2 days per week
buy food without looking at the price
take bar mitzvah boys to EY
provide regular support to married children
rent summer bungalows at a price comparable to what people pay today
higher cleaning help as frequently as today
shop in clothing stores with prices comparable to today
spend on simchas what people do today
pay for housing comparable to today
pay people others for basic maintenance, landscaping etc.
send girls to seminaries in EY for $25k+
pay comparable prices for sleepaway camps
perform mitzvos requiring expensive chumros
Granted there has been some inflation in the last 30 years just about all of these things are CHOICES and hence luxuries. Some are lifestyles that are easier to change than others based on social pressures. But if our parents did not live these lifestyles why do we feel more entitled than them? So when it comes to cutting down things on this list (and I am sure others can or complain about what goes on the list) why should tuition and yeshivos be the ones to suffer?
Commonsaychel-the discussion about not for profits most likely had no relation to your kid’s yeshiva.
Unommin-It is absolutely not true that there is a higher supply of quality Rabbeim than the demand. Quite the opposite. Ask any principal.