Reply To: Binah-Shidduch Issue

az and mox: as mox so capably pointed out the issue is not the birth rate itself but the INCREASE in the birth rate. Sure classes are growing because we have a relatively high birth rate compared to the Western world, but anyone who is part of the Yeshiva World is aware that the current generation of young couples is much different that 20 years ago. In the 70’s and 80’s birth control was virtually unknown in the Yeshiva world, today “spacing” children is routinely accepted in many circles and by many Rabbonim. I have heard many Kollel couples remark that they have 5 children “and my Rav says that is enough” (in my opinion a crude and un-tzniusdik comment), something unheard of 20 years ago. I look at dozens of my contemporaries in their 30’s and 40’s and 5-6 children is the average, a big drop over last generation.

In short, I think anyone with open eyes can see that the birth rate, while high, is shrinking NOT growing.