Higher Education Emerging Priority For Hassidic Men

Whether they run their own business or teach religious studies, Hasidic men rarely consider pursuing a university degree.  While most Hasidic men in Montreal generally find employment in a field not requiring a professional degree, this may slowly be changing. Recently, some have shown interest in pursuing a degree and building a career as a professional. Eli Meroz, the director of studies at College TAV, had lots to share in an interview with TheJ.ca.

Over the past few years, Eli has been working closely with the Hasidic community to help the young guys get into university. He works on a case by case basis, to ensure their ultimate success.  Eli understands the struggles, for he himself went through a Hasidic Yeshiva system. When he left Yeshiva, Eli acquired his high school diploma through adult education at the English Montreal School Board and went through college and university successfully. He believes Hasidic men encounter several specific challenges.  

“By the time these men are ready to begin college, they are usually married with a child or two. When one has a family to support, spending 8 years in school may seem less realistic. Let’s also not forget that for a professional to be qualified to work in Quebec, one needs to pass a French exam, which adds more to the already overflowing workload.”