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Wednesday, 26 Adar I, 5784
  |  March 6, 2024

A Problem Faced by Many of Our Newlywed Couples

Op-Ed by Crown Heights resident Mrs. Henya Laine: There is a problem facing many of our community's young couples and a possible solution. Full Story

Photo: Muli Berger

Wedding: Hoch – Garelik

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Thank you
June 7, 2023 8:08 pm

I like this op Ed
You note a problem, suggest a solution , keep it short and sweeet and signed your name. By the way , great idea

The problem is...
Reply to  Thank you
June 7, 2023 10:36 pm

We are dealing with landlords that love to have their name posted everywhere. They need to charge high rent so they can donate money to get thier name on yet another wall.

The people paying the rent are giving out thier last dollar… Who cares?!

It’s shameful how self absorbed and completely oblivious, some landlords in Crown Heights are, to the needs of the community.

We really hope that they look at what they did and try to fix it before it is too late.

Agree
Reply to  The problem is...
June 8, 2023 1:16 am

Most buildings in crown heights are owned by the same landlords who do and charge as they please

No problem
Reply to  The problem is...
June 8, 2023 10:15 am

Their names can be posted all over the buildings they will make for Kolel yungerleit

Every industry
Reply to  Thank you
June 8, 2023 10:36 am

In every industry there are those who are making a lot of money and the ones who are still trying hard. So, basically, all of those who’s making a lot of money need to be coming in and helping the shchuna, and there is enough money with our rich crown heights residents to cover all the issues.  Hashem only gives a lot of money to be doing tzedokah and chessed, not to be buying Gucci & LV bags etc etc etc etc etc etc. (it feels great to covered up on designer clothing) But, everyone deserves to live a decent… Read more »

Goychi bags
Reply to  Every industry
June 9, 2023 12:18 pm

But I can’t live without my Gucci stuff for which these companies are laughing at us for the status seeking total and complete stupididty that everyone in the hood worships. Why should I spend 75 on a “designer”-ie thief- bag for somethng I can get ripped off of for $400

Agree!!
June 7, 2023 8:12 pm

Just i think it shouldn’t be desegnating kollel dorms and not either asking landloards to give kolel yungerlight rent free (which would be nice) just they shouldn’t abuse their menopoly (at least with the kollel yungerlight) and find ways to cheat the systom such as charging a couple thousand dollars “brokers fee” for their cheaper apt……….

Yes!
June 7, 2023 8:13 pm

The fact that some of our own landlords put the most dangerous looking neighbors right on Kingston avenue is shameful and sad. Yidden would be willing to pay the same amount of rent if not more and are pushed us so we can live with these kinds of people right in our midst?

Sara
Reply to  Yes!
June 8, 2023 2:18 am

What do you mean same amount of rent, they pay less then us! I’ve spoken to them

Rent Stabilized
Reply to  Sara
June 8, 2023 10:06 am

If you are in a rent stabilized apartment, you can check to see if your landlord is charging you the legal rent by reaching out to DHCR.
Sadly, some landlords take advantage of our own because they know we won’t check to see if they are charging the legal rent.

Nothing wrong with calling DHCR and asking them to do an analysis to see if your rent is the legal amount or if it should be reduced.

Stop allowing them to take advantage

The racism
Reply to  Yes!
June 8, 2023 9:45 am

You didn’t even try to be politically correct. This is devasting rhetoric. Please seek help for recovery.

Reality check
Reply to  The racism
June 10, 2023 9:38 pm

They’re smashing our storefronts, bullying and terrorising our kids on our own streets and breaking into our homes and stores…

best idea
June 7, 2023 8:15 pm

thank you

I Disagree
Reply to  best idea
June 8, 2023 9:57 am

The problem Mrs. Laine brings up is real. And the intuitive “solution,” telling young couples not to go to Kollel, isn’t a viable option because the Rebbe encouraged newly-married men to go to Kollel. With that in mind, Mrs. Laine proposal another solution. Let’s subsidize the rent of first- and second-year Kollel yungerleit. But that’s a bad idea. In Crown Heights, conservatively, there are approximately 500 Kollel couples. The rent subsidy would be about $1000 a month—equalling $12,000 per couple. $12,000 x 500 = $6,000,000—a year! There’s a 0% chance that Crown Heights is going to fundraise $6M a year… Read more »

Sadly, landlords do just the opposite
June 7, 2023 8:15 pm

They raise the price between each couple by 50-100 dollars, even if the couple beforehand only lived there for a year or less They use any opportunity they can to charge the most possible, because they know they can get away with it. Most times, a “two bedroom” is really just a large 1 bedroom with sheetrock put down in the middle. This issue isn’t just for Kollel couples. Some men are not fit for Kollel. But that doesn’t mean that they should be paying this enormous price right after getting married, either. The landlords are completely taking advantage of… Read more »

I am a landlord
Reply to  Sadly, landlords do just the opposite
June 13, 2023 10:36 am

Two points in reply: When you sell something of yours (say, your used car or washing machine, or old furniture), don’t you sell it for as much as you can get for it? When you do it, are you taking “advantage” of newly married couples” or is that just basic business?! So why can’t I charge as much as possible? Does anyone force you to take the unit? Did you suddenly discover that the “two bedroom” is really just a large 1 bedroom with sheetrock put down in the middle? Were you “tricked” or “cheated”? Admit it. You took the… Read more »

Thank you
June 7, 2023 8:18 pm

Excellent idea!

Mr.Kaye
June 7, 2023 8:20 pm

This is a very smart idea.

Couples working
June 7, 2023 8:21 pm

When both of the them are working and they are not in Kollel it doesn’t help much either. When they are in kollel they make less money and rely on government benefits (food stamps, Medicaid, WIC, Rental assistance etc…)
When both are working they do not qualify for these programs and most of their money goes towards what the kollel yungeleit get as benefits.
To conclude, should be more affordable for everyone.

Thank you
Reply to  Couples working
June 7, 2023 9:33 pm

What was majorly missing in this op ed. Thank you for stating this so perfectly.

So why not?
Reply to  Couples working
June 7, 2023 10:40 pm

Why not spend more time learning if theres nothing to gain anyway? There’s so much interesting stuff out there. Chassidus, medrash, history, gemara (learned properly), chumash with meforshim, the Rebbe’s sichos (learned properly), practical halacha, theoretical halacha etc etc. Everyone what they feel inclined to. “A person should always learn where his heart desires”

Closed minded
Reply to  So why not?
June 8, 2023 1:36 pm

Not everyone’s brains are wired for learning all day

exactly
Reply to  Couples working
June 7, 2023 10:44 pm

why should I work otherwise?

Amazing idea!
June 7, 2023 8:21 pm

Hope it comes to fruition!

Chaim
June 7, 2023 8:27 pm

Today
Every one needs a to work
Costs of living went up
And building maintenance also went up
Kolel free days are over
If your parents can’t afford get a job or open Buisness

Why landlord
June 7, 2023 8:27 pm

Why is this the landlords job? Get up and do something about it….

cuz
Reply to  Why landlord
June 7, 2023 9:52 pm

That’s where ALLL the money goes

The way it works...
Reply to  cuz
June 9, 2023 5:45 pm

Nope, all the money goes for the sheitels. A sheitel costs waaaay more than rent!

That’s so true?
Reply to  Why landlord
June 7, 2023 11:31 pm

Why are we only asking those in real estate to bear the brunt? How about everyone who is semi-well off in CH or globally, donate to a shared bucket of helping new couples for their first year or two?

Help Kolel families
June 7, 2023 8:28 pm

I agree 1000 percent!
I always wondered why Lubavich, who is the trailblazer for so many things, are slow to get subsidized housing for Kolel families!!!!

That's funny
Reply to  Help Kolel families
June 7, 2023 10:20 pm

Maybe because Lubavitch has a more realistic approach that you don’t just get a house by not working for one.
The fact that Lubavitchers are able to go to a kollel and get paid for it altogether is big. We don’t have the money pouring in like other communities do to support klel families

Therein lies the problem
Reply to  That's funny
June 8, 2023 2:22 am

That’s a silly answer. Because why is that the case? Why is kollel something that is looked down in in Chabad circles? We lubavitchers love running around saying what a big gaon the Rebbe is, yet we don’t put Torah learning “front and center” (as the author put it). Maybe if kollel yungerleit were treated better, maybe if kollels had more support, maybe if Torah wasn’t just something we do when we’re young, and then push on our children, maybe if we did more than chitas rambam (which is fantastic)… Maybe then lots of other issues within our communities would… Read more »

Umm
Reply to  That's funny
June 8, 2023 8:51 am

Most the money pours out actually

This is the issue
Reply to  Umm
June 8, 2023 10:15 am

Instead of the young Shluchim going to their respective communities to raise funds, they approach people Davening in 770 asking for donations for Tim Buck 2.

Shouldn’t we prioritize the needs of our community ?

And learning Has worth!
The Rebbe is all about Limud Hatorah!
ותלמוד תורה כנגד כולם!!!

Tim Buck 2?
Reply to  This is the issue
June 9, 2023 1:23 pm

Every Shliach is an extension of the Rebbe and every Chabad House an extension of 770. How can you propose to abandon the shluchim just because they don’t live in CH?! They are our family and עניי משפחה קודמין

Why there’s no money to help
Reply to  Help Kolel families
June 8, 2023 9:17 am

Because all the money goes to shlichus and chabad houses no one cares about our community (old news)

Tuition
June 7, 2023 8:44 pm

Lowering tuition will also help families grow

Teachers need to be paid too...
Reply to  Tuition
June 8, 2023 12:20 pm

When you lower tuition, and most people already are not paying full tuition, where do you think the teacher’s salaries are going to come from?

Landlord
Reply to  Teachers need to be paid too...
June 9, 2023 4:13 pm

When you lower tuition, and most people already are not paying full tuition, where do you think the teacher’s salaries are going to come from?

Simple, the teachers will simply join the Kollel and get free rent. No need for salaries so no need for tuition.

Then they will volunteer their services to the schools.

Everyone wins!

Sounds like the City of Chelem.

BCH
June 7, 2023 8:44 pm

A landlord setting aside an apartment for a kolel couple at a rate below market is, in fact, giving that couple financial support that is easily converted into dollar value. So if a fund devoted to subsidizing rents for kolel couples was created instead, the same result would be achieved without limiting participation in this tzadaka to rental property owners. Also, with these additional funds, kolel couples would still be able to rent apartments of their choice on the open market, which is a healthier situatio, and one that is more dignified and less prone to abuse. But helping kolel… Read more »

Facts are life isn’t free
June 7, 2023 8:48 pm

When you get married and start working you have to figure yourself out but when you want to sit and learn for that there definitely should be substantial benefits and a way to afford it!

A couple shouldn't have to stress about the impossible
Reply to  Facts are life isn’t free
June 7, 2023 10:12 pm

The ones who are sitting and learning don’t “deserve” more benefits than the ones who, for financial or personal reasons, are choosing to work. All couples have it just as hard nowadays, and if a man chooses to sit and learn, he should understand that he will receive the same as all other struggling couples. When you create a system of extra benefits for those who choose to learn, it shows an unrealistic picture of “we don’t need to work to live”

Discover the treasure of learning

Learning for the first year or two (or 10, if the families can afford it) is an ancient tradition of Yidden. It is the greatest fortune and brocha for the new couple, the whole family, and for klal Yisrael. It gives the new family the most desirable and cherished foundation.

Personally

Since even so people need to suffer- if business men are struggling they can also ask for help
I sopport the Torah and if someone is in business and can’t sit and learn he or she can still support that with the Torah

Gret Topic!!!
June 7, 2023 8:59 pm

It is about time that someone speaks on this topic!
Absolutly necessary to have subsidized apartments for Kolel Yungelight.

Scratching the right ear with the left hand
June 7, 2023 9:05 pm

This is such a convoluted solution to the problem. Problem: Kollel yungerleit don’t have enough money – for rent, or anything else. Solution: Kollels should pay a decent living wage. You say landlords should donate apartments (and maybe food stores should donate food, clothes stores donate clothes, sheitel stores…) – No! Everyone that can, should donate money to the Kolel, earmarked for decent wages to the yungerleit, so that they can afford rent, food, clothes, sheitels… THAT IS THINKING STRAIGHT. That is a STRAIGHT solution to the problem. Your suggestion is thinking krum – like reaching behind your head with… Read more »

True
Reply to  Scratching the right ear with the left hand
June 7, 2023 10:22 pm

Though all you you stated is true. The landlords are defenitly abusing the kollel yungerlight and trying to get every penny out of them. So aside from all your saying all we ask is that landloards shouldn’t beat the system on the expence of the yungerlight and after that said we’ll take care of the rest.

Because it is easier to blame the perceived rich.
Reply to  Scratching the right ear with the left hand
June 7, 2023 10:53 pm

The topic of the Op-Ed is important and we should look for solutions. (Such as the solution you mentioned, to open a charity and fund to support Kolel Yungerlite, or what the writer suggested, to look for landlords who can donate by by giving rent brakes). What the writer might have missed, is that putting out a solution for OTHERS, can be misunderstood and easily picked up and abused by those who feel entitled and love to blame others especially those who in their perception are the rich. I always wondered how after the failures of socialisms in so many… Read more »

A very important
June 7, 2023 9:05 pm

Like today landlord are getting richer and richer. In a community like crown heights they should be considered to lower the price of rental . People want to live normal life . The Landlord made already the money
Why shouldn’t they consider the yedin are living in the same shchoona of כאן ציוה ה׳ את הברכה

They are like their brothers lower the price of rental

Interesting...
June 7, 2023 9:12 pm

The problem is described perfectly. Men don’t earn enough money in Kolel to pay market rent. But the suggested solution is a little interesting. Why put the burden on the landlords? A more obvious solution would be to raise money from the ENTIRE community (not just landlords) and pay the Kolel men more. Then they can afford rent. No?

Good idea
June 7, 2023 9:17 pm

There are lots of apartments in the PLG area that could be available for this

Cars
Reply to  Good idea
June 7, 2023 10:24 pm

Are you offering cars?!

Not true
Reply to  Good idea
June 7, 2023 11:04 pm

The prices are insane, look at the new building on Lefferts that was just posted here a few weeks ago, the apartments that fal under the government program and subsidized are ridiculous prices and don’t appeal to a frum person.

Mendel
June 7, 2023 9:22 pm

Unfortunately learning isn’t prioritized in Lubavitch. Sad but true. The cost of emphasizing other priorities.

Maybe ...
June 7, 2023 9:29 pm

Spend less on weddings

THANK YOU!!!
Reply to  Maybe ...
June 7, 2023 10:50 pm

Imagine if the money we spend on ONE NIGHT would instead go to support the couple for a YEAR!!

Starting from the lchaim
Reply to  Maybe ...
June 8, 2023 12:46 am

Some have become mini-weddings. Shameful. Definitely not in line with something the Rebbe would’ve encouraged….

I like the fund idea
June 7, 2023 9:32 pm

I like the idea of a kolel fund that we can all contribute to

Kollel Hoaras Massis
June 7, 2023 9:43 pm

Amazing how the pay the guys like Mentchen, and on time

Rebbe's Kollel
Reply to  Kollel Hoaras Massis
June 8, 2023 8:49 pm

There is only one kollel which is the Rebbe’s Kollel. You can’t put a price on that. It’s worth the sacrifice. If you want, you can join another chassidus and find your fortune there, but you won’t be in the Rebbe’s Kollel!

Landlord maaser
June 7, 2023 9:48 pm

Our landlord in CH during our kollel days took at least 10% off the rent as his maaser.
Was very helpful and nice of him.

Not realistic
June 7, 2023 10:37 pm

Cute idea, but not realistic to expect landlords to do this. Landlord expenses (Property tax, Gas, Repairs, Insurance, Mortgage Interest Rates Etc. Etc.) have skyrocketed, way higher than the rate at which market rents in CH have gone up. Maybe some other group of businessmen should be looked to for this noble cause? I suggest that the cash advance people should support this initiative in partnership with the amazon sellers

Finally!!
Reply to  Not realistic
June 7, 2023 11:36 pm

Someone that actually understands how businesses work. Landlords have very high costs to cover. And in a place like New York where the real estate is expensive, their mortgage is also higher (they had to pay more for the building). The workers you pay for are also more expensive in NYC, because they also have to pay for living here, etc. It also seems that most commenters don’t have a clue about how a free market economy works. A few basically refer to the landlords as being greedy. This just shows that they don’t understand basic economics (in fact, unbeknownst… Read more »

We are talking about the 1900
Reply to  Finally!!
June 8, 2023 9:49 am

Most of the buildings where bought when mortgage was a 1/4 the price

False
Reply to  We are talking about the 1900
June 8, 2023 11:05 am

That is *not* how it works. Building real estate mortgages have to be redone every 3-5 years, so the CH landlords are facing sky high rates these days. Many buildings are *losing* money.

Love this
Reply to  Not realistic
June 8, 2023 12:10 am

Well said!!

Doesn’t make sense
Reply to  Not realistic
June 8, 2023 6:37 am

If landlords raise rates because expenses have gone up, then by that logic they will lower it when the mortgage is paid off. But hey they don’t do that. So no it’s not our job to pay for their extra expenses

So...
Reply to  Doesn’t make sense
June 8, 2023 11:02 am

Are you saying that landlords should put themselves in debt, and work hard for 40 years, all so that afterwards they can make $20 a month? Also, if you don’t let landlords make as much money here, what do you think will happen? I’ll name a few 1) they won’t build any more buildings in Crown Heights (it won’t be worth it for them). Hence, the supply of apartments won’t go up as the demand for them will. 2) landlords will stop taking care of their properties. They will only do the bare minimum as required by law. Which is… Read more »

Your mistake
Reply to  Doesn’t make sense
June 8, 2023 11:03 am

Your mistake, and it’s not your fault for not knowing since its not your field, is that a real estate mortgage is typically for only 3-5 years, at which point a new mortgage is taken out, and anything left over is used to to make repairs to the building. So the mortgage is never “paid off”

Free country
Reply to  Doesn’t make sense
June 8, 2023 7:57 pm

You don’t need to pay them anything, just don’t rent their apartments.
Pulleeze stop telling people how to spend their money.
I prefer capitalism… over your suggestion

Thank you Mrs. Henya Laine
June 7, 2023 11:16 pm

Thank you Mrs. Henya Laine for publishing this great idea.

I have a few buildings that I can sell to you so that you can implement your amazing idea.

Are YOU ready to put YOUR money to rent 50 apartments for $1000 each to Kolel yungerlight!!

idealism
Reply to  Thank you Mrs. Henya Laine
June 12, 2023 2:02 pm

maybe there is a jewish philanthropist who is ready! I don’t know who, but he might exist and you could find him!

Stop with the illegal charges
June 7, 2023 11:29 pm

Some landlords, known for their notorious practices, exploit newly engaged couples who are desperate to find a place to settle down without the added stress of searching for accommodation. These unscrupulous individuals demand an additional two or three month’s rent in cash, disguising it as a “service fee” or claiming it is necessary for renovations. Unfortunately, many tenants refrain from taking action due to the fear of repercussions or potential difficulties for their families, given that these landlords own a significant number of buildings. It would be beneficial if these landlords refrained from greedily extracting illegal funds from tenants in… Read more »

Friend
Reply to  Stop with the illegal charges
June 8, 2023 10:49 am

They can’t even fargin us the rent stabilized amount and exploit us with cash. A sick practice that needs to end

The better question
June 7, 2023 11:54 pm

Why is it even the couple’s stress to worry about how to afford Kollel life? Back in the day, if parents wanted their son/son-in-law to learn in Kollel after the wedding, they (usually the girl’s side) would pay all couple’s living expenses for that time. The young couple usually lived in the parents’ home during that time, but that’s another discussion. Nowadays, parents want their children to learn in Kollel and pay for life’s expenses at the same time. And if we’re being honest, unless the wife is earning at least $3000 per month, the couple cannot afford to pay… Read more »

5000
June 8, 2023 12:00 am

can we help that in kolel he shall get 5000 a month.
plus her incom.
so thei can live like a mensh

Pinchos Woolstone
June 8, 2023 12:01 am

What about moving the Kollel outside of CH to an area with much cheaper rents.
There are new Yeshivas upstate or similar, maybe in those communities.

Personally
June 8, 2023 12:38 am

Personal experience I can say my husband had 14k saved up before the wedding and soon after we were married my husband lost his job, I also did, we went searching for shlichus, jumped from job to job and very soon we were penniless, government jobs Baby and another on the way My landlord then threw out all my stuff and we had to start from scratch Heartbreaking on so many levels We light did everything in our power Emotionally the first few years are really delicate for young couples and they need to be treated with understanding and respect… Read more »

There should be a kollel in East Flatbush
June 8, 2023 1:12 am

There should be a Kollel in East Flatbush, which is a cheaper area than CH.
There should also be a fund to help people in Kollel.
A yungerman not in kollel can also use help starting out, though I do agree people in kollel need it more

Davka near 770
Reply to  There should be a kollel in East Flatbush
June 8, 2023 1:41 pm

The Rebbe said the Kollel has to be near 770 due to it being like kishkas hagozia next to the mizbeiach

Shluchim's Office!?
June 8, 2023 1:45 am

Maybe the kolels should be sponsored by the shluchim office? Most guys that go to Kolel aspire to be shluchim so why not have the shluchim or shluchim corporate pay the bill. They are anyways fundraising from the community. Now they can sponsor their future shluchim.

A community as a whole
June 8, 2023 4:46 am

I don’t understand why this idea needs to be paid by the landlords (who are having a very difficult time now) we have wealthy people in our community besides the few people that own real estate in crown heights.
Perhaps the crown heights community council can make a fund to purchase a property that will be rented out for a discounted price…
This way it won’t be a burden on a few the whole community can have an opportunity in this great cause.

Good idea - plus this unrelated comment
June 8, 2023 8:01 am

Very good idea. Now, on the subject of landliords… is this travesty which, in one area – is being done. A Jewish landlord owned building has just been fitted with 5G (not even regular cell tower strength like till now) and not only that, but it is directly opposite one of our bigger yeshivas. Landlords must be getting big bucks for that. Residents may be getting big radiation for that. IGNORANCE of this basic health matter just dosn’t do it! Wake up C.H. community. Go read more about 5G. If people don’t feel good bring near those towers (on buildings)… Read more »

Great Topic!!!
June 8, 2023 9:36 am

THANK YOU BRINGING THIS PROBLEM IN THE OPEN!
THE IDEA IS TO BRAINSTORM AND TRY TO EASE THE BURDEN.
ALL THE SNIDE REMARKS ARE WORTHLESS!
ALL SHE ASKED IN THE ARTICLE IS TO DESIGNATE SOME LOW RENTAL APARTMENTS!
IT MAKES SENCE!
THE PROBLEM IS QUITE OBVIOUS:
TORAH LEARNING – KOLEL FOR A YEAR OR TWO – SHOULD ALSO BE A PRIORITY IN OUR COMMUNITY!!!

Kolel is not for everyone
June 8, 2023 10:31 am

Kolel is not, and never was, for everyone. As other commenters have pointed out, learning full-time after marriage was only on condition that the parents agreed to cover the costs. Parents of bochurim who were serious about learning full-time would look specifically for a wealthy family that would make such a commitment. Keep in mind that in the 1960’s, rent was $85 per month for a nice apartment in CH, and Kolel paid $65 per month. Today, even if landlords were to offer a 10% discount to Kolel Yungerleit, it would be of little help. It should also be noted… Read more »

no, not so
Reply to  Kolel is not for everyone
June 11, 2023 1:19 pm

The Rebbe very much encouraged Kollel time and again for the first 1 or 2 and it does make a profound difference for life.

Its All over
June 8, 2023 10:52 am

This problem with high rent is not just in Crown Heights. Look at Boro Park , Midwood and most frum areas in New York City. Why do you think so many people are moving out ? We do it to our selves!!!!

anonymous
June 8, 2023 11:19 am

all the jews in NY should just get up and move to a cheaper, more peaceful, quiet, safe location.

My 2 cents
June 8, 2023 11:27 am

U have richer landlords, u have those who can’t make ends meet like in any business so its not the responsibility of the landlords. The kollel guys should be getting a decent salary and the community should be valuing thus moisad so eo gives tsedoko to the kollel. The wealthy should give more obviously. And the kolel has to be serious. U get sick leave and if u r over tht u get deductions from ur salary.
It’s a shame when one can’t afford kollel

There is a boss
June 8, 2023 1:03 pm

Young ppl should just start our in other communities that are more affordable

the big philanthropists
June 8, 2023 3:02 pm

so these big millionaire philanthropists go against the law to charge more than they can legally charge (rent control, and brokers fee) so they can donate money to other kolelim around the world!!!
i think its time for a massive protest against the landlords who do this
maybe a ban on their apt, or maybe just not paying the rent to them

A Landlord
June 8, 2023 3:54 pm

Mrs. Laine definitely identified a problem that should be dealt with.
I always thought that the Collel is an amazing, underutilized asset that is not being maximized.
You have the best and the brightest of Lubavitch spending a year or two in Crown Heights.
Why dont we make a partnership? They invest in Crown Heights by giving shiurim and Peulos and when we see that they are relevant, I am sure most of us would be glad to support the cause.

She is wrong
June 8, 2023 7:25 pm

Landlords, give free rent to kollel folks.

Stores, give free food, clothes, appliances and pizza to kollel folks.

Collive.com, give free ads for kollel folks.

Henya Laine, give your house and car to kollel folks.

Oh, suddenly it’s not such a great idea…because YOU also gotta give.

I thought so!

Solve the housing crisis in Crown Heights
June 8, 2023 9:02 pm

There aren’t any reasonably priced houses available for young couples.

All the older folks bought houses when they were cheap.

It’s time that the old folks (anyone over 50) move away and give the houses to the
younger newlyweds.

Isn’t that a great idea?

Wise men of Chelem
Reply to  Solve the housing crisis in Crown Heights
June 9, 2023 5:13 pm

Like a yovel, every 50 years, the houses return to the market.

Huh?
Reply to  Solve the housing crisis in Crown Heights
June 9, 2023 5:24 pm

I am 45. Are you saying in 5 years I lose my house? Better if we make a takena that every house bought is only bought for 7 years, then it MUST be sold, and the owners move away to help a shaliach of their choice with peulos or fund raising..

Buy dorm buildings outside of CH
June 8, 2023 9:02 pm

Communities that do this right do so by fundraising and offering subsidized housing for avreichim.

The kollel itself should raise a fund for a building in East Flatbush or Brownsville. Bussing can get the avreichim back and forth daily. It would be cheaper than housing avreichim in CH and would help these fledgling communities grow exponentially. Once these communities are well established, the buildings can be sold at an appreciated value and cheaper buildings can be bought in the next frontier communities (canarsie, bed-sty, vchu).

U’fratzta yuma v’kaidma

Other communities
Reply to  Buy dorm buildings outside of CH
June 8, 2023 11:57 pm

In Other communities that value going to Kolel and learning the first question a serious boy”s family asks the shadchan is how much is the girl’s family willing to pay. In Chabad finances are forbidden to be discussed before shidduchim. Also in those other communities many more girls get degrees which allow them to work and earn a decent salary to allow her husband to learn. Not saying if this is right but it is in fact how more of them can afford to learn.

Landlord
June 9, 2023 8:46 am

The OpEd targets landlords to carry the burden of Kollel yungerleit. Maybe it was my mistake to invest in real-estate in Crown Heights. I could have and should have bought in other communities. Instead, I invested in Kan Tziva and I am viewed as a leech, despised and as one that rips off renters. Imagine if “fremdeh” (outsiders) would be the only landlords of Crown Heights. Would that make you all happier? Does anyone target and despise local businesses that are profiting off the backs of our community? The food stores, eateries, clothes stores etc “keep raising prices” and they… Read more »

idealism
June 9, 2023 9:31 am

i do agree that everything should be free, in an ideal world. i’m not sure how practically the best way for this to happen would be, but i would like to think that the good messianic prophecies will happen and manifest soon and that all the problems in this world will be fixed. and in the meantime may all the problems somehow be fixed anyway.

realistic
June 9, 2023 1:31 pm

The basic fact is that crown heights is amongst the highest rent in the world.

No tzedakah program can change that.

CH will always be the center of Chabad but we need a location for young couples to have equity and opportunity. Look at KJ, Monroe etc etc where the municipality is run by yidden who can use the communal resources to open public schools, social services.

Where is the Chabad shtel ?? Enough with the fancy bakeries, $7
coffees and $75 steaks. The best gift we can give our kids is value and equity not charity. Just sayin’

Landlord
Reply to  realistic
June 9, 2023 4:09 pm

“crown heights is amongst the highest rent in the world”

You are wrong.

CH rents are COMPARABLE to many metropolitan cities.

Yes, Cleveland is cheaper, but not LA or Manhattan. or Miami Beach, or even Deal and Lakewood.

I own properties at all these places and charge similar rents (calculated per square foot)

Kop Doktar
June 9, 2023 4:21 pm

The solution to ALL the problems (Kollel, high rent, food prices, tuition, sheitels…):

We must create our own currency – “Chassidocurrency”. Everyone will be given a weekly allowance of this currency. All Crown Heights stores, schools and landlords will only accept this currency.

Any US currency will be worthless in Crown Heights. If you have US dollars, give it to shluchim.

If someone needs additional “Chassidocurrency” like to pay a caterer or hall for a simcha, an online application can be made and the Vaad Hakohol will distribute the added funds.

Anyone refusing the system will be in cherem.

Gut Gezokt
Reply to  Kop Doktar
June 9, 2023 5:21 pm

Who needs cryptocurrency when we can have “Chassidocurrency”? Genius! 

 

political leaders
June 9, 2023 5:48 pm

can our askonim get us more section 8 like other communities ??

Great idea!
June 10, 2023 2:03 pm

I didn’t read all the previous comments, so I would add 2 thoughts (sorry if they’re repetitious): 1. Landlords who designate apartments at a minimal rent shouldn’t give these young couples dumps. They should be decent, clean, in good condition with eorking appliances. Don’t think hey, I’m giving them rock bottom rent, they can live in roach infested, dilapidated hovels that we wouldn’t rent to “normal couples.” 2. By the same token, these low rentals should have a time limit of say 2 years – remember, the Rebbe didn’t want couples staying in Kolel more than 2 years. If they… Read more »

Kollel
Reply to  Great idea!
June 10, 2023 10:34 pm

Yes, don’t give us dumps for free. Make sure it’s in a prime location at heavily discounted rent. Only new modern high-end appliances – not the cheap stuff. Granite counters. Modern kitchen and bathrooms. We are entitled.

The Kollel problem isn't a Landlord Problem
June 10, 2023 10:46 pm

“Scratching the right ear with the left hand”, above, made a true point.

This isn’t a landlord/rent problem. It’s a Kollel problem.

Kollel does not pay enough. Identifying the problem helps solve it.

Kollel needs to pay more. Funding the Kollel is the solution.

Anything else, skirts around the problem and tries to put it at others’ feet.

Great idea
June 11, 2023 12:26 am

Excellent idea!
Another idea- instead of spending so much money on weddings, even the not fancy ones- to much money is spent on. The money that would spent on a wedding, shall be given to chassan and kallah to cover the 1st 6 months of rent.
To much money is spent on weddings these days, and to many ppl can even afford to pay that much for weddings.

A community run on “Chassidocurrency”
June 11, 2023 12:15 pm

Kop Doktar, I am not sure if you are brilliant or insane. Your comment above is “unique”. It is almost a Kibbutz style of an economy of collective barters and contributions regulated by “Chassidocurrency”. Insanely brilliant.

Socialism
June 11, 2023 1:04 pm

Good Morning!! this isn’t a problem is places with government funded housing don’t have this issue! Landlording is an unethical industry. why should someone be living YOUR paycheck to YOUR paycheck?! Being a landlord is no different than buying all the food from a store and selling it for a higher price; the only difference is by the store people could just go buy from someone else whereas here people are locked into the corrupt system that drives them to povery. The real solution is lobbying to our officials and hacing the system changed

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Reply to  Socialism
June 12, 2023 11:31 am

actually the real solution is petitioning to HASHEM to bring the Mashiah, build the 3rd temple… and so on.

I am a landlord
June 11, 2023 1:31 pm

I own properties in both Crown Heights and Park Slope. The rents are very similar (park Slope is actually a bit higher but not much). For me, it is so much easier renting to Yuppies in Park Slope. I get paid on time, and never need to hear kvetching about why this month s hard. I never see the renters in shul or need to listen to their friends/relatives telling me how cruel and inconsiderate I am. In Park Slope, I raise the rent every year with zero issues. In Crown Heights, I dread raising the rent. I get called… Read more »

From someone who doesn't know these stuff
Reply to  I am a landlord
June 12, 2023 12:23 am

Why do you raise the rent every year?

...
Reply to  I am a landlord
June 12, 2023 11:33 am

maybe you should sell your CH properties to a frum jewish philanthropist who will agree to let the kollel people live there for a reasonable price

just an idea

I am a landlord
Reply to  ...
June 12, 2023 2:40 pm

I raise my rent every year to help offset increases to my expenses. If you haven’t noticed, prices increase each year, such as the cost of heating the building plus multiple other expenses (including property taxes, maintenance costs, and yes, the janitor gets paid annual raises too). I would gladly sell my building in CH (I would miss them as much as I miss having a toothache) for fair market value. Let me tell you, no “frum jewish philanthropist” would buy it unless it is a tremendous metzia (aka me selling it for much less than it is worth, well… Read more »

In the Old Country
June 12, 2023 5:50 pm

Back in the Old Country, newlyweds would live in the house of the parents – either the chosson’s parents home or the Kallah’s parents home. Newlyweds couldn’t afford their own place.

Today, newlyweds still can’t afford their own place, but they get one anyway.

In the Old Country, it wasn’t the Landlord’s fault they couldn’t afford it. It was the reality

Today we blame the Lsndlord snd call him the Poritz.

Sushi
June 12, 2023 6:42 pm

Young couples can’t afford sushi.

Sushi is basically rice with a sliver of fish and/or vegetables. It should cost pennies, not over a dollar per bite.

Open a sushi store that gives young couples sushi for a dollar a roll.

Stay in your lane
June 13, 2023 10:13 am

Loads of comments about landlords from people that are clueless about what it means to be a landlord. They pay the rent to the landlord and think it goes to his pocket. I think such people need to stay in their own lane.

Comment 120
June 16, 2023 12:10 am

Can I please be comment 120? I think it’s a segulah to find affordable rent.

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