Bochurim at Mesivta Menachem of Buffalo recently concluded an extra-curricular course about Practical Finance presented by accountant and business consultant Eliyohu Wallen, MBA, BA, BChE.
Wallen, a member of the local Chabad community, provided the 2 month series of workshops on practical mathematics, budgeting and finances.
“We know how careful the Tzaddikim were with their money so they would not come to geneiva, so it is important these young men have a firm idea of how to go about it,” he explained.
The courses began with basic math skills necessary to calculate simple transactions. The subsequent classes dealt with the practical skills needed to manage bank accounts, balance a checkbook, create and follow budgets, the proper use of credit cards, planning for the future with savings and investments, preventing identity theft and of course, how to give Ma’aser (tithing).
“The bochurim will certainly put these basic skills to good use later in life, when they leave the protective cocoon of yeshiva,” said Rabbi Yisroel Munitz, who supervised the classes.
To bring practical understanding to a difficult subject, Wallen used his famous wit and experience ranging from his time in the US Army to masters level finance courses he teaches at the online school of University of Phoenix.
His wife, social worker and psychotherapist Rus Devorah Wallen, LCSW, ACSW, also provided the school with a few workshops dealing with positive thinking and social skills.
“The Wallens deserves a big yasher koach for lending their time and wisdom to these bochurim,” added Rabbi Munitz. “We hope to utilize the Wallens’ talents, knowledge and generosity in the future as well.”
and should be implemented in all Yeshivas
as long as its extra curricular
Way to go Wallens!!!! And credit to Mesivta Buffalo!!! Yasher koichachem!
Seagate Lipskiers
MOSHIACH NOW!!!!!
this is an extremely important lesson that should be taught inb all frum schools across the globe. this way, the frum children will be able to learn properly without worrying that when they enter the world of banking they will feel lost and confused. this way you have torah ha’ikar yet knowledge of necessary information
to all college advocates: “Colleges have abandoned responsibility for shaping students’ academic development and instead have come to embrace a service model that caters to satisfying students’ expressed desires.”
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-arum-college-20110602,0,1981136.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+latimes%2Fnews%2Fopinion%2Fcommentary+%28L.A.+Times+-+Commentary%29
Among the many issues young couples need to navigate as they establish their partnership is the issue of finances. Often the lack of a very basic understanding of practical finances causes discord where it needn’t be. I do hope Mr. Wallen’s pioneer effort will carry over to the rest of the population of young men and women.
Bronya Shaffer
oholei torah chay
Ever hear the saying ‘History repeats itself? It helps when one knows what should or should not be repeated. Not ALL courses in college are relevant, but many are. especially when one wishes to enter graduate school
These are great skills to teach the Yeshiva boys, but I don’t understand why basic English, Grammar and Math are not taught in any Mesivta. Even someone who will be spending his life as a Rabbi or teaching in a Yeshiva is going to need these BASIC skills Especially since some of these boys WILL end up working outside of the ‘system’. Yasher Koach to the Munitz’s, and keep up the good work
GO ELI!!! we miss you in ch!!!
hatzlacha in all that you do.
and btw comment 21 good job lol
“Seriously?”
Since when do kids need to know social studies and History for college?
We miss the Malboner Rebbe and his Rebbitzen.
All the best
what a great way to equip our boys for real life. a responsible hanhala
This needs to be taught in every frum Jewish school period.
NICE
These skills should be taught to all Bochurim and girls, in the local Yeshivas as well. Mesivta Menachem, definitely on the right track! May you go from strength to strength!
Kids of this age should be learning math, science, social studies, biology, ENGLISH, history etc.
It’s not okay that the yeshiva system is robbing our kids of a normal education that is never going to get them a job or in to a good college. A teo month course on “practical finance” does not count!
BUFFALO CHANGED MY LIFE [FOR THE BETTER OBVIOUSLY]. i really wish i can go back but i was there for many years…
Buffalo ROX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rabbi, i miss you
Parents should be wishing their Mesivta boy were in Buffalo. There’s always next year! I’m sure the Wallens will continue what they’ve started! Let’s go Buffalo!
Basic, important life skills provided to our kids by the right people and monitored by the right people.Mesivta Menachem, you got it right! Yiyasher kochachem to all involved. Hatzlacha rabbah.
Good job Munitz’s keep the ideas like these coming. Whats next????
The Wallens are such awesome people!
it is so important for our boys to gain skills such as these…. it will definitely help them along in life
obviously they are in middle of something, genius, maybe you should join?
best mesivta ever
i wish in my yeshiva…
i like the idea of integrating these subjects in a healthy enviroment. we should see more of it.
why there is no the same things in ch??
Nice to see you “feter” eli and rus devorah we miss both of you here in crown heights
DA Best Mesivta Around!!!
9×2??!!
what does that say about our yeshiva system?
that is a great extra-curricular course – so practical and something these boys can use for life