EP 02 Joel Kaplan Tuition Video

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🎙️ Tuition

The Middle Class Podcast • Episode 2

In this episode, Moshe dives into one of the most pressing financial challenges for the community: Tuition. Joining the show is Joel Kaplan, Executive Director of Yeshiva Darchei Torah, to provide a rare, transparent look at the "other side" of the tuition office.

Joel pulls back the curtain on Darchei’s $50 million annual budget and explores why only 31% of families pay full tuition. We discuss the intensive, customized process the tuition committee uses to support families, the school’s policy that widows never receive a bill, and the potential impact of the Educational Choices for Children Act (ECCA)—often called the "Big Beautiful Bill". Whether you are a parent struggling with tuition or curious about how large institutions manage their finances, this episode offers vital insights into the partnership between schools and families.

🔊 What We Discuss:

[00:00] – The $50 Million Annual Budget

Joel Kaplan reveals that the total annual budget for Yeshiva Darchei Torah, including its divisions and camps, is approximately $50 million.

Discussion on the "sticker shock" of these numbers and the reality of modern yeshiva operations.

[01:29] – Meet Joel Kaplan

Joel’s history with Darchei Torah since 1986 and his role in supporting the vision of the Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Yaakov Bender.

The transition into the Executive Director role following the passing of Yehuda Harbater.

[04:21] – The Philosophy of "Customer Service" in Education

Why Darchei views parents as partners and strives for a "fair and responsive" tuition process.

Utilizing a digital portal to streamline payments and financial aid applications to treat parents with dignity.

[07:00] – Why Customized Tuition Beats Rigid Formulas

The failure of one-size-fits-all income formulas and why Darchei chooses to look at each family's unique story.

Factoring in extenuating circumstances: medical expenses, weddings, bar mitzvahs, and supporting married children.

[09:33] – The Reality of Full Tuition

Only 31% of families currently pay the full tuition rate.

Breaking down the student body: 2,800 students and approximately 1,420 sets of parents.

[11:00] – Policies of Compassion

The Rabbi Bender Principle: Widows (almanos) never receive a tuition bill from the yeshiva.

How the school supports the unemployed: asking for Hebrew names to daven for them and assisting with resumes through internal networking.

[19:03] – Confidentiality & The Application Process

Addressing the "invasive" nature of financial aid applications (FACTS) and why human review is essential.

The strict measures taken to ensure tuition committee discussions remain 100% confidential.

[22:03] – The "Big Beautiful Bill" (ECCA)

An explanation of the Educational Choices for Children Act and how federal tax credits could eventually funnel more money into scholarships.

Why this is a "start of something big" rather than an immediate fix for the tuition crisis.

[26:35] – Where the Money Goes: The Fundraising Gap

Tuition only covers a little more than half of the yeshiva's expenses.

The necessity of raising $7–$8 million annually through fundraising to bridge the gap.

The cost of excellence: Providing top-tier Rebbeim and specialized resources for every child.

[36:00] – Why Dinners Still Matter

Navigating the "low attention span" of the modern generation and why traditional dinners remain the most effective fundraising tool.

The importance of the community coming together once a year to support their children’s education.

[42:25] – Closing Message to Parents

Acknowledging the struggle of the middle class and the commitment to never "dilute the quality of the education" for the sake of the budget.

The ultimate goal: Keeping parents happy and children flourishing.

💼 About the Host

Moshe Alpert (CLU®, CFP®, ChFC®, RICP®, AEP®), CEO of Ceremian Financial, a firm dedicated to helping families simplify complex financial decisions. “Comprehensive financial planning can feel like a daunting task. At Ceremian Financial, my team aims to create a plan that is simplified and actionable.”

💼 About the Guest: Joel Kaplan

Title: Executive Director, Yeshiva Darchei Torah

Bio: Joel has overseen tuition and been involved with fundraising for thousands of families over decades of service. His perspective bridges financial realism with deep respect for the role of chinuch in frum life.

Fun fact: He personally reviews tuition applications — and even davens for families in crisis.

🔗 Connect & Subscribe

Have a question or topic you'd like us to cover?

📩 Email: ⁠middleclassalpert@gmail.com⁠⁠

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Production Credits

🎙️ Produced by: Gidon Orman - BIG Productions

✂️ Post-Production & Editing: BIG Productions - gi@bigprod,net

#TheMiddleClass #jewishpodcast #JewishFinance #YeshivaTuition #DarcheiTorah #JewishEducation