By: Rabbi Dov Lipman
Published: August 1st, 2012
Rabbi Dov Lipman
A friend of mine was visiting the United States and his ride to the airport for his return flight to Israel fell through. At the last minute he needed to find a ride to a terminal that was 50 minutes away in order to catch a bus to New York City where he would then take a shuttle to the airport.
A young man, fresh off a year of Torah study in a top hesder yeshiva and looking forward to his second year of learning in Israel, offered to drive this visiting rabbi. This boy would appear to be a yeshiva high school success story – religious and learning Torah. Of course, he was told, the rabbi will pay something to offset gas expenses and for his time.
They arrived at the bus terminal and my friend decided he would give the boy more than what he thought the effort was worth since he appreciated the gesture. He offered the young man $50. The boy said it was not enough. My friend offered $60. The boy said, "You have to pay me double because I now have to drive back."
My friend was taken by surprise and said $60 for 90 minutes of driving was certainly fair. The boy insisted on asking a cab driver what he would charge. The cabbie answered $60. The boy would not accept that. He demanded $100. The rabbi said he needed cash for more buses and for food. The boy responded that this was "taking away time from Torah learning" and he needed to be compensated accordingly. My friend managed to find $84 only to be met with the boy saying, "This is just not right." And with that they parted ways.
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http://www.jewishpress.com/indepth/opinions/overhauling-orthodox-education-to-make-better-jews/2012/08/01/0/?print
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