One of the most positive developments of the late twentieth century is the advent of community Kollelim. The most prolific of these types of institutions have come from Lakewood. The Yungeleit are chosen as much for their commitment to community as they are for their learning ability. Most often after a short two to four year stay in the Kollel, they are integrated into the community in a broad array of ways: as Rabbeim in day schools, Yeshivos and Beis Yaakovs and even as Mechanichim in mixed gender schools; and as Roshei Yeshiva or Rabbanim in Shuls or in Kiruv. Some go into the workforce or get degrees and become professionals while still others have gone into business. The point is that they stay and continue to contribute to the community long after they have left the Kollel. They in effect become productive and positive roll models for the community.
These Kollelim have increased the amount of learning by Ballei Battim by providing a friendly warm Beis HaMedrash without being judgmental about who walks in or why. They have provided Shiurim and exciting Chavrusah opportunities for Ballei Battim of all stripes. Here in and around Chicago they have inspired other Kollelim to open up and further increase the amount of learning, as well as inspiring a myriad of Daf Yomi Shiurim. Finally they have taken what was once a mostly negative view of the concept of a Kollel and completely turned it around. In my home city of Chicago, The Chicago Community Kollel (Lakewood) has been one of the most important developments to hit Chicago since I have lived here (over forty years).
But the community has paid a price for this elevation of Torah learning and observance. The constant move to the right has been accelerated by their presence. Since they are such good role models many of what was once normative behavior is now frowned upon. Just to give one example, the practice of mixed seating at weddings. While this was an inevitability of the rightward move of the Frum community it was no doubt greatly enhanced by the practices of the very popular Roshei Kollel and Avreichim who would never think of having mixed seating at any of their affairs.
So While I applaud the good, I lament the bad. But the bottom line is the good far outweighs the bad. Those who brought in the Kollel over 25 years ago and those who are responsible for its continuity, whether Ballei Battim, the Roshei Kollel, or its Avreichim who learn there... deserve all the credit in the world for their efforts.
