Since then, there has been incredible movement. Torah Umesorah and Agudas Yisroel have combined their efforts and have launched a project called, “The Rebbe Initiative.”

The goal is to raise millions of dollars in order to supplement the incomes of these heroes – those men who devote their lives to chinuch. So far, to support the over 3,000 Rebbeim in this country, millions of dollars have been raised for the Rebbeim Initiative. Back in July, it was reported that seven million dollars was deposited to fund this with more on the way.

This is a remarkable and extraordinary idea, and it should be lauded and supported by everyone. There is one area, however, in which this program should be tweaked – in this author’s opinion.

We are leaving out a second group of people in this initiative. The Rebbeim are truly extraordinary heroes, but so are the Morahs. Why can’t we expand this ground-breaking initiative to include the Morahs?
They too have devoted their lives to ensure that Klal Yisroel’s level of Ruchniyus remains high. They too have taken enormous cuts in potential salaries so that the next generation will be as devoted to the ideals of Torah and Yiras Shamayim. Their friends have gone on toward other careers; they are OTs, PTs, speech therapists, etc.

Not so the Morahs.

They survive on even more paltry salaries than do their counterparts – the Rebbeim. Many of them have taken on a second or third job so that they can continue to do their avodas haKodesh and still support their families.

The socio-economic landscape has changed dramatically since the 1950’s and sixties. Even in our world, an overwhelming majority of our homes are two-income families. Indeed, often the Morahs are married to Kollel Avreichim and, with the exception of tutoring and Kollel stipends, they provide the majority of the household income.

Why can’t we provide for the Morahs as well?

To quote Rav Ozeri but with a slight alteration, “We, as a klal, are lacking in our obligation of dei machsero asher yechsar lah— providing a person that which she lacks.. “Our melamdos, your daughter’s Morah (and in the earlier grades your son’s as well), your granddaughter’s Morah. Are we providing for what they are lacking? Your daughter’s Morah, who has forfeited most pleasures of this world to teach your child Torah. A brilliant mind sacrificing to live on a minimal salary. She is working in the most lofty field which the universe has to offer.”

Why can’t we either expand this initiative or simultaneously, yes simultaneously create and fund a Morah’s Initiative as well?

In this author’s opinion, higiyah zman.

The author can be reached at yairhoffman2@gmail.com