The Yeshivath Torah Vodaath, largest Orthodox Jewish theological seminary in the United States, which has been in existence for 38 years and his more than 1,500 students, is facing closure because of a $324,827 deficit, it was reported here today.
Rabbi Bernard D. Marton, executive vice-president of the institution, revealed that the seminary is so hard pressed for funds that meat was taken off the student’s menus. The annual budget of the seminary is $750,000 raised chiefly from donations and tuition fees. The 104 members of the staff have not received wages for 13 weeks, rabbi Marton said.
Appeals for help have brought some response in the way of commodities, said Rabbi Marton, but more than anything the institution needs hard cash. The Kosher Butchers Union, it was understood, has donated 1,000 pounds of chicken, a milk company has pledged to continue milk deliveries, and City Markets Commissioner Anthony Masciarelli has promised eggs dairy products and canned goods. “It’s simply that contributions of money have not been as numerous or substantial as before,” he explained. “While the situation is desperate, I hope it will not reach the stage of having to close the seminary.”
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