Shabbos afternoon two young, American boys who are learning in an English-speaking yeshiva here came up to me at the Kotel and asked a few questions. Mainly, they wanted to know what to do with their lives; to go out into the world, learn Torah full time, or what?

     I explained: We have three priorities;

     One, we have to serve Hashem the way He wants us to serve Him.

     Two, we have to raise a Jewish family.

     And three, we have to do something to elevate the world, something that will at the same time support us.

     I told them that I think they should plan on going to a university, or trade school, and gain a Practical skill, a skill that would support them living here in Israel.

     I strongly warned them not to study things like, Philosophy, History, General Business, and such, but rather they should learn such things as medicine, engineering, architecture, accounting… something that would give them an actual skill, a trade, something that we need and we will pay them to do.

     "Certainly, continue your Torah studies, but also gain a practical trade. Then, as you go on you will see which becomes your primary endeavor. This way you will be prepared to go whichever way you want."

     Be practical!