Question:
The gemara Kiddushin 29a says there is a mitzvah for a father to teach his son a profession (um’nis). what is the obligation of a parent nowadays in this regard? pay for college? what if the child doesn’t want to learn a profession?
Answer:
According to the strict letter of the law a father is not obligated to support his son after the age of 6. Nevertheless there is a dispute amonst the Poskim whether now days things have changed and a father is obliged to support his son until he becomes self sufficient. Even if the father has to support him, there are cheaper ways of acquiring a profession without attending a college full time e.g. by taking night classes or a crash course etc.
Sources:
Rambam Matnos Aniyim 10:16, Y:D 151:3 Shach 4, Ahavas Chesed 2:19-1, Igros Moshe Y:D 1:143, Shevet Halevi 5:133, Peer Hador 4 Page 69, Orchos Rabenu 1 Page.297, Orchos Rabenu 2 Page 118, Teshuvos Yaskil Avdi E:H 4:15
