Ancient-Hebrew-Education
-hebraicstudies.net-
Please do NOT visit this
site on שַׁבָּת - Shabbat or on
the מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim - Feasts!
Re Tanakh versions:
Throughout this site I may use any of three versions of the Tanakh: 1. “Jewish
Publication Society” (JPS-1917), 2. “Mechon-Mamre.org” (MEC), and 3. “Sefaria.org” (SEF), three brilliant versions, However, the
JPS-1917 is my preferred version!
Colour coded
details of our beloved TaNaKh:
1. Torah = History & Law, 2. Nevi’im = The Prophets. 3. *Ketuvim = all other Writings.
*The Ketuvim - Includes, Poetical
books - Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the Megillot, or Scrolls - Song of Solomon, Ruth,
Lamentations of Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, prophecy of
Daniel, and history of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles I & II.
Please Note: Some
alterations or (additions) have been made relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’
of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, having been corrected like it
once was pre the “Masoretic Text”.
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Remember the following truth from our
beloved Torah!
“Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD which
I command you, NEITHER SHALL YE DIMINISH FROM
IT, that ye may keep the commandments of אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה - the LORD your Eloleichem,
which I command you”. Davarim - Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917).
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With Rabbi,
Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
Hebraic teaching and
learning have been essential components in our tradition since the earliest
times. The command to “teach your children” first appeared in Devarim
(Deuteronomy) as part of what later became the Shema being the most central of
our beloved prayers. References of the past is filled
to schools and schooling and to teaching and learning taking place at all
levels, and of course for all ages from the youngest children through
adulthood. According to our method of interpreting the
Torah on Bereshit, the first thing what we did
having left
The task of describing an educational system for anyone’s culture is difficult since cultures constantly change. It is likely that our Hebrew education underwent significant alterations during our long history. This is especially true of educational institutions, which were no doubt affected by the vicissitudes of political history. In general, education, as it was known at the time in 12th- 13th centuries B.C.E., did not remain unchanged by the time of the Maccabees (2nd-century B.C.E), who were sadly confronted with Hellenistic culture. Moreover, education was not quite uniform throughout all levels of our society.
Cultures absorb influences from other
cultures. Built into the our religious system were careful ‘rituals’, ‘symbols’,
and ‘systems’ intentionally created to preserve our ancient traditions, to keep
it ‘pure’ and ‘untainted by outside forces’. That is, our tradition worked at
keeping our original traditions. Yet at the same time, traces of other
civilizations, particularly those of ‘Canaan’, ‘
Before the Babylonian Exile In the early period of our history, prior to the exile of 586/587 B.C.E, the primary teachers were the shevet (tribe) and the family, particularly parents, and education was focused on the children. We Hebrews are originally nomadic tribes, the training involved participation in the various agrarian occupations, such as ‘farming’, ‘tent-making’, ‘making of tools’, and ‘fishing’. Knowledge was passed from generation to generation through stories and allegories.
As the offices of Kohanim (priests) and Nevi’im (prophets) began to emerge, written literature developed from the rich repository of our tradition within the culture. As the need to be able to read became important; education began to focus on teachers who would teach ‘reading’ and ‘writing’. It was natural for priests to be considered as the teachers of the community.
Within the community, ‘prophets’ were also considered as being teachers, chosen by אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim. They were regarded as the channel through which אֱלֹהִים - Elohim could speak. And although they were visionaries, seers of the future, prophets also served as wandering, public instructors, teaching the people the word of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim regarding matters of public and private religious concern.
Exile:
By the time
The holiday cycle provided many teachable moments for the young Hebraic child. ‘Pesach’, ‘Shavuot’, and ‘Sukkot’ were important teaching tools and provided opportunities for children to ask questions and to learn more and more.
During the time of the Exile, however, more formal education began to emerge. Boys were taught to read and write. Elementary education in childhood taught Hebrew boys to learn and memorize portions of the Tanach, especially the Torah. Primary education gave him a thorough knowledge of Mosaic history. Higher education was given in regard the detailed study of the Law, its practice, and its definition.
Girls were given instruction in domestic duties, such as ‘spinning’, ‘weaving’, ‘the preparation of food’, and ‘caring for children’. Women were also formally trained in such concerns as ‘midwifery’ and ‘medicine’. Other educational opportunities existed for women, especially those of the wealthier classes. There is a debate in the Mishnah on the education of women, meaning that some rabbis did consider women ‘appropriate candidates for schooling’.
Preserving the nation through religious
education became even more important after the return to
People of the Book:
Even though the form and content of education have changed with the demands of various times and places, it has remained a constant and powerful force in Hebraic homes, culture, and society. Whatever the time or place, education has provided a structure for passing on valued teaching and sacred tradition, and as such it must be considered one of the most fundamental building blocks of Hebrew life and faith.
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Please Note: “hebraicstudies” links are located down
the page!
This site was originally created, for those
who desired to return to our blessed and wonderful faith. Thus be wise and work
on your faith and pray at least two or three times a day (if possible) and
always seek our beloved אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance,
for His love is always with us, especially when we seek Him, blessed be He!
However this site has become very much a teaching site with hundreds of
studies!
Remember what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be
He, said the following through a number of our prophets...
“Hebraic Studies” motto is as follows;
“The More Torah, the More Life”,
For Elohim is the One who
gave us our ... “Life!”
May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom = Peace
of צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה= the LORD of hosts, be with
you, and please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well as
the מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim - Feasts, and continue saying your
daily תְּפִלָּה - Tefeelah’s - Prayers and
regular בְּרָכָה - Be’ra’chah’s - blessings before food
and drinks, etc!
שָׁלוֹם
עֲלֵיכֶם - Shalom
Aleichem - Peace be with you!
Enter ...