Introduction

Abstract

Jewish teaching and learning have been essential components of Jewish tradition since the earliest of times. The imperative to “teach your children” first appeared in the Book of Deuteronomy as part of what later became the shema—the most central of Jewish prayers. Rabbinic literature is filled with references to schools and schooling, and to teaching and learning taking place at all levels, and for all ages from the youngest children through adulthood. Indeed, according to the midrash (commentary) on Genesis, the first thing that the House of Jacob did, on leaving their home in Canaan, was to establish schools (Genesis Rabbah, 95). It is no accident that Jews are often known as “The People of the Book”. Jewish life is lived according to texts, and interpretation of those texts. The varied methods of teaching those texts include the didactic and the experiential, argument and discussion.