JewiSh EducatioN HistOry REGISTER NOW! Cornelia's School of Dance Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap (child & adult) Creative Movement, Pre ballet, Tap for 3 6 yr. olds - go forever without money, so by 2 B.C.E., there are records of commu- nity-supported Jewish day schools. According to the Torah (Exodus 19:6), the goal of a Jewish educa- tion is to create "a kingdom of priests, a holy people." Early Jewish educators sought to accomplish this with a -wo-tiered track: teaching Halacha (Jewish law) and Jewish history. There were no early versions of The McGuffey Reader, but scholars today believe that teachers in bibli- cal times did use a textbook of sorts: The Book of Proverbs. Because of the book's emphasis on _moral behavior (religious commit- ment, hones-y, wisdom), it was invaluable both for the common stu- dent and royalty. The key factor in Jewish educa- tion, however, was the family. Parents were expected to be examples for their children, both .;ons and daughters. While learn- ing in a formal setting was for males, girls, nonetheless, often learned a trade from their mother. These included midwifery, cook- ing and sewing. From The Beginning ••• "Provide yourself a teacher," Rab- ban Gamaliel said. His words were meant for everyone — literally. And so, beginning with talmudic times, Jews came to understand that a Jewish education started with birth and never ended. The purpose of all this learning: to do mitzvot (com- mandments). The sages of the time concurred with Rabban Gamaliel. The wise man, they said, studied the Bible and the Mishnah. But that's not all. In Avot, the rab- bis assert that, buddy, you've got to get a job, too: "All study of the Torah that is unaccompanied by work is ultimately futile." Parents were urged not only to teach their children Torah, but also to teach them a trade. School "subjects" of the time included astronomy and geometry, seen as useful in understanding the Torah. Philosophy generally was not deemed necessary, but swimming was, as it could save a life. At times, classes were held at syn- agogues (the first Sunday schools?). Boys started school at age 6 or 7, and class size was limited to 25 for one teacher, or 40 if the head instructor had an assistant. And while there wasn't even a whisper of child psychology so many thousands of years ago, educators during talmudic times were surprisingly forward think- ing. Teachers were encouraged to begin class with a cheerful story so as to set the mood. They were advised not to chastise the seem- ingly disinterested student, but rather to place him next to an attentive one, hoping he could serve as an inspiration. I Love Teacher In the . Middle Ages, the focus of early Jewish education was read- ing, no writing and a little arith- metic. The first goal of every Jewish edu- cator was to teach a boy to read so he could participate in the syna- gogue service. (Basics, such as Halacha, were learned at home). Books were rare, however, so chil- dren wrote their letters on paper or parchment. One popular method of learning letters was for the instructor to make the outline of the letter and have the child to fill it in. The language of the land also was taught, as was math, and a great deal of Talmud. The teachers of this time weren't simply respected — they were loved. Because education was regarded as so important, teachers were selected only after careful scrutiny. They were well paid and often gift- ed with treats. The Middle Ages saw a number of innovations, including the teach- ing of Hebrew language and gram- Professional, certified adult staff Progressive Syllabus that trains students from beginning through advanced levels Positive, nurturing atmosphere • • Day & evening classes Sprung wood floors • Competitive rates • BALLET DIVISION JAZZ & TAP DIVISION RUSSIAN TECHNIQUE CUTTING EDGE CHOREOGRAPHY MASTER TEACHERS HIP HOP • FUNK • LYRICAL HOME OF THE MICHIGAN GOLD MEDAL BALLET THEATRE COMPETITION GROUP AUDITION SATURDAY, AUGUST 21ST 10-12 PM • • OUR REPUTATION PRECEDES US! 20 YEARS OF PROVEN SUCCESS Come in and view our roster of success stories and meet our talented faculty HOLIDAY NUTCRACKER • SPRING RECITAL Cornelia's School of Dance 3080 Orchard Lake Road • Keego Harbor • 248-681-5376 Call for a FREE BROCHURE CORNELIA SAMPSON, DIRECTOR S T A L T 0 E E R We have moved to: 29115 Greenfield Road Southfield, MI 48076 (248) 559-5424 (888) 202-4466 Fax: (248) 559-5426 gift Sof nature Wedding & Party Specialists Flowers For All Occasions BARRY'S LET'S RENT IT Love Those UNIQUE GIFTS... And For PARTY PAPER GOODS Go to BARRY'S for The Best. For All Of Your Party Rentals ?-\"CANDLES, SOAPS & DESIGNER NAPKINS... "The One Stop Party Shop" 245-555-0450 Crosswinds Plaza • Orchard Lake Road at Lone Pine • West Dloomfield EXPERIENCING INFERTILITY? The Center for Reproductive Medicine has Opened a Comprehensive New Center in Oakland County! ONE OF THE HIGHEST SUCCESS RATES IN MICHIGAN AND AMONG THE LEADING CLINICS IN THE U.S.A. Mostafa I. Abuzeid, M.D. THE CENTER FOR REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 3950 S. Rochester Rd., Ste. 2300, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 • (248) 844-8845 • 1-888-852-6995 Detroit Jewish News 8/13 1999 69