Q&A: Bible Studies in the Education System
Bible Studies in the Education System
Question
Do you think that, as part of the benefit you see in separating religion and state, it would be appropriate for the education system to make religious studies in secular schools optional, only for those who are interested? Or do you see the current situation as preferable (where students end up hating the Bible because of it, etc., and also learn it in an incorrect and improper way)?
Answer
You’re mixing together two different questions. The value of Torah studies in schools, including religious ones, is usually negative.
From the standpoint of separating religion and state, that’s a different question altogether (and not connected to the benefit of the study itself). There is room to make it mandatory as part of familiarity with our history and heritage.
Discussion on Answer
I’m not the right address for a question like that. I don’t deal with the Bible and don’t see any special importance in it. Just background and general knowledge about our tradition.
Rabbi,
How do you think the Five Books of the Torah should be taught to children? And afterward, to teenagers?
As for the Hebrew Bible, what would be the proper way? What should be emphasized, and what can be skipped? With commentators? Which ones?
And biblical criticism—at what stage? (If at all)