Reading Together

Learning and Studying Torah

To return to the main page click here.

Target:

This scene displays the father with his son, reading together as they sit on a chair. The book cover has “תורה”, “Torah” written on it.

Studying Torah with the child is one of the traditional parental duties in judaism. This is particularly important because of the high value studying, learning and scholarship have in the culture (1).

Jewish living is not solely based on the Torah. In particular the Talmud is of importance (2), the central writing of rabbinic judaism. Traditional jewish life builds on jewish law (Halacha (3)) which is transmitted through the Talmud.

Learning how to act in a way that leads to a bettering of the world (4) can be considered the goal in this, as in judaism one looks to the scriptures and their lessons for guidance on how to handle daily life. So studying functions as a way to build and cement the foundation for how to be a good person. However there is also value in the act of studying itself (5) that cannot be underestimated.

Judaism and Teaching

Traditionally, teaching Torah was the role of the father, hence why I chose that approach in this scene. In practice however it often is the role of the mother, as in traditional households she will spend more time with the children (6).

Unless the family has access to jewish schooling, the religious raising generally occurs at home and in the jewish community (7).

Links:

1. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/learning-amp-doing/
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talmud
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halakha
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tikkun_olam
5. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-rewards-for-torah-study/
6. https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1230127/jewish/Jewish-Education-101.htm
7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_education