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א מוֹשִׁיבִין מְלַמְּדֵי תִּינוֹקוֹת בְּכָל מְדִינָה וּמְדִינָה וּבְכָל פֶּלֶךְ וּפֶלֶךְ וּבְכָל עִיר וָעִיר. וְכָל עִיר שֶׁאֵין בָּהּ תִּינוֹקוֹת שֶׁל בֵּית רַבָּן מַחְרִימִין אֶת אַנְשֵׁי הָעִיר עַד שֶׁמּוֹשִׁיבִין מְלַמְּדֵי תִּינוֹקוֹת. וְאִם לֹא הוֹשִׁיבוּ מַחְרִימִין אֶת הָעִיר. שֶׁאֵין הָעוֹלָם מִתְקַיֵּם אֶלָּא בְּהֶבֶל פִּיהֶם שֶׁל תִּינוֹקוֹת שֶׁל בֵּית רַבָּן:
1 Teachers of small children should be appointed in each and every land, in each and every region, and in each and every village.1 2 3 4 5
ב מַכְנִיסִין אֶת הַתִּינוֹקוֹת לְהִתְלַמֵּד כְּבֶן שֵׁשׁ כְּבֶן שֶׁבַע לְפִי כֹּחַ הַבֵּן וּבִנְיַן גּוּפוֹ. וּפָחוֹת מִבֶּן שֵׁשׁ אֵין מַכְנִיסִים אוֹתוֹ. וּמַכֶּה אוֹתָן הַמְלַמֵּד לְהַטִּיל עֲלֵיהֶם אֵימָה. וְאֵינוֹ מַכֶּה אוֹתָם מַכַּת אוֹיֵב מַכַּת אַכְזָרִי. לְפִיכָךְ לֹא יַכֶּה אוֹתָם בְּשׁוֹטִים וְלֹא בְּמַקְלוֹת אֶלָּא בִּרְצוּעָה קְטַנָּה. וְיוֹשֵׁב וּמְלַמְּדָן כָּל הַיּוֹם כֻּלּוֹ וּמִקְצָת מִן הַלַּיְלָה כְּדֵי לְחַנְּכָן לִלְמֹד בַּיּוֹם וּבַלַּיְלָה. וְלֹא יִבָּטְלוּ הַתִּינוֹקוֹת כְּלָל חוּץ מֵעַרְבֵי שַׁבָּתוֹת וְיָמִים טוֹבִים בְּסוֹף הַיָּמִים וּבְיָמִים טוֹבִים. אֲבָל בְּשַׁבָּת אֵין קוֹרִין בַּתְּחִלָּה אֲבָל שׁוֹנִין בָּרִאשׁוֹן. וְאֵין מְבַטְּלִין הַתִּינוֹקוֹת וַאֲפִלּוּ לְבִנְיַן בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ:
2 Children should be brought to study [under a teacher's instruction]6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
ג מְלַמֵּד הַתִּינוֹקוֹת שֶׁהוּא מֵנִיחַ הַתִּינוֹקוֹת וְיוֹצֵא אוֹ שֶׁהוּא עוֹשֶׂה מְלָאכָה אַחֶרֶת עִמָּהֶן אוֹ שֶׁהוּא מִתְרַשֵּׁל בְּלִמּוּדָן הֲרֵי זֶה בִּכְלַל (ירמיה מח י) "אָרוּר עוֹשֶׂה מְלֶאכֶת ה' רְמִיָּה". לְפִיכָךְ אֵין רָאוּי לְהוֹשִׁיב מְלַמֵּד אֶלָּא בַּעַל יִרְאָה מָהִיר לִקְרוֹת וּלְדַקְדֵּק:
3 A teacher of children who leaves the children and goes out,20 21 22 23 24
ד וּמִי שֶׁאֵין לוֹ אִשָּׁה לֹא יְלַמֵּד תִּינוֹקוֹת מִפְּנֵי אִמּוֹתֵיהֶם הַבָּאוֹת אֵצֶל בְּנֵיהֶם. וְכָל אִשָּׁה לֹא תְּלַמֵּד תִּינוֹקוֹת מִפְּנֵי אֲבוֹתֵיהֶם שֶׁהֵם בָּאִים אֵצֶל הַבָּנִים:
4 A man who is unmarried should not teach children, because of the mothers who visit the children.25 26 27
ה עֶשְׂרִים וַחֲמִשָּׁה תִּינוֹקוֹת לְמֵדִים אֵצֶל מְלַמֵּד אֶחָד. הָיוּ יוֹתֵר עַל עֶשְׂרִים וַחֲמִשָּׁה עַד אַרְבָּעִים מוֹשִׁיבִין עִמּוֹ אַחֵר לְסַיְּעוֹ בְּלִמּוּדָם. הָיוּ יוֹתֵר עַל אַרְבָּעִים מַעֲמִידִין לָהֶם שְׁנֵי מְלַמְּדֵי תִּינוֹקוֹת:
5 [A maximum of] 25 students should study under one teacher. If there are more than 25, but fewer than 40, an28 29 30 31
ו מוֹלִיכִין אֶת הַקָּטָן מִמְּלַמֵּד לִמְלַמֵּד אַחֵר שֶׁהוּא מָהִיר מִמֶּנּוּ בֵּין בְּמִקְרָא בֵּין בְּדִקְדּוּק. בַּמֶּה דְּבָרִים אֲמוּרִים כְּשֶׁהָיוּ שְׁנֵיהֶם בְּעִיר אַחַת וְלֹא הָיָה הַנָּהָר מַפְסִיק בֵּינֵיהֶם. אֲבָל מֵעִיר לְעִיר אוֹ מִצַּד הַנָּהָר לְצִדּוֹ אֲפִלּוּ בְּאוֹתָהּ הָעִיר אֵין מוֹלִיכִין אֶת הַקָּטָן אֶלָּא אִם כֵּן הָיָה בִּנְיָן בָּרִיא עַל גַּבֵּי הַנָּהָר בִּנְיָן שֶׁאֵינוֹ רָאוּי לִפּל בִּמְהֵרָה:
6 A child may be transferred from one teacher to another teacher, who is capable of teaching him at a faster pace,32 33 34 35 36
ז אֶחָד מִבְּנֵי מָבוֹי שֶׁבִּקֵּשׁ לְהֵעָשׂוֹת מְלַמֵּד, אֲפִלּוּ אֶחָד מִבְּנֵי הֶחָצֵר, אֵין יְכוֹלִין שְׁכֵנָיו לִמְחוֹת בְּיָדוֹ. וְכֵן מְלַמֵּד תִּינוֹקוֹת שֶׁבָּא חֲבֵרוֹ וּפָתַח בַּיִת לְלַמֵּד תִּינוֹקוֹת בְּצִדּוֹ כְּדֵי שֶׁיָּבוֹאוּ תִּינוֹקוֹת אֲחֵרִים לוֹ אוֹ כְּדֵי שֶׁיָּבוֹאוּ מִתִּינוֹקוֹת שֶׁל זֶה אֵצֶל זֶה, אֵינוֹ יָכוֹל לִמְחוֹת בְּיָדוֹ, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ישעיה מב כא) "ה' חָפֵץ לְמַעַן צִדְקוֹ יַגְדִּיל תּוֹרָה וְיַאְדִּיר":
7 If a person [whose house opens] to an alleyway [to which other houses open] - or even one [whose house opens] to a courtyard [to which other houses open] - desires to become a teacher of children, his neighbors may not protest against his decision.37 38
1 Bava Batra 21a declares: Remember that man for good! Yehoshua ben Gamla is his name. Were it not for him, the Torah would have been forgotten by the Jewish people.Originally, a person who had a father would be instructed by him, while a person who had no father would not be instructed...[Afterwards,] they instituted [the practice of] employing teachers of young children in Jerusalem [as implied by the verse]: "From Zion shall go forth the Torah."Nevertheless, whoever had a father would be taken [to Jerusalem], while one who did not have a father would not be taken. [Therefore,] they instituted [the practice of] employing teachers in every region. They would begin study at sixteen or at seventeen. However, if a [student's] teacher were angry with him, he would scoff at him and leave. [This situation persisted] until Yehoshua ben Gamla came and instituted [the practice of] employing teachers of young children in each and every land, in each and every region, and in each and every village. They would bring them [to the schools] at the age of six or seven. This practice was continued in the subsequent generations. Even though the dispersion of the Jewish people and the subjugation to the gentile powers made the management of their communal affairs more difficult, throughout the ages we find references to the establishment of communal programs of education in both the codes of Jewish law and the chronicles of Jewish history. (See Ramah, Choshen Mishpat , 163:3; Shulchan Aruch HaRav, Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:3.)2 See Chapter 7, Halachah 5 for a precise definition of this term.3 these measures do not motivate the inhabitants to change their ways and....4 The Rambam's statements are based on Shabbat 119b. Though our text of that passage differs slightly from the statements here, in the various commentaries and codes (e.g., the She'eltot of Rabbenu Achai Gaon, the Halachot of Rabbenu Yitzchak Alfasi), we find various versions of that passage. Hence, it is possible to assume that the Rambam's statements are a quote from his text of the Talmud.5 for their breath is not tainted by sin (Shabbat , ibid. ). Based on the latter statement, some authorities require the community to support children's study only until they reach bar-mitzvah, since afterwards they no longer possess this quality.6 As mentioned in Chapter 1, Halachah 6 and the commentary on it, even before a child reached that age his father would teach him particular verses from the Torah.7 Note the passage from Bava Batra quoted in the previous halachah and the commentary on Chapter 1, Halachah 6.8 This would determine when he would be able to begin the long and rigorous study program described in this halachah.9 for he will not be able to absorb his studies (Bava Batra , ibid. ).10 The advice that Proverbs 13:24 gives a father: "He that spares the rod, hates his son," also applies to a teacher. Indeed, Makkot 8a equates a teacher to a father in this respect.Makkot 22b relates that Zechariah 13:6, "What are these wounds?...Those which I was wounded in the house of my beloved," refers to the beatings administered to school children.11 Note the parallel of this expression to Jeremiah 30:14. Note also Chapter 4, Halachot 4-5, which recommend restraint and patience on the teacher's part.12 Bava Batra (ibid. ) relates that Rav instructed Rav Shmuel bar Shilat (a well known teacher of children): When you beat a child, beat him only with a sandal strap. If [it motivates him] to study, then he will study. If he does not study, let him be in the company of the others. From Rav's words, we can infer that corporal punishment may be employed to try to motivate a student to be more attentive. However, if it does not prove to be a successful tool, it should not be used further, lest it create a permanent aversion to Torah study.13 So that as adults, they will be accustomed to fulfilling the obligation mentioned in Chapter 1, Halachah 8.14 i.e., they should study on the mornings of these days, but not in the afternoons.Sukkah 28a, which praises Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai for never leaving the house of study except on the eve of Pesach and the eve of Yom Kippur. Similarly, Pesachim 109a applies such praise to Rabbi Akiva. However, it is difficult to say that these are the sources for the Rambam's statements. Firstly, the passages refer to adults and not to children. Also, the fact that these passages cite the behavior of these Sages as worthy of praise seems to imply that it was exceptional and not the rule followed by most.15 for study might disturb a child's conception of the air of rejoicing and celebration that must accompany the festivals. It must be noted that the Rambam suggests that adults use some of their time on the festivals to study (Hilchot Sh'vitat Yom Tov 6:19).16 They should not cease their studies. Nevertheless...17 for grasping it may involve difficulty and strain, which should be avoided on the Sabbath. (See Nedarim 37a.)18 for this does not involve tremendous strain.19 Shabbat 119b makes this statement in the context of its description of the great merit of the children's study, as mentioned in the previous halachah. Indeed, this appears to be the Rambam's logic in the entire halachah. Since children's study is so important, no unnecessary interruptions should be made.20 Bava Batra 8b relates that Rav once found Rav Shmuel bar Shilat strolling in a garden. He reproved him: "Have you abandoned your faithfulness?"21 The commentaries have explained the source for this halachah as follows:D'mai 7:3) relates that Rabbi Yochanan encountered a teacher who looked emaciated. When the Sage enquired about him, his colleagues explained that he fasted. Rabbi Yochanan was very critical: "If a normal hired worker is forbidden to undergo penances lest he not produce as much as desired, how much more so does this apply to someone doing God's work."Tosefta, Bava Metzia 4:7), it can be assumed that a teacher should refrain from doing so.22 As is obvious from Hilchot S'chirut 10:7, this includes two elements:a) one who did not instruct the students; orb) one who erred in their instruction.23 In his commentary on Halachah 6, the Kessef Mishneh interprets mahir as one who teaches a large quantity of material. In his commentary on Psalms 45:2, Rav Sa'adiah Gaon translates that word as "expert."24 Bava Batra 21a-b emphasizes the importance of precise study by relating the following story: After Yoav returned from slaying all the males of Edom (II Samuel 11:16), King David asked him to explain his actions. He replied: "Doesn't Deuteronomy 25:19 state 'Wipe out all the males (zachor ) of Amalek?’“ David told him: "You are mistaken; the verse reads 'Wipe out the memory (zecher ) of Amalek.’“ Yoav told him: "I learned zachor ." Later, Yoav sought out his teacher and chastised him severely for his carelessness.25 "lest he be aroused by women" (Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah , ibid. ).26 Even if she is married (Kessef Mishneh )27 lest they transgress the prohibition against yichud (being alone in a private place with someone of the other sex, Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah , loc. cit. ).Hilchot Issurei Bi'ah .28 Note the commentary of the Nimukei Yosef on Bava Batra 21a, which resolves the apparent contradiction between the Rambam's decision and that passage. Rabbenu Asher interprets that passage differently.29 Rashi (Bava Batra , ibid. ) states that the assistant would listen to the verses read by the teacher, and then lead the children in their repetition.30 the class should be divided and...31 Two conclusions can be derived from these statements:a) the maximum class size desired;b) the minimum service which a community is required to afford its children.Shulchan Aruch HaRav (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:3) states that the above applies only to instruction in the Written Law. Instruction in the more complicated realms of study requires even smaller classes. However, a parent cannot demand that such instruction be provided from communal funds.32 Note the commentary on Halachah 4 for a definition of the word mahir .33 In the Kessef Mishneh , Rav Yosef Karo mentions the passage from Bava Batra 21a, which questions which is preferable: a teacher who teaches the students at a rapid pace, or one who instructs them more precisely, but at a slower speed. In the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 245:19), he concludes that it is preferable to take the latter teacher. Errors which children learn become permanent elements of their thinking processes as mentioned in the commentary to Halachah 3.34 The Lechem Mishneh states that the Rambam derives this concept from Bava Batra (ibid. ), which states:35 because of the difficulty involved in the journey36 because of the danger involved.37 though such a practice would not be allowed in any other profession [if the new competitor came from a different country (see Hilchot Sh'chenim 6:8)], an exception is made regarding teaching Torah because...38 Bava Batra 21a, the source for this halachah, does not quote this verse, but rather explains: "the envy of the teachers will increase knowledge."Yad Malachi explains that the Rambam frequently substitutes a different verse or explanation for the one quoted by the Talmud if he feels that his choice is more explanatory. However, the advantage of the verse chosen by the Rambam over the reason given by the Talmud requires explanation.Likkutei Sichot , Vol. VI, p. 299).Sefaria: Mishneh Torah, trans. by Eliyahu Touger. Jerusalem, Moznaim Pub. c1986-c2007 · CC BY-NC · sefaria.org
Imported from sefaria · Sefaria: Torat Emet 363 · public-domain · at the source
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