- Temple Schools: Ancient Hebrews placed great importance on religious education. Temple schools, particularly during the time of the First Temple in Jerusalem, provided formal education focused on religious texts, laws, history, rituals, and ethics.
- Synagogues: After the destruction of the First Temple, synagogues became centres of learning and education. Synagogues offered primary education to boys, primarily focused on reading, writing, basic mathematics, and knowledge of Jewish scripture.
Apprenticeship and Vocational Training:
Beyond formal education, apprenticeship systems were common. Children learnt practical skills and trades from a young age through apprenticeships under skilled artisans, farmers, blacksmiths, carpenters, and other craftsmen.
Family Education:
Parents played a significant role in education. Jewish families instilled important values, cultural traditions, and moral teachings through storytelling, sharing wisdom, and observing religious practices within the household.
Higher Education:
In later periods, more specialized education emerged for scribes, scholars, priests, and other professions focused on advanced religious studies, medicine, law, astronomy, and philosophy. This type of advanced education was pursued by a select few who possessed academic talent and could devote themselves to further studies.
Throughout history, Jewish education aimed to promote spiritual development, adherence to religious tradition, cultural heritage, and practical readiness for various occupations of the time.