Education

Young Jewish boys started formal education at the age of 5, learning to read and write. At age 10, boys would start to learn about the Jewish law. Formal education was complete by age 18.

Young girls would learn at home from their mothers and other women. Young men were educated by a Rabbi (teacher) from the local synagogue.

The Jewish education emphasized law, ethics, and history for the purpose of right, normal living. In contrast, the Greek education system called “gymnasium” emphasized science, arts, linguistics and bodily training.

For Jews, the “Torah”, translated “law” was the source of all learning – religion, history and ethics. The Torah includes the first five books of the modern Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy)

For the first century Jew, religion, law, history, ethics and education were inseparable. Through both written (Torah) and oral (Mishna) law, teaching was passed from generation to generation. Rabbi's (teachers) and synagogues were highly esteemed aspects of society.

Most Roman citizens were influenced by the teachings of different philosophical systems; the two major philosophies of the time being Stoicism and Cynicism.

The “synagogue” translated “house of assembly” was the Jewish place of both worship and education

Young men, seeking advanced education as “scribes” or doctors of the law, could study a broader range of topics with a religious motivation in mind.

Jesus studied at the synagogue – in one instance when Jesus was 12 years old as recorded in Jesus’ biography by Luke, the author says “They (Jesus’ parents) found him (Jesus) in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.” (Luke 2:46-47)