From: lazer@intacc.uucp (Lazer Danzinger)
Subject: The Principle of Education and Guidance
Date: Sun, 11 Oct 1992 03:29:50 GMT
Organization: Inter/Access' Matrix BBS

Saunter into your local book store, and stroll down the 
aisle displaying contemporary works by aspiring authors on 
the subject of child-rearing. Leaf through the pages of a 
few of the eye-catching titles. As an astute Jewish parent, 
you will be amused undoubtedly by what you read. For todays 
experts are still struggling to formulate a coherent and 
tractable philosophy on child-rearing and education.
 
Almost ninety-five years ago, the previous Lubavitcher 
Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, of blessed memory, 
at the age of seventeen, composed a concise but cogent work 
on this very topic. It was entitled, "The Principles of 
Education and Guidance." In this erudite yet accessible 
text, the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe charted the course for 
parents and educators alike. The principles he elucidates 
are as refreshingly relevant today as they were in 1898. 
Only nowadays, his sagacious insights are needed more than 
ever before.
 
At the very outset, the Previous Rebbe cautions us that to 
be an educator worthy of the name is by no means a simple 
feat. On the contrary, the Previous Rebbe declares that the 
role of an educator is excruciating in its demands. For the 
position of a Chassidic mentor entails much more than 
teaching ones young charges the intricacies of an abstruse 
Talmudic passage, or the penetrating depth of a recondite 
comment by Rashi. The onerous task of a Chassidic educator 
is to cultivate and to nurture a students moral and 
spiritual growth. The development of a pupils positive 
traits must be tenderly promoted; his unwholesome ones, 
carefully pruned.
 
To achieve these goals, an educator must meet seven 
prerequisites. First and foremost, if he is to successfully 
foster the moral maturation of his pupils, he must be 
committed to his own ethical growth. Next, his teaching 
methodology must be scrutinized. This includes his manner of 
speech, and his general demeanor. Both must portray a 
caring, sensitive and refined personality. Acting as an 
exemplary role model is a critical ingredient to the recipe 
for success. Conversely, repeated recourse to intimidation, 
through shouting or other similar unbecoming means, is a 
sure formula for failure. In the words of the Previous Rebbe 
(translated from the Hebrew original): "Truly, even if the 
pupil becomes temporarily upset from the flaming words of 
the educator... this type of education yields no benefit 
whatsoever."
 
The third prerequisite, which the Previous Rebbe addresses 
at length, is the importance of really thoroughly 
understanding a pupil: assessing his intelligence, analyzing 
his personality, his character, where he comes from, and 
where he is at. To succeed in refining his pupil, an 
educator must tailor both his expectations and approach to 
suit the unique dimensions of each individual child. One 
size does not fit all, the Previous Rebbe maintains 
emphatically. This applies to the education of adults as 
well as to that of youngsters. 
 
In all, the Previous Rebbe elucidates six factors that 
strongly influence a persons basic character: occupation, 
whether a Torah scholar or a business person; financial 
situation: wealthy or poor; habits, both good and bad; and 
finally, place of residence: a small town or a large city. 
All these determinants must be carefully considered before 
formulating an educational program for any student, 
regardless of age.
 
				*
Though slim in size, this volume of the Previous Rebbe is 
rich in insight. Whether for the proficient parent or for 
the wizened educator, "The Principles of Education and 
Guidance," will prove enlightening, inspiring, and to be 
honest, quite challenging. 

["The Principles of Education and Guidance," available in English
translation, is published and distributed by "Kehot Publication
Society," N.Y., 1990.]
----
Rabbi Lazer Danzinger
MASHIACH IS ON THE WAY-- Be a Part of It!