Humanistic pedagogy
How do you educate a secular generation to love the Bible?
The Bible is the book of books of our mothers and fathers throughout the generations. Through it they are, and today we are, one human question - relevant forever: "What is a worthwhile life?
The Bible may be a basis for interdisciplinary learning, which invites an introduction to classical works at the heart of Jewish culture and the cultures of other nations, including understanding the cultural contexts and the ancient modes of creation - earthly and spiritual. Through the Bible - we perceive ourselves.
Deep thinking about the Bible may advance us in the layers of educational activity - in whatever direction we choose. A foundation for meaningful learning.
How can one educate a secular generation to appreciate the Bible?
One possible approach could be to create virtual tours that follow in the footsteps of biblical heroes across the land of Israel, such as Saul and Jonathan in Gilboa or Samson in 'Zere' and 'Eshtaol'. These tours can incorporate elements from various disciplines like archaeology, relevant museum visits, and more.
Personal interpretation is also a key aspect of understanding the Bible. It involves not just traditional commentators such as Radek or Rashi but encourages each reader to form their own position based on knowledge of different interpretations across generations. A dialogue should be fostered that acknowledges differences between modern secular humanist Jewish readers and the Bible's interpretation, while respecting both perspectives.
A student who sees themselves as part of a multi-generational interpretive community will understand various arguments, engage with them, formulate their own informed position, and express it independently.
The biblical language, stories, and characters serve as the foundation for extensive Jewish and international creative works. Teaching the Bible should be combined with other disciplines to provide a comprehensive education.
Loving the Bible is not just about understanding its canonical status in Jewish and Western culture but also appreciating how it influences the Hebrew language, Jewish values, landscapes, and current affairs.
A meaningful engagement with the Bible involves asking good questions, experiencing excitement, and gaining a deeper understanding of universal human values as well as unique Jewish cultural-historical perspectives from the 'Tanach'.
In secular education?
In secular education settings, the Bible is presented as a human-created narrative rather than a sacred text that must be accepted without question or examination. It's viewed as an earthly book with various perspectives on life, including stories about people, land, and world events, featuring a God who acts, watches over, and punishes.
The Bible is a collection of literary works through which our ancestors explored fundamental human questions, such as "What is the right way to live?" Over time, different generations have interpreted every plot, event, verse, or biblical law in various ways. Jews have never agreed on one specific belief system or interpretation of certain events like miracles described in the Bible. Instead, this diversity of interpretations adds to the Bible's prestige and appeal that continues to grow with each new generation.
This love for the Bible forms the basis for our approach to its teachings. Our current secular Hebrew revival generation offers us a unique opportunity to appreciate the Bible in both our native language and through a pluralistic lens, considering the wide range of views that have existed in the past and present, accepting or rejecting them, engaging in dialogue, preserving, or shaping.
Some of the most renowned Hebrew authors from recent generations draw inspiration from the Tanakh - including Bialik, Leah Goldberg, Yehuda Amichai, Rachel Shapira, Yona Wallach, and Agi Meshaul, among others.
You can get to know some of the experts in the leading team at Hagut Institute..
