Tree of Life, Tree of Knowledge

Explores the philosophical stages of education and development through the Torah. The central theme of this book is that the life long process of growth and development that we call education and self-education can be immeasurably enriched by an informed and careful reading in Jewish Scripture as interpreted throughout its history by faithful communities. This book suggests a reading of the Bible which draws on traditional patterns of teaching yet is also planted in the soil of conversation, inquiry and self-discovery. }Viewing education through the prism of the Torah, Tree of Life, Tree of Knowledge takes the reader through the stages of learning, growth, and self-development that characterize human lives. The journey begins with education as it happens in the home, moves on to the institutions of society, especially schools, and then on to the questions of identity and commitment which constitute the hidden agenda of informal educational networks. The self-education of the individual is explored: When does one grow up? What is really worth knowing? How does one cope with memories, illness, and anticipation of what lies ahead? This book examines some of the millennial conversation in an attempt to discover an educational philosophy in the Torah that can be relevant to life in the contemporary world.