Melamed
Melamed, Melammed (
The melamed was appointed by the community, and there were special regulations determining how many children he might teach, as well as rules governing the choice of applicants for the office and the dismissal of a melamed.[1] These regulations were extended and augmented in the post-Talmudic period.
Regulations
Besides the teachers appointed by the community, there were others who were privately engaged by the parents of children; hence it became necessary to define accurately the mutual rights and duties of the melamed and of the parents.
While giving instruction, the melamed was not allowed to do any other work.[2] If he was ill, and therefore unable to teach for a time, as much was deducted from his wages as the lessons for that time would have cost;[2] but if, on the other hand, the pupil was ill and could not take his lessons, the melamed received full payment.[3]
The melamed was not allowed to punish his pupils too severely; and he had to teach both in the daytime and during part of the night.
The salary for a melamed was low, more often than not. Many melameds lived a very poor life.
Types of tutors
A distinction was made between the village melamed, who was engaged as a private
A distinction is likewise drawn between the "melamed tinoqot" and the "melamed gemara." The former would teach children of both genders to read and write Hebrew, and also a chapter or two of each weekly lesson from the
Use of the term
Among
See also
Jewish Encyclopedia bibliography
- Isaac Lampronti, Paḥad Yiṣḥaq, s.v., in addition to the authorities cited in the article
References
External links
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Joseph Jacobs and Jacob Zallel Lauterbach (1901–1906). "Melammed". In Singer, Isidore; et al. (eds.). The Jewish Encyclopedia. New York: Funk & Wagnalls.
