Zilberman Method
The Zilberman Method is a system of teaching the Torah to young students, pioneered by Jerusalem rabbi Yitzchak Shlomo Zilberman, that emphasizes rote learning of the text, while leaving the more advanced study of Talmud to older students.[1][2] Schools employing the method are colloquially referred to as Zilberman Schools.
Theory
The Zilberman Method draws upon traditional teaching methods as outlined by
The Zilberman method has children focus exclusively on
In the Zilberman-styled school, a new text of Chumash (Scripture) is introduced in the following manner. On Monday and Tuesday, the teacher chants the text with the tropp (ta'amei ha'mikra) and the students immediately imitate him. This is repeated several times until the students are able to read the text independently. Then the teacher introduces the translation/explanation of the text and invites students to participate in the process. New words typically need to be translated only once; subsequently, students are encouraged to call out the translation on their own. All translations are strictly literal. If the translation does not automatically yield a comprehensible meaning, the students are invited to try to find one. The class spends the rest of the week reviewing the material. Each pasuk is reviewed with the tropp at least twenty-four times.[7] Adjustments are made for each grade level.
Examples
In Shabbat 63a it states, "A man should recite, and only later expound." This is in contrast to standard procedure in the Torah world, where intense scrutiny of the text at a relatively young age is favoured over the covering and committing to memory of vast amounts of material. Zilberman also instituted that school sessions be continued on Shabbat and Jewish holidays, albeit at a reduced schedule.[8]
Other practices
Rabbi Zilberman kept the practice of donning his
History
Proponents of the Zilberman Method argue that it is not a new innovation, but rather a return to an ancient form of
and the Vilna Gaon.Zilberman found the existing Jerusalem
Zilberman's life work was favored by rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach and the Tchebiner Rav.[8]
Schools using the Zilberman Method
In addition to Yeshivat Aderet Eliyahu, numerous other schools throughout Israel adhere to Zilberman Method principles, including Talmud Torah Yishrei Lev and the Zichru schools.
References
- ^ GOTTLIEB, DOVID. "The Zilberman Method". Retrieved 11 December 2017.
- ^ Rabbi Gershon, Tannenbaum. "The Zilberman Method: Innovation In Torah Education". Retrieved 11 December 2017.
- ^ Misnah, Avot 5:21
- ^ Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 11a. See Rashi, Ran
- ^ Babylonian Talmud, Ketubot 50a
- ^ Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 63a
- ^ Gottlieb, Dovid (March 8, 2010). "The Zilberman Method". OU.org. Jewish Action.
- ^ a b c d "Rav Yitzchok Shlomo Zilberman: The Zilberman Derech -Charting a New-Old Path", The Jewish Eye
- ^ a b Hadar, Alon (23 August 2007) "Goodbye to All That", Haaretz. "They wore tefillin [phylacteries] all the time."
- ^ Meyers Epstein, Varda (3 January 2014) "Tekhelet: A Choice or an Imperative?", The Jewish Press