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Teaching Conditions and Practices in Galician Cheders, 1772–1918
Abstract
This article presents the role of cheders in the elementary education of Jewish children living in Galicia. This type of school operated there throughout the entire period of the partitions of Poland. Cheder schools were the most popular type of Jewish religious school. They were established by private teachers (melameds), who also served as tutors. They were supported by assistants, known as “belfers.” Cheder schools were mainly attended by boys aged 3–13. However, Austrian and Galician state authorities restricted the activities of cheder schools, aiming to close them and replace them with public schools (for all Galician youth). Due to the popularity of cheders (which had a centuries-long history), the Jewish population was reluctant to send their children to public schools. The greatest supporters of cheders were the Hasidim. These schools were established in towns with significant Jewish populations. Often, several or even dozens of such schools operated simultaneously in one town. Their main operational problems were poor conditions and large class sizes. Despite their popularity, cheders began to be strongly criticized during the period of autonomy. This criticism came not only from political and educational authorities but also from progressive Jews, who saw them as one of the causes of perceived cultural stagnation of their compatriots.
Keywords:
Galicia, Jews, Jewish religious education, cheders, melameds, elementary educationDetails
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