Guide
The Educated Jew
By Carol Bakhos
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
Josephus’ Education
Life of Josephus 8–10
I myself, having been brought up with my brother, whose name was Matthias—he had been born my legitimate brother from both parents—was making great advancements in the progress of my education…
Primary Source
Josephus’ Greek and Jewish Learning
Jewish Antiquities 20.262–263
I indeed may say, encouraged by the consummation of the work I set out to accomplish, that no other person—were he a Jew or foreigner, however so inclined—could so accurately deliver these accounts to…
Primary Source
Teaching a Daughter Greek
y. Shabbat 6:1, 7d
R. Abbahu in the name of R. Yoḥanan, “A person is allowed to teach his daughter Greek, because it is an ornament for her.” Simeon b. Ba heard [this] and said, “Because R. Abbahu wanted to teach his…
Primary Source
Greek Education in the Family of Gamaliel
t. Sotah 15:8
They permitted the household of R. Gamliel to teach their children Greek, because they were close to the [Roman] government.
Primary Source
Libanius’ Letters to the Jewish Patriarch
Epistles (selected)
To the same [Priscianus—Ed.]
Some disturbance has arisen among our Jews because [of a rumor that] a certain wicked…
Primary Source
Torah Teaching for Everyone
Sifre Deuteronomy 48
Just as water is free to the entire world, so teachings of the Torah are free to the entire world, as it is said: Behold, everyone who is thirsty come for water, and he who has no money, come and buy…