Rabbi's Corner

By Rabbi Michael Gotlieb
Kehilliat Ma’arau Congregation

To say Judaism values education is an understatement. The religion is cerebral and structured; it requires thoughtful study and learning. There is a statement in the Talmud that sums it up best: “An ignorant Jew cannot be a good Jew.”

While the framers of our tradition value education, never has education been valued for its own sake. Ask yourself—as does the Talmud: Is it better to study [educate oneself and others] or follow the many commandments given by the tradition? The rabbis hold study is preferable provided it leads to one’s following the commandments. In turn, following the commandments ideally leads to moral behavior.

With the support of The Jewish Federation, KOREH L.A. mirrors the understanding and orientation taken by our tradition regarding education. To openly identify as a Jewish organization whose sole purpose it is to educate children — specifically to read — is holy Jewish work. KOREH L.A. is the embodiment of education [learning] in order to share with others, in order to bring about improvement to our L.A. community — regardless of one’s faith.

We can all agree that being able to read and understand English is an essential tool enabling one to live a fuller, more productive life. What KOREH L.A. ultimately provides its many students with is the education to help them help themselves; an education allowing for greater professional marketability and independence.

Stated another way, KOREH L.A. is the personification of Moses Maimonides’ understanding of tzedakkah. To him, providing someone the necessary tools to become financially independent — and therefore no longer in need of financial assistance — is arguably the greatest gift one can give.

Yes, we Jews are the People of the Book. And yes, the many people at KOREH L.A. within its leadership and among its countless volunteers who sit weekly with children teaching them how to read are an accurate reflection of what that Book has to say. Let’s be fair however — before we can lay claim to being the People of the Book, we have to know what is inside that Book. But, let’s face it, even before that, all of us — Jews and non-Jews alike — have to know how to read. Thankfully there are hundreds of volunteers around the Los Angeles metropolitan area assisting in that spiritually worthwhile task.