EDUCATION: Bet Midrash
- Ancient Civilizations
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BET (HA)-MIDRASH (pl. battei (ha)-midrash)
Heb. בֵּית (הַ)מִדְרָשׁ, pl. בָּתֵּי (הַ)מִדְרָשׁ; means "house of study" Here, the ancient Jewish idea suggests a learning / study "center" where people "come" to listen and discuss as well as express their ideas, opinions, and "reasons" about spiritual matters. In modern times, we speak of discussing TORAH or having a "conversation" about it together. Today, the idea of what is TORAH has changed to encompass the learning / study process itself. TORAH, perhaps then might be thought of as a VERB that may take place when one is alone , with a partner or teacher, or in a small group. So we have a conversation of TORAH at a Bet Midrash, the physical or virtual meeting space, usually a quiet and safe place in the home (bet) or in a more public space (library or meeting room or a community center) or at private / public institution (school, university, institute, non-profit) or in a synagogue. To me BET MIDRASH is NOT ABOUT THE WHERE, more important is WHEN.
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