TIKUS, GEDALYAH. Torath Katan [ contains two parts - Eileh ha-Mitzvoth on the 613 precepts and Chen ha-Lashon on Hebrew grammar]

(CHILDREN)

G. J. Janson

Amsterdam

1765

Vinograd, Amsterdam 1883

The author was a pedagogue who followed the advice of the Mahra”l of Prague and the Shela”h ha-Kadosh that children should first be taught the 613 commandments before embarking upon the more challenging study of Talmud. He based this work on R. Moses Chagiz’s book of a similar title, but here geared especially to children. This novel pedagogic methods is described in detail in the Judeo-German afterword, so that parents will appreciate how best to educate their children. The author states his hope that in the merit of his vocation, he will be able, together with his wife, to settle in the Holy Land, in order to “gain spiritual perfection.” Not noted by A. Yaari in his bibliographical essay, El ha- Aretz: Books Published in Anticipation of Aliyah to Eretz Yisrael, in: Mechkarei Sepher, pp.13 -36