1. Early Training Steeped in Ancient Traditions (Fragment)

Preparatory Studies

The preparatory studies of the Hebrew language had to proceed with much speed. The first milestone was reached by Leon in record time, and he learned to read Hebrew fluently. Now he could advance to a higher grade, becoming a student of the Holy Torah (Pentateuch). Leon was considered a very bright student with brilliant intellect. He was thus spared some of the lashes of the teacher’s whip.

The study of the Bible did not begin with the first book, Genesis, but with the third book, Leviticus, the so‑called “Torath Kohanim.” This was done that he might first of all become familiar with the priestly service as it was practiced in the sanctuary.

The beginning of these studies was joyfully anticipated by the parents and grandparents, and no less by Leon himself. It was celebrated by a grand feast given in his honor. A shower of gifts from parents and friends was the reward of progress made. Praises and encouragement stimulated pride in the heart of the “hero” of the day, and increased his zeal for further contests with the boys of the intermediate school. The ambitions of the teachers in spurring Leon to make steady progress in his study were fulfilled.

Hence Leon was obliged to be in school every day from early morning until late in the evening. The meals were sent or brought to the school. Light and ventilation were very poor. For the evening hours the parents supplied the teachers with candles, which in those days were made of tallow. However, these were advantageous to the tired boys, as they invented various tricks for curtailing or shortening the length of time for burning. Sometimes a little sand was sprinkled around the wick, and the candle would begin to drip.

Memories of the early school, the cold and frosty days, long winter evenings with blizzards and icy streets were indelibly imprinted upon the mind of Leon.

His teachers were particularly strict in their demands of him to learn as much as possible by heart. They often said, “Nobody knows what might happen to us as a people, being surrounded as we are by enemies. They might again forbid the study of our holy books, as happened time and time again, so it will be necessary to learn them by heart that the Law may not fall into oblivion in Israel.