Prof. Nechama Leibowitz z"l once asked a group of senior Jewish educators in her living room/ study space in her home (of course, in Hebrew!): "What is the goal of teaching Tanach?"
As she called on one principal/ head of Jewish studies after another, she rejected each of their proposals:
"To learn the mitzvot," "LO!"
"To learn Jewish history," "LO!"
"To learn ethical behavior," "LO!"
"To learn about our forefathers," "LO!"
Exasperated, she finally said: "The goal of teaching Tanach is that the child will not hate the Tanach."
In other words, "First, do no harm!"
Sincerely,
David I. Bernstein, Ph.D.
Dean and Interim President, Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies
