Chapters in the Educational Philosophy of the Author of "Ha-Sullam" R. Yehuda Leib Ashlag / פרקים במשנתו החינוכית של ר' יהודה ליב הלוי אשלג בעל ה"סולם"

• Published in: הגות: מחקרים בהגות החינוך היהודי 2014-01, Vol.י, p.195-229
• Main Authors: רוזנבאום, דני, Rosenbaum, Dani
• Format: Article
• Language: Hebrew
• ISSN: 1565-0243

The original Kabbalistic-Hassidic philosophy of Rabbi Yehuda Leib HaLevi Ashlag (1885—1954), (hereafter Maharil), which is based on Isaac Luria's kabbalah, is establishing its status as one of the leading kabbalistic doctrines in the twentieth century. This article examines his educational ideology and its reflections on various aspects of educational thought and practice. Maharil did not formulate a coherent and organized educational ideology per-se. Therefore, the aim of this study is to extract from his highly developed mystical philosophy elements and principles which are relevant to education both on an ideological and a practical level. The first part of this paper is devoted to human essence and its perfection in light of the kabbalistic teachings of Maharil, and the second part discusses the educational elements emerging from his kabbalistic teachings. Generally speaking, the educational process is meant to lead man towards personal perfection and adherence to God through the reformation of "the will to receive". The article discusses educational principles such as curriculum, motivation, the student-teacher relationship, the uniqueness of the individual and his inner world and his place in society, coping with difficulties and failures, and more.