Bidspirit auction | Divrei Sholom V'Emes.Controversial work on

Divrei Sholom V'Emes.Controversial work on Jewish education. First Volume. First Edition. Berlin 1782. - Rare controversial work on the education of the youth in accordance with the Act of Tolerance proclaimed by Emperor Joseph II of Austria, by R. Naftoli Hertz Wiesel. Includes the Rav Tov L’Bais Yisroel (polemic with the Rabbonim of Trieste). The Act of Tolerance (1782) of Emperor Joseph II of Hapsburg Monarchy required Jews to establish Trade-schools with German as the language of instruction. R. Wiesel maintained that this innovation would greatly benefit the Jews. In Divrei Shalom V’Emes, he argues that Jewish education should include studies in “human knowledge” incorporating the totality of secular culture, especially the moral, mathematical and physical sciences. He argued that general education necessarily precedes religious instruction as it is impossible to understand Divine teachings without secular knowledge. This book was met with great opposition by many of the Torah Leaders of that time. They regarded the Act of Tolerance with skepticism, fearing its implementation would promote assimilation. They also considered it outrageous that at such a critical juncture, a fellow Jew would not only urge the unqualified application of the Act but additionally assail the prevalent system of Jewish religious education. Among the Rabbonim who opposed R. Wiesel were the Vilna Gaon, the Noda B’Yehuda and many others. Vinograd Berlin 309. Chinuch Ne’arim press. 18, 42 pages (part one only). 13 cm. Very fine condition. Some pages detached. Antique worn binding. Opening bid $200