Melamed

A melamed (Hebrew: מלמד, plural: melamdim) is a Hebrew word for a teacher, specifically a teacher of young children in Jewish religious education. The term generally refers to someone who teaches basic Hebrew reading, writing, and introductory Jewish texts, such as the Pentateuch (Torah) with commentaries, and prayers. Historically, the melamed played a crucial role in Jewish communities by providing religious education to boys from a young age, often in a cheder (traditional Jewish elementary school). The melamed's responsibilities typically included instructing students in the aleph-bet (Hebrew alphabet), basic vocabulary, and simple religious practices. The position of melamed was often held by individuals with limited formal education themselves, but with a strong commitment to transmitting Jewish tradition. In modern times, while the term can still be used, the role of a melamed has often been absorbed by more qualified, professionally trained teachers within formal Jewish day schools and educational programs. The economic status of a melamed in previous generations was generally low, often supported through small fees from the families of their students or through communal funds.