Technische Erziehung in Israel

Our present-day world is overrun by a storm of almost unlimited techni- ques. Though unable to apprehend the ultimate intentions of the man behind the switches of the carrier-channels of unimaginable forces which may bring annihilation to all mankind, every human being is responsible for our common future. By mouth of the prophet Jesayah Israel received her eternal challenge, namely, to change weapons into plows, so that peace world reign among all people. The way towards the realization of this goal in the modern world is by way of technical education. Technical education implies an organic fusion of learning and work. In Hebrew, however, the meaning of learning is not limited to the accumulation of knowledge, but rather calls for a steady endeavour in order to understand the creator's intention of mankind's destination in this world. Similarly, the meaning of "work" may be compared to the meaning of "service," namely, not only the fulfilment of our daily duties, but also the holy service in the synagogue. The organization of technical education in Israel is therefore based on the junction of these principles, and its application is to be found in the life of our youth in schools of every type. The young Israeli intending to become a worker may start with profession- al education after graduation from a primary school at the age of fourteen.