Page:A Jewish Interpretation of the Book of Genesis (Morgenstern, 1919, jewishinterpreta00morg).pdf/12

iv the material of my manuscript to almost the minimum of what was absolutely essential and indispensable to the presentation to the children by the average, or even by the inexperienced teacher. All other material, instructive and valuable though it may be, was to be omitted as superfluous, and, not improbably, even disturbing for the low-caliber teacher.

My first manuscript was prepared in accordance with this plan. It had only a teacher audience in view, and dealt immediately with the problems of class-room instruction. It endeavored to present the maximum of material which, it seemed to me, the teacher might find helpful and stimulating. It was understood that the collaborator would reduce this maximum to the inevitable minimum. The manuscript sought likewise to offer helpful suggestions in regard to the Jewish religious school, its real nature and aims, at least as I conceived them, and the content and method of its instruction.

After careful consideration the Board of Directors concluded that the manuscript contained material which in accordance with the original plan, the collaborator would be compelled to omit from the teacher's text-book, but which might nevertheless prove valuable for the earnest and experienced teacher, who was eager to know more of the subject than the minimum to be imparted in the class-room. It was felt that the book might also be made useful for a larger, non-professional public, for adult Bible classes, sister-hood Bible study circles, and possibly even for advanced post-confirmation classes. It was, therefore, decided that, while the original plan of a teacher's text0book, to be prepared by a practical collaborator, and to contain the actual framework of lessons for class-room presentation, be carried out. I should also be asked to revise my original manuscript, and that it be published as a sourcebook on Genesis for the advanced student.