In synagogue as in secular school, we teach children what children are able to learn. Although some stop their Jewish learning with Bar or Bat Mitzvah, they do not stop their growing—so that when, as adults, they ask adult-sized question, their Jewish learning can’t keep up. Many Jewish adults conclude that Judaism has nothing to offer them. When Jewish education ends at thirteen, Judaism is permanently adolescent.
“When [the Hebrew king] is seated on his royal throne, he shall have a copy of this Teaching written for him on a scroll by the Levitical priests. Let it remain with him and let him read it all his life …" (Deuteronomy 17:18-19).
The Torah is a magnificent compendium, layering law and story in subtle and delicious ways. It has something to offer us all the days of our lives. When we feel our questions have outgrown its answers, it’s time to look again.
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