Działalność reformatorska Komitetu Starozakonnych (1825 – 1837)
Reformatory activity of the Orthodox Committee (1825–1837)

Summary/Abstract: Decrees of 22 May 1825 and 3 June 1825, Tsar Alexander I appointed a committee of Jews in the Polish Kingdom also called Orthodox Committee. The purpose of the establishing this institution was drafting of reform of the Jewish population. Orthodox Committee consisted solely of Christians. Jews were Orthodox Committee advisors. Thanks to the efforts of the Committee the Rabbinical School was opened in 1826. Science in the Rabbinical School lasted six years. Only those who have graduated this school would have the right to stay a rabbi. Creating Rabbinical School, the Committee described the principles and the curriculum, which included, inter alia lectures of the Bible, Myszny and Talmud. It was also taught Hebrew, Polish, world history, Polish history, geography, mathematics and science. The postulate of the Committee connected with the reform of the Jewish population was the establishment of elementary schools for Jewish children and youth. The aim of this action was to reduce the impact of the Talmud to the young generation of Jews. Science in the elementary boys’ school would last three years, in girls’ school – two years. Teaching language was to be Polish. At the same time it was claimed that any Jew without graduating this elementary school and without receiving school certificate would not be able to marry. Committee’s activities led to organizing a four year course of ancient Hebrew on May 1, 1828, at the Warsaw University. Hebrew and rabbinical literature were taught on the course. This course was intended for the Catholic youth, which in the future were supposed to take posts of officials to supervise the Jewish population. Orthodox Committee ceased its activity in 1837 due to lack of funds for its maintenance.

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