Chapter 165 – Training of Children

165.1) A father has the duty of training his children of the practice of all the precepts.

165.2) The timing of training depends on the ability of the child.

165.3) No one may give a child forbidden food or encourage a child to do a forbidden act.

165.4) Precepts that are not forbidden in themselves, but forbidden because of the sanctity of the day, are not included in a child’s training.

165.5) Do not tell a child to carry anything on the Sabbath.

165.6) A minor should be forced to return any stolen items intact.

165.7) Do not threaten a child with future punishment.

165.8) A Jewish child may be given to a non-Jewess to be nursed.

165.9) Every father is bound to teach the Torah to his son.

165.10) Every father should teach his child certain verses when the child is able to talk. See the source for those verses.

165.11) A teacher is bound to teach a child the Torah all day and night.

165.12) Do not be careless with the teaching of children.

165.13) A teacher should not punish pupils with malice and cruelty.

165.14) On the Sabbath, a teacher should not teach children a new lesson as it is burdensome to do so on the Sabbath.

165.15) Do not rob a minor of anything.

165.16) Do not give a Jewish child to a non-Jew to be taught reading and writing.