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Abstract
Perspectives on ‘the crises in education’ might be sought from previous responses to critical social crises. This article does so in an examination of the teacher's authority in matters of curriculum, moral education and ethical rigour. Specifically, destruction of the second Temple (AD 70) produced a crisis of authority in Jewish society as the role of the high priests and the ritual sacrifices were eliminated. The ruling hierarchy was destroyed and the social fabric torn beyond repair. The entire legal, moral and spiritual structure was upset and every aspect of practice needed to be redefined. The rabbis' response was a pedagogical one that redefined the idea of authority, and involved posing of questions and refusal of absolute answers. Authority was vested in the relationship between teacher and student. It is to this process we might look to reframe our educational debates.