A Korean Talmud?

For years there have been stories about the Talmud being a national classic in South Korea. Now, this story in Arutz 7 makes it official. South Korean Ambassador to Israel, Ma Young-Sam, told the “Culture Today” TV show that Talmud study is now a mandatory part of the country’s school curriculum. It is said, almost every home in South Korea boasts a Korean version of the Talmud, and mothers commonly teach it to their children, who call it the "Light of Knowledge".

A question must be asked--Why? The Ambassador explained:

"We were very curious about the high academic achievements of the Jews. Jews have a high percentage of Nobel laureates in all fields--literature, science and economics. This is a remarkable achievement. We tried to understand: What is the secret of the Jewish people? How are they, more than other people, able to reach those impressive accomplishments? Why are Jews so intelligent? The conclusion we arrived at is that one of your secrets is that you study the Talmud. We believe that if we teach our children Talmud, they will also become geniuses. This is what stands behind the rationale of introducing Talmud study to our school curriculum."

I certainly hope that all Jewish parents hear of this and take note! You don't have to be a religious Jew to study Talmud--and you just may increase your "little grey matter". Kudos to South Korea!