WHO IS THE AMATEUR SCHOLAR?

It is only possible to discuss the amateur scholar by first listing the attributes of the traditional scholar. Such scholars are defined as people who:

• Have completed a standard course of academic study
• Have been examined and found fit by scholarly peers
• Have made original contributions to the field
• Have created a body of published work by which they continue to be judged
• Are committed to working full-time on scholarship
• Earn their living by research, publication and, perhaps, teaching and lecturing

These attributes earn traditional scholars a basic platform, or lectern, if you will, from which to publish their ideas. When they speak, their voices are heard, if only by other scholars within their chosen field. Because of their accomplishments and status, they can expect a base level of respect from their peers. They are also usually affiliated with an institution of higher learning and thus have access to many resources not available to the general public.

Amateur scholars approach research and writing for the love of it and as a way of learning. In contrast to traditional scholars, they:

• Do not necessarily have as complete a formal academic background
• Can only devote part of their time to research
• Do not earn their living by research and publication in the field in question
• Can be isolated from peers, resources and structured educational opportunities

Through self-directed continuing education and study, they focus, first and foremost, on their own individual pleasure and growth. Even when they have valuable thoughts to share they often do not attempt publication because they suffer from fears based on their perceived lack of competence. They say to themselves:

• Who am I to be having these insights and opinions?
• Am I reinventing the wheel?
• Am I overlooking basic arguments that any "real" scholar would have known?
• Why should anyone listen to me when I have no bona fides?

Even if they find the courage to publish, traditional avenues are rarely open to them.

Why Support The Amateur Torah Scholar?

• We believe that everyone has a unique contribution to make to the study of Torah
• We believe in a hands-on approach to learning, even if it means that the wheel is continually being reinvented
• We have a commitment to Reform as a continuing process

What Does Bluethread Offer The Amateur Torah Scholar?

We hope that Bluethread will demonstrate that amateur scholarship can be a legitimate road to better understanding the Torah through:

 
• Publishing examples of the work of amateur scholars
• Offering a forum to discuss issues and opinions

In addition, Bluethread supports the work of amateur scholars by helping them gather, evaluate and access basic Torah research and learning resources.

Examples of Amateur Scholars Who Publish on the Web

MERU Foundation The Meru Project is based on 25 years of research by Stan Tenen into the origin and nature of the Hebrew alphabet, and the mathematical structure underlying the sequence of letters of the Hebrew text of Genesis.

Steven Weintraub's Jewish Information Web Page
http://www.pswtech.com/~stevenw/jewish/

A wonderful beginning, straight from the heart. Includes:

• Kashrut Class Lecture Guide
• Sukkah building instructions
• Taharot Procedure Description
• Email ready descriptions of holidays for Non-Jewish audiences
• Jewish Calendar Generation
• Tor-ch Davar Torah page

REFERENCES

Scott, Janny, For Thinkers Who Want to Be Free, Independence Is Worth the Cost, New York Times, May 8, 1999

5/8/99

© Rosemarie E. Falanga, Cy H. Silver