NCJ Number
107610
Journal
Small Group Behavior Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: (February 1987) Pages: 82-98
Date Published
1987
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study assesses the effect on delinquent behavior of a small group study of the Torah for boys in a Jerusalem slum.
Abstract
The study, which was conducted over 18 months (spring 1982-fall 1983), involved participant and nonparticipant observation and indepth interviews with the rabbi, the boys, their families, neighbors, and some of the older delinquents. Each group, numbering about 15 boys, was held each afternoon except Friday and Saturday. The group was characterized by strong respect for the rabbi, rewards for attendance and good performance, behavioral mandates based on the Torah, and warmth and caring among group members. For the boys who formerly associated with older delinquents, the group provided a new norm and reference for their behaviors and the meeting of their needs for companionship, acceptance, and a significant identity. The Torah provided behavioral guidelines in the midst of predatory slum behaviors, imbued with the aura of divine commands. Although the characteristics of this particular group may not be replicated in other settings and with other personalities, the finding suggest that delinquent behaviors may be countered through normative social units meaningful to juveniles. 18 notes and 22 references.