Structure of TaNaKh & Torah
What are the three sections of the Tanakh in Hebrew?
Torah, Nevi'im, & Ketuvim
Name the Book, Chapter, and Verses of this TaNaKh citation: Genesis 17:1-9
Chapter: 17
Verses: 1-9
Define a Kushiya.
a thoughtful question rooted in the text that the text does not answer clearly
What is the difference between monotheism and polytheism?
Monotheism = belief in one G-d
Polytheism = belief in multiple gods
What are the three sections of the TaNaKh in English?
Torah/Five Books of Moses, Prophets, & Writings
In parashat Lekh Lekha, which land does G-d promise Abraham? Specifically, what is the name of the land at that time?
Canaan
What is the point of a kushiya?
To help us understand the Tanakh more deeply.
What is the difference between descendants and ancestors?
Descendants = offspring (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and so forth); future generations
Ancestors = one’s family members who lived a generation or multiple generations ago (parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, and so forth); past generations
Name the five books of Moses (the five books of the Torah) in order, in English.
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
Forever, "everlasting"
Name two types of Kushiyot. (I can think of at least 4!)
1. Something difficult or confusing
2. Missing info
3. Strange/Unexpected Wording
4. Unanswered questions
Translate the following three terms into English:
1) Brit
2) Mitzvah
3) Am
Brit = covenant (promise/agreement/deal)
Mitzvah = commandment
Am = Nation
Name the five books of Moses (the five books of the Torah) in Hebrew, in order.
Bereishit, Shemot, Vayikra, Bamidbar, Devarim.
How old was Abraham when G-d told him to go to a new land (Genesis 12:1-5) AND how old was he when G-d established the covenant with him (Genesis 17:1-9)?
75 & 99
Come up with a Kushiya regarding "strange wording" in the following verse:
Genesis 17:1
"When Abram was ninety-nine years old, G-d appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am El Shaddai. Walk in My ways and be blameless."
Examples of asnwers:
- Why does G-d use the words "walk in my ways"? G-d isn't a person, how can you walk in G-d's ways?
- Why does G-d name himself El Shaddai? Seems like "strange wording". Why not just refer to Themselves as G-d again?
Define the following terms:
Idols:
Canaan:
Idols: object or image worshipped as a god, such as a statue
Canaan = the land which G-d promised to Abraham
Name the first eight parashot (Torah portions) in the book of Genesis.
Word Bank: Noah, Vayera, Vayetzei, Lekh Lekha, Toldot, Beresheet, Vayishlah, Hayei Sarah
1. Beresheit 5. Hayei Sarah
2. Noah 6. Toldot
3. Lekh Lekha 7. Vayetzei
4. Vayera 8. Vayishlah
Name 4 things that G-d promised Abraham in their covenant.
1. Make Abraham a great nation
2. Give Abraham numerous descendants as countless as the stars.
3. Make Abraham a great name
4. The land of Israel (“The Promised Land”), from the river of Egypt to the Euphrates.
5. Make Abraham's name a blessing (not in the covenant, but G-d told this to Abraham earlier in parashat Lekh Lekha)
Write a Kushiya about something difficult or confusing in the following verse.
Genesis 17:5
"You shall no longer be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I make you the father of a multitude of nations."
Explain why you are asking your Kushiya.
Examples:
- Why does adding a "ה", or an "h", to Abraham's name mean that he will be "the father of a multitude of nations"?
- Why can't G-d just tell Abram that he will be the father of a multitude of nations without changing his name?
Explain TWO examples of how Jews keep the Brit between God and the Jewish people today (the same Brit between G-d & Abraham). Think about physical and spiritual aspects. Explain how each example connects to the Brit. One example is Brit Milah (the covenant of circumcision; you cannot use this answer!)
Following G-d’s teachings: Jews keep the Brit by trying to live honestly and treat others fairly. (Genesis 17:1)
Teaching the next generation about G-d and the covenant: Jews keep the Brit by teaching their children about their relationship with G-d. (Genesis 17:7-9)
Praying: Jews can strengthen their relationship with G-d through prayer. (Genesis 17:7)
Maintaining a connection to the land of Israel: Jews can visit Israel, learn about it, or live there. (Genesis 17:8)