Mt. Sinai
In what month did the Israelites arrive at Mount Sinai?
The third month after leaving Egypt (Sivan)
Who expanded and renovated the Second Temple?
King Herod
Which famous pair of Jewish sages often disagreed with each other?
Hillel and Shammai
What is the Mishnah?
The first written collection of the Oral Torah
How many days do we count during the Omer?
49 days
Before God appeared at Mount Sinai, how did the Israelites prepare themselves?
They washed their clothes and sanctified themselves
In what city was the Second Temple located?
Jerusalem
The word "Zugot" means what?
Pairs
Who compiled the Mishnah?
Rabbi Judah HaNasi
What holiday begins the counting of the Omer?
Passover
What activity were the Israelites forbidden from doing while preparing for God's arrival?
They were not allowed to approach the mountain
When was the Second Temple destroyed?
70 CE
What were the positions of Hillel and Shamai at the Sanhedrin.
Hillel - Nasi
Shamai- Av Beit Dean
What is the Talmud?
Discussions and explanations about the Mishnah
What holiday comes at the end of the Omer?
Shavuot
How did God reveal His presence at Mount Sinai?
Through thunder, lightning, smoke, fire, clouds, and the sound of the shofar
What 3 important Jewish holiday brought thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem?
Passover, Shavuot, Sukkot
What were the two leadership positions held by the Zugot?
Nasi and Av Beit Din
What does the word "Mishnah" mean?
Repetition / learning through review
What does "Omer" mean?
Sheaf
Who was allowed to go up Mount Sinai to receive the Torah?
Moses
What was the name of the highest Jewish court during the Second Temple period, where sages such as Hillel and Shammai served?
The Sanhedrin
The Nasi served as the head of the Sanhedrin. What was the role of the Av Beit Din?
The head of the court / chief judge who oversaw legal matters.
If two rabbis disagreed about how to understand a Mishnah, in which Jewish text would you most likely find their debate?
The Talmud.
Why is Lag BaOmer traditionally considered a day of celebration during the Omer period?
The plague affecting Rabbi Akiva's students stopped.