BEMIDBAR – Chapters 1:1 – 4:20
1. Why was a census of the tribes taken at this time?
2. How can this census by poll (1:18, 20, 22) be reconciled with Exodus 30:12 and other Biblical passages which proscribe a count by head?
3. Explain the choice of the four lead-tribes in the march: Reuben,
Judah, Dan and Ephraim. What is the logic of the formation of all
the tribes that the Torah prescribes?
4. This PARSHA seems to contain nothing of an inspirational or
eternal character. How would you explain its significance?
5. Find the following in the HAFTARAH from Hosea for this PARSHA:
a) a connection with the Torah reading;
b) the name of a modern Israeli city;
c) an expression to please advocates of women’s equality;
d) a prayer used today.
NASO – Chapters 4:21 – 7:89
1. After fulfilling his vow, the NAZIR (one who committed himself
to abstain from wine and cut his hair) was to bring a sacrifice.
Which one?
2. Why do you think the Torah requires a NAZIR to bring a sacrifice?
3. What blessing (that is said in our daily prayers) is mentioned
in this week’s PARSHA?
4. What was the SOTAH and what ceremony was held?
5. What logical reason is there for placing the the Priestly Blessing
at the end of Chapter 6?
BEHA’ALOTCHA – Chapters 8:1 – 12:16
1. Moses did NOT suffer from jealousy. Show this from the PARSHA.
2. People often don’t appreciate what they have. Illustrate this
from the PARSHA.
3. One should not overdo praise of a person in his presence. Illustrate this rabbinic concept from the PARSHA.
4. Which of the 12 Tribes was separate from the rest of the tribes?
5. Which holiday is mentioned in this week’s PARSHA?
6. How did the Tribes know when to break up camp and when to
march forward?
SHELACH – Chapters 13:1 – 15:41
1. What were the facts and what were the opinions in the report of the spies?
2. What was the counsel of Joshua and Caleb and the reaction of the people?
3. What is the significance of the TZITZIT (fringes)
4. Connect this paragraph (37-41) with an earlier episode in the PARSHA.
5. God tells Moses of His intention of annihilating the people. What
was Moses’ reply?
6. A man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath. What was his punishment?
KORACH – Chapters 16:1 – 18:32
1. We are usually able to detect a logical connection between a PARSHA and those adjoining it. How is Chapter 16 in this week’s PARSHA connected with the two prior weekly readings (SHELACH LECHA and BEHA’ALOTCHA)?
2. Who was Korach, what did he do, and how were he and his group
punished ?
3. To which groups did Korach appeal to?
4. What did the KOHANIM (priests) get from the rest of the people?
Name at least 3 items.
5. What did the Levites get from the rest of the people? Why?
CHUKAT – Chapters 19:1 – 22:1
1. What was the sin of Moses at the rock? List several possibilities.
2. Compare what Moses said in Numbers 11:11 ff to Numbers 20:10. Which *sin* was worse? Why?
3. How, despite committing this sin at the rock, does it point to the
greatness of Moses?
4. In what ways was the Israelites’ battle with Og (21:33) different
than its battle with Sichon? Why?
5. What was the red heifer (PARAH ADUMAH)?
BALAK – Chapters 22:2 – 25:9
1. Balaam was hired by Baalak to curse Israel yet God turns his
curses into blessings. What was Balaam: a prophet (according to
his own words) or a sorcerer (as written in the Book of Joshua
13:22)? How do you think Balaam differs from other prophets?
What phrase does he use?
2. What verse mentioned in this week’s PARSHA is said upon
entering a synagogue?
3. What do you think the connection is between Balaam and
what happened with the Moabite women ?
4, Why didn’t Balak ask Balaam to simply bless Moab?
5. What did Pinchas do? What happened as a result?
PINCHAS – Chapters 25:10 – 30:1
1. Why is a census taken again at this point and how does it differ
from the method of counting the people at the beginning of BAMIDBAR?
2. Labor is prohibited on the first and last days of each of the festivals mentioned in Chapters 28 and 29. What distinction is made
with regard to working on Yom Kippur?
3. The sacrificial offerings for all festivals are listed in Chapters
28 and 29. Which two holidays are not recalled by their names? Which festival has two of its names mentioned?
4. What parallel is there between the story of the spies and the
incident described in Chapter 25?
5. What was the complaint of the daughters of Zelophchad ? How was
it solved?
6. When Aaron died, for how long a period did the Israelites mourn? Can you guess why?
MATOT-MASSAY – Chapters 30:2 -36:13
1. The PARSHA begins with the laws of vows. Once again, we see the logical connection of material in this chapter with what procedes it. How does Chapter 30 relate to the contents of Parshat Pinchas?
2. Special mention is made in 31:8 to the slaying of Balaam. In verse 16, we are informed for the first time that it was because of his counsel to Israel’s enemies that the sinful actions at Baal Peor took place (Ch. 25). Why does the Torah reveal this fact here and not at the time of the incident?
3. If you study the proposals of the Tribes of Reubem and Gad to settle in Transjordan (32:16-19) and contrast them with Moses’ responses (32:20-24) you will find some subtle but significant differences. How does Moses transform the requests of the two tribes and elicit from them a more desireable attitude (32:25-27)?
4. In Chapter 33, we come across 40 verses listing names of Israelite
campsites. Beside its value to historians and archaeologists, what
religious lessons does this list convey?
5. Where do we find that Mount Hor is in the Negev while another
passage places a mountain of the same name in the Galilee?
6. In 33:16-18, the PARSHA mentions implements of iron, stone and wood that might inflict a mortal wound. What distinction is drawn between one of these and the other two and what significance do you attach to the difference?
7. What was the purpose of a *city of refuge*? Who could go there?
8. How many witnesses are required in order to convict someone of a crime?