B’RESHIT – Chapters 1:1 – 6:8
- Which day is blessed by God? What does that day commemorate?
- Which day is blessed by God? What does that day commemorate?
- What phrases are reiterated in Chapter 1? What teachings may be derived from these refrains?
- Why do you think Eve wanted to also involve Adam in her sin?
- In what way was the creation of man brought about in a different manner than all the other creations of God?
- Why was Cain jealous? What was his punishment?
- Why was eating from the Tree of Knowledge prohibited to Adam?
- Which man founded a city?
- Who were the NEPHILIM?
NOACH – Chapters 6:9 – 11:32
- What made some Bible commentators suspicious of Noah’s righteousness?
- What 3 incidents in the PARSHA show that mankind continued to sin even after the flood?
- What verse(s) in the PARSHA illustrate the Torah’s warning about not following a majority to do evil?
- What are the 7 commandments given to all mankind (Chapter 9)?
- What reasons does the Torah suggest for the flood? What reasons does God mention to Noah?
- Which birds are mentioned in the PARSHA? In what context?
- Who were the 3 sons of Noah?
- Which sons did he bless and which did he curse? Why?
LECH LECHA – Chapters 12:1 – 17:27
- What negative character traits are displayed by Lot?
- Why do you think Abraham needed a special assurance from G-d after his great military victory and return of the captives?
- What positive character traits did Abraham display ?
- Abraham is given the commandment of circumcision. How does the Torah emphasize the importance of this Mitzva?
- What was the reason that Abraham went down to Egypt?
- Who greeted Abraham with bread and wine and blessed him?
VAYERA – Chapters 18:1 – 22:24
- What is the difference between what G-d says to Abraham about Sara and what Sara said to herself concerning the birth of a child to the couple?
- What hints do we have that Isaac was aware of Abraham’s intentions as they journeyed to Mount Moriah?
- The commentator Rashi calls attention to a number of Jewish values in the opening verses of the PARSHA. Can you detect at least 3?
- Who were the progenitors of Moab and Ammon?Who surrounded Lot’s house and demanded that his guests be sent out to them?
- Who surrounded Lot’s house and demanded that his guests be sent out to them?How did Abraham intercede for the inhabitants of Sodom?
- How did Abraham intercede for the inhabitants of Sodom?
VAYETZE – Chapters 28:10 – 32:3
- Compare the dreams of Jacob (28:12-22 and 31:10-13) and indicate what happened to him during the years he stayed with Laban?
- There is a biblical principle: “measure for measure”. How was Jacob repaid for cheating his brother Esau?
- Can you suggest what happened to Jacob that he left home without means?
- A *well* was an important place in patriarchal times. Indicate 3 events where a well was instrumental for the choice of brides.
- What happened at Mahanayim?
- What covenant did Jacob make with Laban?
VAYISHLACH – Chapters 32:4 -36:43
- What is the significance of the change in name from Jacob to Israel in the episode where Jacob wrestles with some unknown adversary?
- What do you think was the reason that Jacob stayed in Shechem instead of journeying directly to meet his parents?
- Simon and Levi are severely chastised by their father for their treacherous act against the men of Shechem. How did they justify themselves?
- Rachel dies giving birth to a boy. Where did she die, what was the new name of the locality, and what was the name of the boy?
- Jacob came to visit his father Isaac. Where was Isaac living?
VAYESHEV – Chapters 37:1 – 40:23
- What error(s) of Jacob’s parents were repeated by Jacob?
- Why does Jewish tradition label Joseph a TZADIK (righteous man) despite some of his faults?
- What clues did Joseph have that the baker’s dream would not have a happy ending in contrast to the dream of the wine butler?
- What law in the Torah is referred to in 38:8?
- What essential differences are there between the way Potiphar’s wife relates the supposed attempt upon her by Joseph to her servants and to her husband?
- Why did Joseph’s brothers want to kill him?
MIKETZ – Chapters 41:1 – 44:17
- How was Joseph chosen to interpret Pharaoh’s dream?
- What was Pharaoh’s dream and how did Joseph interpret it?
- How was Joseph rewarded by Pharaoh?
- Why didn’t Joseph inform his father that he was alive all those years?
- Which brother was kept as a hostage to ensure that the brothers return to Egypt
VAYIGASH – Chapters 44:18 – 47:27
- On his way to Egypt, why did Jacob pray to the God of Isaac and not of Abraham? (clue: Genesis 26:2,3)
- Why did Joseph choose Simon as a hostage? Why not another brother?
- Suggest some motives for Joseph wanting his brothers to settle in Goshen
- How does the Torah emphasize that the settlement of the Israelites in Egypt was to be temporary?
- Why does Joseph present only 5 of his brothers to Pharaoh?
- What do these 5 brothers tell Pharaoh? How is what they say different from what Joseph requested them to say?
VAYECHI – Chapters 47:28 – 50:26
- Give several reasons why Reuben, the first born, didn’t receivethe rights and blessings of a first-born.
- Why did Jacob bestow a special blessing on Ephraim and Menasheh, his grandsons, and not on his other grandchildren?
- In what way does verse 49:4 indicate that Joseph lost some influence with Pharaoh?
- Why is Jacob’s body taken to Hebron soon after his death but Joseph’s body is not?
- Why does Jacob tell Joseph about the death and burial of Rachel (48:7) at this particular juncture?