Torah Portion Q&A's

Torah Portion Q&A's
Bereishit Why does the Torah start with the account of Creation? 1:1 - So that when the nations accuse us of stealing Eretz Canaan from the Canaanites, we can respond that Hashem, as Creator, has the right to give the land to whomever He sees fit, and He gave Eretz Canaan to us. What happened to the light that was created on the first day? 1:4 - Hashem saw that the wicked would be unworthy of it so He hid it for the righteous. Why isn't the word "good" associated with the second day? 1:7 - Because the work with the water wasn't completed until the third day. Anything that is incomplete is not "good." How were the trees supposed to taste? 1:11 - The wood was to have the taste of the fruit. On which day were the sun and moon created? 1:14 - They were created on the first day and suspended in the firmament on the fourth day. Hashem blessed the birds to be fruitful and to multiply. Why did He not do so with the beasts? 1:22 - He did not want the serpent, who was to be cursed, to receive a blessing. In whose likeness was man fashioned? 1:26 - In the likeness of the angels. What kind of food did Adam eat? 1:30 - Vegetation. Why is "the sixth day" written with the definite article? 1:31 "The" in Hebrew is the letter hey, which has a numerical value of five. Hashem created the world on the condition that it will endure only if the Jewish People accept the Five Books of the Torah. At the end of the sixth day what was the world still lacking? 2:2 - Rest. Why was man made from dust gathered from the entire earth? 2:7 - So that wherever he might die, the earth would receive his body. How is man superior to the animals? 2:7 - He was given understanding and speech. Why was it not good that man be alone? 2:18 - If he were alone, he would appear to be a god; The creation of woman emphasized man's dependence. Where do we learn that one must not add to a commandment from Hashem? 3:3 - From Chava. Hashem commanded not to eat from the tree but she added not to touch it. Because she added to the command she eventually came to transgress it. What does it mean that Adam and Chava "knew that they were naked"? 3:7 - They had been given one commandment and they had stripped themselves of it. Why did Hevel choose to be a shepherd? 4:2 - Since the ground had been cursed he refrained from cultivating it.
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Genesis
4:2 - Since the ground had been cursed he refrained from cultivating it. What was the marital practice of the generation who lived before the flood? 4:19 - They married two wives, one with whom to have children. The other one was given a potion which prevented her from bearing children. What did Tuval-Cain invent? 4:22 - Murder weapons. Why did Chanoch die at a young age? 5:22 - Though he was righteous, he was easily influenced; therefore Hashem took him before his time to protect him from sinning. What was the sign that Shem was born with great propensity for righteousness? 5:32 - He was born already circumcised.
Noach Which particular sin sealed the fate of the flood generation? 6:13 - Robbery. Why did Hashem tell Noach to build an ark, as opposed to saving him via some other method? 6:14 - So that people would see Noach building the ark and ask him what he was doing. When Noach would answer, "Hashem is bringing a flood," it might encourage some people to repent. The ark had three levels. What function did each level serve? 6:16 - The top level housed the people, the middle level housed the animals, and the bottom level, the refuse. What indication do we have that Noach was familiar with the Torah? 7:2 - Hashem told him to take into the ark seven of each kosher-type animal, and two of each non-kosher type. "Kosher" and "non-kosher" are Torah concepts. Why did Hashem postpone bringing the flood for seven days? 7:4 - To allow seven days to mourn the death of Metushelach. Why did the first water of the flood come down as light rain? 7:12 - To give the generation a chance to repent. What did people say that threatened Noach, and what did Hashem do to protect him? 7:13,15 - People said, "If we see him going into the ark, we'll smash it!" Hashem surrounded it with bears and lions to kill any attackers. What grouping of creatures escaped the punishment of the flood? 7:22 - The fish. How deeply was the ark submerged in the water? 8:4 - Eleven amot. What did the olive branch symbolize? 8:11 - Nothing. It was a leaf, not a branch. (The olive leaf symbolized that its better to eat food "bitter like an olive" but which comes directly from Hashem, rather than sweet food provided by humans.) How long did the punishment of the flood last? 8:14 - A full solar year. A solar year is how many days longer than a lunar year? 8:14 - Eleven days. When did humans receive permission to eat meat? 9:3 - After the flood.
9:3 - After the flood. What prohibition was given along with the permission to eat meat? 9:4 - The prohibition of eating a limb cut from a living animal. Why does the command to "be fruitful and multiply" directly follow the prohibition of murder? 9:7 - To equate one who purposely abstains from having children to one who commits murder. Name two generations in which the rainbow never appeared. 9:12 - The generation of King Chizkiyahu and the generation of Shimon bar Yochai. Why did Noach curse Canaan specifically? Give two reasons. 9:22,24 - Because Canaan is the one who revealed Noachs disgrace to Cham. And because Cham stopped Noach from fathering a fourth son. Thus, Noach cursed Cham's fourth son, Canaan. Why does the Torah call Nimrod a mighty hunter? 10:9 - He used words to ensnare the minds of people, persuading them to rebel against Hashem. The sin of the generation of the dispersion was greater than the sin of the generation of the flood. Why was the punishment of the former less severe? 11:9 - They lived together peacefully. Why was Sarah also called Yiscah? 11:29 - The word "Yiscah" is related to the Hebrew word "to see." Sarah was called Yiscah because she could "see" the future via prophecy. Also, because of her beauty, everyone would gaze at her.
Lech Lecha What benefits did G-d promise Avraham if he would leave his home? 12:1 - He would become a great nation, his excellence would become known to the world, and he would be blessed with wealth. "And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you." What does this mean? 12:3 - A person will say to his child, "You should be like Avraham." Who were the souls that Avraham and Sarah "made?" 12:5 - People they converted to the worship of G-d. What were the Canaanites doing in the Land of Canaan when Avraham arrived? 12:6 - They were in the process of conquering the land from the descendants of Shem. Why did Avraham build an altar at Ai? 12:8 - He foresaw the Jewish People's defeat there in the days of Yehoshua due to Achans sin. He built an altar to pray for them. What two results did Avraham hope to achieve by saying that Sarah was his sister? 12:13 - That the Egyptians would not kill him, and would give him presents. Why did Avraham's shepherds rebuke Lot's shepherds? 13:7 Lot's shepherds grazed their flocks in privately owned fields. Who was Amrafel and why was he called that? 14:1 - Amrafel was Nimrod. He said (amar ) to Avraham to fall (fel ) into the fiery furnace. Verse 14:7 states that the four kings "smote all the country of the Amalekites". How is this possible, since Amalek had not yet been born? 14:7 - The Torah uses the name that the place would bear in the future.
14:7 - The Torah uses the name that the place would bear in the future. Why did the "palit " tell Avraham of Lot's capture? 14:13- He wanted Avraham to die trying to save Lot so that he himself could marry Sarah. Who accompanied Avraham in battle against the four kings? 14:14 - His servant, Eliezer. Why couldn't Avraham chase the four kings past Dan? 4:14 - He saw prophetically that his descendants would make a golden calf there, and as a result his strength failed. Why did Avraham give "ma'aser " specifically to Malki-Tzedek? 14:20 - Because Malki-Tzedek was a kohen. Why didn't Avraham accept any money from Sodom's king? 14:23 - G-d had promised Avraham wealth, and Avraham didn't want Sodom's King to say, "I made Avraham wealthy." When did the decree of 400 years of exile begin? 15:13 - With the birth of Yitzchak. What did G-d indicate with His promise that Avraham would "come to his ancestors in peace"? 15:15 - That his father, Terach, would repent and become righteous. How did G-d fulfill His promise that Avraham would be buried in "a good old age"? 15:15 - Avraham lived to see his son Yishmael repent and become righteous, and he died before his grandson Esav became wicked. Why did the Jewish People need to wait until the fourth generation until they returned to Eretz Canaan? 15:16 - They needed to wait until the Amorites had sinned sufficiently to deserve expulsion. Who was Hagar's father? 16:1 - Pharaoh. Why did Avraham fall on his face when G-d appeared to him? 17:3 - Because he was as yet uncircumcised.
Vayeira Why did G-d appear to Avraham after the brit mila? 18:1 - Avraham was sick, so G-d came to "visit" him. Why was Avraham sitting at the entrance to his tent? 18:1 - He was looking for guests. What were the missions of the three angels? 18:2 - To announce Yitzchak's birth, to heal Avraham and to destroy Sodom. Why did Avraham enjoin the guests to wash the dust off their feet? 18:4 - He thought they were among those who worship the dust, and he didnt want any object of idolatry in his home. Why did Avraham ask specifically Yishmael, and not someone else, to prepare food for the guests? 18:7 - To train him in the performance of mitzvot. Why did the angels ask Avraham where Sarah was? 18:9 - To call attention to Sarahs modesty, so as to endear her to her husband. When G-d related Sarahs thoughts to Avraham, He did not relate them precisely. Why?
When G-d related Sarahs thoughts to Avraham, He did not relate them precisely. Why? 18:13 - For the sake of peace. What "cry" from Sodom came before G-d? 18:21 - The cry of a girl who was executed for giving food to the poor. How many angels went to Sodom? 19:1 - Two; one to destroy the city and one to save Lot. Why was Lot sitting at the gate of Sodom? 19:1 - He was a judge. Lot served the angels matza. Why? 19:3 - It was Passover. Why did Lot delay when he left Sodom? 19:16 - He wanted to save his property. Why were Lot and his family not permitted to look back at Sodom? 19:17 - As they, too, deserved to be punished, it wasnt fitting for them to witness the destruction of Sodom. Lots wife looked back and became a pillar of salt. Why was she punished in this particular way? 19:26 - She was stingy, not wanting to give the guests salt. In what merit did G-d save Lot? 19:29 - Lot had protected Avraham by concealing from the Egyptians the fact that Sarah was his wife. Why did Avraham relocate after the destruction of Sodom? 20:1 - Because travel in the region ceased and Avraham could no longer find guests. Why did Avimelech give gifts to Avraham? 20:14 - So that Avraham would pray for him. Why was Avraham told to listen to Sarah? 21:12 - Because she was greater in prophecy. Why did G-d listen to the prayer of Yishmael and not to that of Hagar? 21:17 - Because the prayer of a sick person is more readily accepted than the prayer of others on his behalf. Who accompanied Avraham and Yitzchak to the akeidah (binding)? 22:3 - Yishmael and Eliezer.
Chayei Sarah Name the four couples buried in Kiryat Arba. 23:2 - Adam and Chava, Avraham and Sara, Yitzchak and Rivka, Yaakov and Leah. What did Sara hear that caused her death? 23:2 - That Yitzchak was almost slaughtered. What title of honor did the Bnei Chet bestow upon Avraham? 23:6 - Prince of G-d. Where was Avraham born? 24:7 - Ur Kasdim. How were Avraham's camels distinguished? 24:10 - They were muzzled, so they wouldn't graze in the fields of others. What is meant by "all the good of his master in his hand"?
What is meant by "all the good of his master in his hand"? 24:10 - Eliezer carried a document in which Avraham gave all he owned to Yitzchak so that people would want their daughter to marry him. What special character trait did Eliezer seek when choosing a wife for Yitzchak? 24:14 - He sought someone who excelled in performing acts of kindness. Why did Avraham's servant, Eliezer, run toward Rivka? 24:17 - He saw that the waters of the well rose when she approached. Why did Lavan run to greet Eliezer? 24:29 - Lavan coveted his money. When Lavan told Eliezer that the house was cleared out, what did he remove? 24:31 - Idols. Who did Eliezer want Yitzchak to marry? 24:39 - His own daughter. Aside from Eliezer, to which other people did Rivka offer to give water? 24:44 - To the men who accompanied Eliezer. Lavan answered Eliezer before his father, Betuel, had a chance. What does this indicate about Lavan's character? 24:50 - That he was wicked. What did Rivka mean when she said "I will go?" 24:58 - I will go even if you don't want me to go. What blessing did Rivka's family give her before she departed? 24:60 - That the blessings given to Avraham would continue through her children. Who was Ketura? 25:1 - Hagar. What gift did Avraham give to Yitzchak? 25:5 - The power of blessing. How old was Avraham when he died? 25:7 - 175 years old. For how many years did Yaakov attend the Yeshiva of Ever? 25:17 - 14 years. How many times is Eliezer's name mentioned in this week's Parsha? None!
Toldot Why was it important that Yitzchak look like Avraham? 25:19 - So everyone would agree that Avraham was indeed his father. Why does the Torah stress that Rivka was Betuel's daughter and Lavan's sister? 25:20 - To praise her, that even though her family was evil she was righteous. What are the two differences between Tamar's pregnancy and Rivka's pregnancy? 25:24 - Rivka gave birth at full term to two children, one righteous and one wicked. Tamar gave birth after seven months to two righteous children. Why was Esav named Esav? 25:25 - He was born fully developed. The name Esav is based on the Hebrew word for "made". Who gave Yaakov his name?
Who gave Yaakov his name? 25:26 G-d. How did Esav deceive his father? 25:27 - Esav deceived Yitzchak by asking questions that suggested that he was very strict in mitzvah observance. Why was Esav faint when he returned from the field? 25:29 - From having murdered. Why are lentils a food for mourners? 25:30 - They are round like a wheel and mourning is like a revolving wheel that eventually touches everyone. What was the birthright that Yaakov bought from Esav? 25:31 - The right to bring sacrifices. Why was Yitzchak not permitted to go to Egypt? 26:2 - Through the akeida he had attained the status of a korban and was forbidden to leave Eretz Canaan. Why did the Philistines plug up the wells? 26:15 - They felt that either marauders would attack to capture the wells, or, if attacking for other reasons, they would use the wells as a water supply. Why did Yitzchak lose his sight? (three reasons) 27:1 - a) From the smoke of the incense offered by Esavs wives to their idols; b) From the angels tears which fell into Yitzchaks eyes at the time of the akeida; c) In order for Yaakov to receive the blessings. At what age should one anticipate his own death? 27:2 - When he reaches five years from the age his parents were when they passed away, until five years after. Why did Rivka ask Yaakov to bring two kid goats? 27:9 - One for Yitzchak and the other to offer as a korban Pesach. Why did Esav leave his special garments with Rivka? 27:15 - He suspected that his wives might steal them. What fragrance did Yitzchak detect on Yaakovs garments? 27:27 - The scent of Gan Eden. What was the "fat of the land" promised to Esav? 27:36 - Italy. When will Esav be freed from subjugation to Yaakov? 27:40 - When the Jewish People transgress the Torah. What inspired Esav to marry the daughter of Yishmael? 28:7 - Seeing that his father despised his current wives, he resolved to take a wife from his father's family. Knowing that Machalat was Yishmael's daughter, its self-evident that she was the sister of Nevayot. Why, then, does the Torah state that Esav married "Yishmael's daughter, the sister of Nevayot?" 28:9 - To indicate that Yishmael died between her betrothal and her wedding, and that it was Nevayot who gave his sister in marriage to Esav. Knowing the date of Yishmael's death, we can determine the date of Esav's marriage and thus Yaakov's age, 63, at the time of his flight from Esav.
Vayetzei When Yaakov traveled to Charan, the Torah stresses that he departed from Beer Sheva. Why? 28:10 - The departure of a righteous person leaves a noticeable void in that place. On the night of his dream, Yaakov did something he hadn't done in 14 years. What? 28:11 - Sleep at night lying down. G-d compressed the entire Land of Israel underneath the sleeping Yaakov. What did this symbolize? 28:13 - That the Land would be easy for his descendants to conquer. Yaakov said "I will return with shalom." What did he mean by "shalom"? 28:21 - Completely without sin. Why did Yaakov rebuke the shepherds? 29:7 - He thought they were loafing, stopping work early in the day. Why did Rachel, and not her brothers, tend her father's sheep? 30:27 - Her brothers weren't born yet. Why did Yaakov cry when he met Rachel? 29:11 - He saw prophetically that they would not be buried together; or because he was penniless. Why did Lavan run to greet Yaakov? 29:13 - He thought Yaakov was carrying money. Why were Leah's eyes tender? 29:17 - She cried continually because she thought she was destined to marry Esav. How old was Yaakov when he married? 29:21 - Eighty-four. What did Rachel find enviable about Leah? 30:1 - Her good deeds, thinking they were the reason Leah merited children. Who was Yaakov's fifth son? 30:5 - Dan. Who was Leahs handmaiden? Was she older or younger than Rachels handmaiden? 30:10 - Zilpah. She was younger. How do you say dudaim in Arabic? 30:14 - Jasmine (Yasmin). "G-d remembered Rachel" (30:22). What did He remember? 30:22 - That Rachel gave Leah the "signs of recognition" that Yaakov had taught her, so that Leah wouldnt be embarrassed. What does "Yosef" mean? Why was he named that? 30:24 "Yosef" means "He will add." Rachel asked G-d for another son in addition to Yosef. G-d forbade Lavan to speak to Yaakov "either of good or of bad." Why didnt G-d want Lavan to speak of good? 31:24 - Because the "good" that comes from wicked people is bad for the righteous. Where are there two Aramaic words in this weeks Parsha? 31:41 - Yagar Sahaduta, meaning "wall of testimony." Who was Bilhahs father? Who was Zilpahs father? 31:50 - Lavan.
31:50 - Lavan. Who escorted Yaakov into Eretz Yisrael? 32:1 - The angels of Eretz Yisrael. Vayishlach What sort of messengers did Yaakov send to Esav? 32:4 - Angels. Why was Yaakov both "afraid" and "distressed?" 32:8 - He was afraid he would be killed. He was distressed that he would have to kill. In what three ways did Yaakov prepare for his encounter with Esav? 32:9 - He sent gifts, he prayed, and he prepared for war. Where did Dina hide and why? 32:23 - Yaakov hid her in a chest so that Esav wouldn't see her and want to marry her. After helping his family across the river, Yaakov remained alone on the other side. Why? 32:25 - He went back to get some small containers he had forgotten. What was the angel forced to do before Yaakov agreed to release him? 32:27 - Admit that the blessings given by Yitzchak rightfully belong to Yaakov. What was it that healed Yaakov's leg? 32:32 - The shining of the sun. Why did Esav embrace Yaakov? 33:4 - His pity was aroused when he saw Yaakov bowing to him so many times. Why did Yosef stand between Esav and Rachel? 33:7 - To stop Esav from gazing at her. Give an exact translation of the word nisa in verse 33:12. 33:12 - It means "travel". It does not mean "we will travel." This is because the letter nun is part of the word and does not mean we as it sometimes does. What happened to the 400 men who accompanied Esav? 33:16 - They slipped away one by one. Why does the Torah refer to Dina as the daughter of Leah and not as the daughter of Yaakov? 34:1 - Because she was outgoing like her mother, Leah. Whom should Shimon and Levi have consulted concerning their plan to kill the people of Shechem? 34:25 - Their father, Yaakov. Who was born along with Binyamin? 35:17 - His two triplet sisters. What does the name Binyamin mean? Why did Yaakov call him that? 35:18 - Ben-Yemin means "Son of the South." He was the only son born in the Land of Israel, which is south of Aram Naharaim. The Torah states, "The sons of Yaakov were twelve." Why? 35:22 - To stress that all of them, including Reuven, were righteous. How old was Yaakov when Yosef was sold? 35:29 - One hundred and eight. Esav changed his wife's name to Yehudit. Why? 36:2 - To fool Yitzchak into thinking that she had abandoned idolatry. Which three categories of people have their sins pardoned? 36:3 - One who converts to Judaism, one who is elevated to a position of leadership, and one
36:3 - One who converts to Judaism, one who is elevated to a position of leadership, and one who marries. What is the connection between the Egyptian oppression of the Jewish people and Esav's decision to leave the land of Canaan? 36:6 - Esav knew that the privilege of living in the Land of Israel was accompanied by the prophecy that the Jews would be "foreigners in a land not their own." Therefore Esav said, "I'm leaving. I don't want the Land if it means I have to pay the bill of subjugation in Egypt."
Vayishlach What sort of messengers did Yaakov send to Esav? 32:4 - Angels. Why was Yaakov both "afraid" and "distressed?" 32:8 - He was afraid he would be killed. He was distressed that he would have to kill. In what three ways did Yaakov prepare for his encounter with Esav? 32:9 - He sent gifts, he prayed, and he prepared for war. Where did Dina hide and why? 32:23 - Yaakov hid her in a chest so that Esav wouldn't see her and want to marry her. After helping his family across the river, Yaakov remained alone on the other side. Why? 32:25 - He went back to get some small containers he had forgotten. What was the angel forced to do before Yaakov agreed to release him? 32:27 - Admit that the blessings given by Yitzchak rightfully belong to Yaakov. What was it that healed Yaakov's leg? 32:32 - The shining of the sun. Why did Esav embrace Yaakov? 33:4 - His pity was aroused when he saw Yaakov bowing to him so many times. Why did Yosef stand between Esav and Rachel? 33:7 - To stop Esav from gazing at her. Give an exact translation of the word nisa in verse 33:12. 33:12 - It means "travel". It does not mean "we will travel." This is because the letter nun is part of the word and does not mean we as it sometimes does. What happened to the 400 men who accompanied Esav? 33:16 - They slipped away one by one. Why does the Torah refer to Dina as the daughter of Leah and not as the daughter of Yaakov? 34:1 - Because she was outgoing like her mother, Leah. Whom should Shimon and Levi have consulted concerning their plan to kill the people of Shechem? 34:25 - Their father, Yaakov. Who was born along with Binyamin? 35:17 - His two triplet sisters. What does the name Binyamin mean? Why did Yaakov call him that? 35:18 - Ben-Yemin means "Son of the South." He was the only son born in the Land of Israel, which is south of Aram Naharaim. The Torah states, "The sons of Yaakov were twelve." Why? 35:22 - To stress that all of them, including Reuven, were righteous.
35:22 - To stress that all of them, including Reuven, were righteous. How old was Yaakov when Yosef was sold? 35:29 - One hundred and eight. Esav changed his wife's name to Yehudit. Why? 36:2 - To fool Yitzchak into thinking that she had abandoned idolatry. Which three categories of people have their sins pardoned? 36:3 - One who converts to Judaism, one who is elevated to a position of leadership, and one who marries. What is the connection between the Egyptian oppression of the Jewish people and Esav's decision to leave the land of Canaan? 36:6 - Esav knew that the privilege of living in the Land of Israel was accompanied by the prophecy that the Jews would be "foreigners in a land not their own." Therefore Esav said, "I'm leaving. I don't want the Land if it means I have to pay the bill of subjugation in Egypt."
Vayeshev "These are the offspring of Yaakov: Yosef...." Give three reasons why Yosef is considered Yaakov=80s main offspring. 37:2 - (a) Yosef was the son of Rachel, Yaakov=80s primary wife. (b) Yosef looked like Yaakov. (c) All that befell Yaakov befell Yosef. What was praiseworthy about the fact that Yosef=80s brothers did not speak to him in a friendly manner? 37:4 - They did not act hypocritically. How do we see from Yosef=80s dream about the sun, moon and stars that all dreams contain some untrue element? 37:10 - The moon represented Rachel. Since she had already died, it was impossible for that element of the dream to come true. Who brought Yosef down to Egypt? 37:28 - A caravan of Midianites. Where was Reuven when Yosef was sold? 37:29 - He was attending to Yaakov. In addition to the brothers, who else knew that Yosef was alive? 37:33 - Yitzchak. Why didn't G-d reveal prophetically to Yaakov that Yosef was alive? 37:33 - Because the brothers had issued a ban against revealing the truth to Yaakov, and Gd, so to speak, abided by their ban. For how long did Yaakov mourn the loss of Yosef? 37:34 - Twenty-two years. Verse 37:35 states "his father wept." To whom does this refer? 37:35 - Yitzchak, who wept because of Yaakov=80s suffering. Who was Tamar=80s father? 38:24 - Shem. In what merit did Tamar deserve to have kings as her descendants? 38:26 - In the merit of her modesty. Why is the word "hand " mentioned four times in connection to the birth of Zerach?
Why is the word "hand " mentioned four times in connection to the birth of Zerach? 38:30 - To allude to his descendent, Achan, who sinned with his hand by taking four things from the spoils of Jericho. Why does the Torah relate the incident with Potiphar=80s wife immediately after the incident of Yehuda and Tamar? 39:1 - To teach us that just as Tamar acted with pure motives, so did Potiphar=80s wife. How did Potiphar "see" that G-d was with Yosef? 39:3 - Yosef mentioned G- d=80s name frequently in his speech. Who in this week=80s Parsha pretended to be sick? 39:11 =80 Potiphar=80s wife. Why were the butler and the baker imprisoned? 40:1 - The butler was imprisoned because a fly was found in the king=80s goblet, and the baker was imprisoned because a pebble was found in the king=80s bread. For how long were the butler and the baker in prison? 40:4 - Twelve months. How did the baker know that Yosef had correctly interpreted the butler=80s dream? 40:5 - The baker dreamed the interpretation of the butler's dream. What prompted the butler and baker to tell Yosef their dreams? 40:6 - Yosef asked them why they looked troubled. How was Yosef punished for asking the butler for help? 40:23 - He remained in prison an additional two years.
Mikeitz What did the fat cows being eaten symbolize? 41:4 - That all the joy of the plentiful years would be forgotten. (Not that the good years would provide food for the bad years.) How did Pharaoh's recollection of his dream differ from Nevuchadnetzar's recollection of his dream? 41:8 - Pharaoh remembered the contents of his dream but didn't know its meaning. Nevuchadnetzar forgot even the contents of his dream. What was significant about the fact that Pharaoh dreamed repeatedly? 41:32 - It showed that the seven good years would start immediately. What does "Tsafnat Panayach" mean? 41:45 - He who explains things that are hidden and obscure. What happened to the Egyptians' grain that was stored in anticipation of the famine? 41:55 - It rotted. What did Yosef require the Egyptians to do before he would sell them grain? 41:55 - Become circumcised. Did Yaakov and his family still have food when he sent his sons to Egypt? If yes, why did he send them? 42:1 - Yes, but he sent them because he did not want to cause envy in the eyes of those who did not have food. What prophetic significance lay in Yaakov's choice of the word "redu" "descend" (and not "lechu" "go")? 42:2 - It hinted to the 210 years that the Jewish people would be in Egypt: The word "redu"
42:2 - It hinted to the 210 years that the Jewish people would be in Egypt: The word "redu" has the numerical value of 210. Why does the verse say "Yosef's brothers" went down to Egypt (and not "Yaakov's sons")? 42:3 - Because they regretted selling Yosef and planned to act as brothers by trying to find him and ransom him at any cost. When did Yosef know that his dreams were being fulfilled? 42:9 - When his brothers bowed to him. Under what pretext did Yosef accuse his brothers of being spies? 42:12 - They entered the city through 10 gates rather than through one gate. Why did the brothers enter the city through different gates? 42:13 - To search for Yosef throughout the city. Who was the interpreter between Yosef and his brothers? 42:23 - His son Menashe. Why did Yosef specifically choose Shimon to put in prison? 42:24 - Because he was the one who cast Yosef into the pit and the one who said, "Here comes the dreamer." Alternatively, to separate him from Levi, as together they posed a danger to him. How does the verse indicate that Shimon was released from prison after his brothers left? 42:24 - The verse says Shimon was bound "in front of their eyes," implying that he was bound only while in their sight. What was Yaakov implying when he said to his sons: "I am the one whom you bereaved"? 42:36 - That he suspected them of having slain or sold Shimon, and that they may have done the same to Yosef. How did Reuven try to persuade Yaakov to send Binyamin to Egypt? 42:37 - He said, "Kill my two sons if I fail to bring back Binyamin." How long did it take for Yaakov and family to eat all the food that the brothers brought back from Egypt? Give the answer in terms of travel time. 43:2,10 - Twice the travel time to and from Egypt. How much more money did the brothers bring on their second journey than they brought on the first journey? Why? 43:12 - Three times as much, in order to repay the money they found in their sacks and to buy more even if the price had doubled. How did the brothers defend themselves against the accusation of theft? 44:8 - They said, "We returned the money we found in our sacks; can it be that we would steal?"
Vayigash What threatening words did Yehuda say to Yosef? 44:18 - He threatened that Yosef would be stricken with leprosy, like Pharaoh when he took Sarah from Avraham; alternatively, Yehuda threatened to kill Yosef and Pharaoh. Why did Yehuda say his missing brother died? 44:20 - Yehuda feared that if he said his missing brother was alive, Yosef would demand to see him. Why was Yehuda the one to plead for Binyamin? 44:32 - He was the one who took "soul" responsibility for him.
44:32 - He was the one who took "soul" responsibility for him. What do we learn from Yosef telling his brothers "Go up to my father"? 45:9 - We learn that Eretz Yisrael is higher than all other lands. What two things did the brothers see that helped prove that he was really Yosef? 45:12 - He was circumcised like they were, and he spoke lashon hakodesh. Why did Binyamin weep on Yosef's neck? 45:14 - Binyamin wept for the destruction of Mishkan Shilo built in Yosef's territory. Why did Yosef send old wine to Yaakov? 45:23 - Elderly people appreciate old wine. What did Yosef mean when he said "Don't dispute on the way"? 45:24 - He warned that if they engage in halachic disputes, they might not be alert to possible travel dangers. What happened to Yaakov when he realized Yosef was alive? 45:27 - His ruach hakodesh (prophetic spirit) returned. Why did G-d tell Yaakov, "Don't fear going down to Egypt"? 46:3 - Because Yaakov was grieved to leave Eretz Canaan. "I will bring you up" from Egypt. To what did this allude? 46:4 - That Yaakov would be buried in Eretz Canaan. What happened to the property that Yaakov acquired in Padan Aram? 46:6 - He traded it for Esav's portion in the Cave of Machpelah. Who was the mother of Shaul ben HaCanaanit? 46:10 - Dina bat Yaakov. When listing Yaakov's children, the verse refers to Rachel as "Rachel, wife of Yaakov." Leah, Bilhah and Zilpah are not referred to as Yaakov's wives. Why? 46:19 - Rachel was regarded as the mainstay of the family. Yosef harnessed his own chariot instead of letting a servant do it. Why? 46:29 - Yosef wanted to hasten to honor his father. Why were shepherds abhorrent to the Egyptians? 46:34 - Because the Egyptians worshipped sheep. Why did Yosef pick the weakest brothers to stand before Pharaoh? 47:2 - So Pharaoh wouldn't see their strength and draft them. What blessing did Yaakov give Pharaoh when he left his presence? 47:10 - That the waters of the Nile should rise to greet Pharaoh. Yosef resettled the land of Egypt, moving the people from city to city. What were his two motives for this? 47:21 - In order to remind them that they no longer owned the land, and to help his family by removing the stigma of being strangers. Whose fields were not bought by Yosef? 47:22 - The Egyptian priests.
Vayechi Why is kindness towards the dead called "chesed shel emet" kindness of truth? 47:29 - Because the giver expects no reward from the recipient. Give three reasons Yaakov didn't want to be buried in Egypt. 47:29 - a) Egypt's ground was to be plagued with lice; b) At the time of the resurrection,
47:29 - a) Egypt's ground was to be plagued with lice; b) At the time of the resurrection, those buried outside Israel will suffer; c) So the Egyptians wouldn't make him into an idol. How do you treat a "fox in his time" (i.e., a commoner who rules)? 47:31 - Bow to him. "When I was coming from Padan, Rachel died on me... I buried her there on the way to Efrat..." Why did Yaakov say all this to Yosef? 48:7 - Yaakov thought Yosef harbored resentment since Yaakov had not buried Yosef's mother, Rachel, in the Ma'arat HaMachpela. Initially, why was Yaakov unable to bless Efraim and Menashe? 48:8 - The Shechina departed from him. What does pillalti mean? 48:11 - "I thought." What does "Shechem" mean as used in this week's parsha? (two answers) 48:22 - a) The actual city of Shechem; b) A portion. Which individual is called "the Emori"? Why? Give two reasons. 48:22 - Esav. a) He acted like an Emorite; b) He trapped his father with words (imrei pi). What did Yaakov want to tell his sons but was unable to? 49:1 - When mashiach will come. What privileges did Reuven lose due to his rash actions? 49:3 - Priesthood and Kingship. What congregation from Yaakov's offspring did Yaakov not want to be associated with? 49:6 - Korach and his congregation. What did Yehuda do after he heard Yaakov rebuke Reuven, Shimon and Levi? Why? 49:8 - He drew back. He was afraid that Yaakov would rebuke him for the incident with Tamar. What does milk do to teeth? 49:12 - It makes them white. Why is Yissachar like a "strong-boned donkey"? 49:14 - Just as a donkey bears a heavy burden, so the tribe of Yissachar bears the yoke of Torah. With what resource did both Yaakov and Moshe bless Asher? 49:20 - Oil-rich land. In Yosef's blessing, Yaakov said, "They embittered him..." Who are "they"? 49:23 - Yosef's brothers, Potifar and his wife. Which descendants of Binyamin "will divide the spoils in the evening"? 49:27 - Mordechai and Esther. From whom did Yaakov buy his burial place? 50:5 - From Esav. What oath did Yosef make to Pharaoh? 50:6 - Yosef swore not to reveal Pharaoh's ignorance of Hebrew. Which two sons of Yaakov did not carry his coffin? Why not? 50:13 - Levi, because he would carry the aron (holy ark). Yosef, because he was a king.
Exodus
Shmot Why does the verse say "And Yosef was in Egypt"? 1:5 - This verse adds that, despite being in Egypt as a ruler, Yosef maintained his righteousness. "...And they will go up out of the land." Who said this and what did he mean? 1:10 - Pharaoh said it, meaning that the Egyptians would be forced to leave Egypt. Why did Pharaoh specifically choose water as the means of killing the Jewish boys? (Two reasons.) 1:10,22 - He hoped to escape divine retribution, as G-d promised never to flood the entire world. Also, his astrologers saw that the Jewish redeemer's downfall would be through water. "She saw that he was good." What did she see "good" about Moshe that was unique? 2:2 - When he was born, the house was filled with light. Which Hebrew men were fighting each other? 2:13 - Datan and Aviram. Moshe was afraid that the Jewish People were not fit to be redeemed because some among them committed a certain sin. What sin? 2:14 - Lashon hara (evil speech). Why did the Midianites drive Yitro's daughters away from the well? 2:17 - Because a ban had been placed on Yitro for abandoning idol worship. How did Yitro know that Moshe was Yaakov's descendant? 2:20 - The well water rose towards Moshe. What lesson was Moshe to learn from the fact that the burning bush was not consumed? 3:12 - Just as the bush was not consumed, so too Moshe would be protected by G-d. What merit did the Jewish People have that warranted G- ds promise to redeem them? 3:12 - That they were destined to receive the Torah. Which expression of redemption would assure the people that Moshe was the true redeemer? 3:16,18 - "I surely remembered (pakod pakadeti )." What did the staff turning into a snake symbolize? 4:3 - It symbolized that Moshe spoke ill of the Jews by saying that they wouldn't listen to him, just as the original snake sinned through speech. Why didn't Moshe want to be the leader? 4:10 - He didn't want to take a position above that of his older brother Aharon. "And Hashem was angry with Moshe..." What did Moshe lose as a result of this anger? 4:14 - Moshe lost the privilege of being a kohen . What was special about Moshe's donkey? 4:20 - It was used by Avraham for akeidat Yitzchak and will be used in the future by mashiach . About which plague was Pharaoh warned first? 4:23 - Death of the firstborn. Why didn't the elders accompany Moshe and Aharon to Pharaoh? How were they punished? 5:1 - The elders were accompanying Moshe and Aharon, but they were afraid and one by one they slipped away. Hence, at the giving of the Torah, the elders weren't allowed to ascend with Moshe.
with Moshe. Which tribe did not work as slaves? 5:5 - The tribe of Levi. Who were the: a) nogsim b) shotrim ? 5:6 - a) Egyptian taskmasters; b) Jewish officers. How were the shotrim rewarded for accepting the beatings on behalf of their fellow Jews? 5:14 - They were chosen to be on the Sanhedrin.
Va'eira Why did G-d appear to Avraham after the brit mila? 18:1 - Avraham was sick, so G-d came to "visit" him. Why was Avraham sitting at the entrance to his tent? 18:1 - He was looking for guests. What were the missions of the three angels? 18:2 - To announce Yitzchak's birth, to heal Avraham and to destroy Sodom. Why did Avraham enjoin the guests to wash the dust off their feet? 18:4 - He thought they were among those who worship the dust, and he didnt want any object of idolatry in his home. Why did Avraham ask specifically Yishmael, and not someone else, to prepare food for the guests? 18:7 - To train him in the performance of mitzvot. Why did the angels ask Avraham where Sarah was? 18:9 - To call attention to Sarahs modesty, so as to endear her to her husband. When G-d related Sarahs thoughts to Avraham, He did not relate them precisely. Why? 18:13 - For the sake of peace. What "cry" from Sodom came before G-d? 18:21 - The cry of a girl who was executed for giving food to the poor. How many angels went to Sodom? 19:1 - Two; one to destroy the city and one to save Lot. Why was Lot sitting at the gate of Sodom? 19:1 - He was a judge. Lot served the angels matza. Why? 19:3 - It was Passover. Why did Lot delay when he left Sodom? 19:16 - He wanted to save his property. Why were Lot and his family not permitted to look back at Sodom? 19:17 - As they, too, deserved to be punished, it wasnt fitting for them to witness the destruction of Sodom. Lots wife looked back and became a pillar of salt. Why was she punished in this particular way? 19:26 - She was stingy, not wanting to give the guests salt. In what merit did G-d save Lot? 19:29 - Lot had protected Avraham by concealing from the Egyptians the fact that Sarah was his wife.
was his wife. Why did Avraham relocate after the destruction of Sodom? 20:1 - Because travel in the region ceased and Avraham could no longer find guests. Why did Avimelech give gifts to Avraham? 20:14 - So that Avraham would pray for him. Why was Avraham told to listen to Sarah? 21:12 - Because she was greater in prophecy. Why did G-d listen to the prayer of Yishmael and not to that of Hagar? 21:17 - Because the prayer of a sick person is more readily accepted than the prayer of others on his behalf. Who accompanied Avraham and Yitzchak to the akeidah (binding)? 22:3 - Yishmael and Eliezer.
Bo What was Pharaoh's excuse for not releasing the Jewish children? 10:11 - Since children don't bring sacrifices there was no need for them to go. How did the locusts in the time of Moshe differ from those in the days of Yoel? 10:14 - The plague brought by Moshe was composed of one species of locust, whereas the plague in the days of Yoel was composed of many species. How did the first three days of darkness differ from the last three? 10:22 - During the first three days the Egyptians couldn't see. During the last three days they couldn't move. When the Jews asked the Egyptians for gold and silver vessels, the Egyptians were unable to deny ownership of such vessels. Why? 10:22 - During the plague of darkness the Jews could see and they searched for and found the Egyptians' vessels. Makat bechorot took place at exactly midnight. Why did Moshe say it would take place at approximately midnight? 11:4 - If Moshe said the plague would begin exactly at midnight, the Egyptians might miscalculate and accuse Moshe of being a fake. Why did the first-born of the animals die? 11:5 - Because the Egyptians worshiped them as gods, and when G-d punishes a nation He also punishes its gods. How did Moshe show respect to Pharaoh when he warned him about the aftermath of the plague of the first-born? 11:8 - Moshe warned that "All these servants of yours will come down to me" when, in fact, it was Pharaoh himself who actually came running to Moshe. G-d told Moshe "so that My wonders will be multiplied" (11:9 ). What three wonders was G-d referring to? 11:9 - The plague of the first-born, the splitting of the sea, the drowning of the Egyptian soldiers. Why did G-d command the mitzvah of Rosh Chodesh to Aharon, and not only to Moshe? 12:1 - As reward for his efforts in bringing about the plagues. Up to what age is an animal fit to be a Pesach offering? 12:5 - One year.
12:5 - One year. Prior to the Exodus from Egypt, what two mitzvot involving blood did G-d give to the Jewish People? 12:6 - Circumcision and Korban Pesach. Rashi gives two explanations of the word "Pasachti ." What are they? 12:13 - "I had mercy" and "I skipped." Why were the Jews told to stay indoors during makat bechorot? 12:22 - Since it was a night of destruction, it was not safe for anyone to leave the protected premises of his home. What was Pharaoh screaming as he ran from door to door the night of makat bechorot ? 12:31 - "Where does Moshe live? Where does Aharon live?" Why did Pharaoh ask Moshe to bless him? 12:32 - So he wouldn't die, for he himself was a first-born. Why did the Jewish People carry their matzah on their shoulders rather than have their animals carry it? 12:34 - Because the commandment of matzah was dear to them. Who comprised the erev rav (mixed multitude)? 12:38 - People from other nations who became converts. What three historical events occurred on the 15th of Nissan, prior to the event of the Exodus from Egypt? 12:41 - The angels came to promise that Sarah would have a son, Yitzchak was born, and the exile of the "covenant between the parts" was decreed. What is the source of the "milk and honey" found in Eretz Yisrael ? 13:5 - Goat milk, date and fig honey. The only non-kosher animal whose first-born is redeemed is the donkey. What did the donkeys do to "earn" this distinction? 13:13 - They helped the Jews by carrying silver and gold out of Egypt.
Beshalach What percentage of the Jewish People died during the plague of darkness? 13:18 - Eighty percent (four-fifths). Why did the oath that Yosef administered to his brothers apply to Moshe's generation? 13:19 - Yosef made his brothers swear that they would make their children swear. Why did the Egyptians want to pursue the Jewish People? 14:5 - To regain their wealth. Where did the Egyptians get animals to pull their chariots? 14:7 - From those Egyptians who feared the word of G-d and kept their animals inside during the plagues. What does it mean that the Jewish People "took hold of their fathers' craft" (tafsu umnut avotam )? 14:10 - They cried out to G-d. How did G-d cause the wheels of the Egyptian chariots to fall off? 14:25 - He melted them with fire. Why were the dead Egyptians cast out of the sea? 14:30 - So that the Jewish People would see the destruction of the Egyptians and be assured
14:30 - So that the Jewish People would see the destruction of the Egyptians and be assured of no further pursuit. To what future time is the verse hinting when it uses the future tense of "Then Moshe and Bnei Yisrael will sing"? 15:1 - Resurrection of the dead during the time of mashiach . Why are the Egyptians compared to stone, lead, and straw? 15:5 - The wickedest ones floated like straw, dying slowly. The average ones suffered less, sinking like stone. Those still more righteous sunk like lead, dying immediately. The princes of Edom and Moav had nothing to fear from the Jewish People. Why, then, were they "confused and gripped with trembling"? 15:14 - They felt horrible seeing Israel in a state of glory. Moshe foretold that he would not enter the Land of Israel. Which word in the parsha indicates this? 15:17 - "T'vi-aimo ..." -- "Bring them" (and not "bring us"). Why is Miriam referred to as "Aharon's sister" and not as "Moshe's sister"? 15:20 - Aharon put himself at risk for her when she was struck with tzara'at . (See Bamidbar 12:12 ) The Jewish women trusted that G-d would grant the Jewish People a miraculous victory over the Egyptians. How do we see this? 15:20 - They brought musical instruments with them in preparation for the miraculous victory celebration. Which sections of the Torah did the Jewish People receive at Marah? 15:25 - Shabbat, Red Heifer, Judicial Laws. When did Bnei Yisrael run out of food? 16:1 - 15th of Iyar. What lesson in derech eretz concerning the eating of meat is taught in this week's Parsha? 16:8 - One should not eat meat to the point of satiation. How did non-Jews experience the taste of the manna? 16:21 - The sun melted whatever manna remained in the fields. This flowed into streams from which animals drank. Whoever ate these animals tasted manna. The Prophet Yirmiyahu showed the Jewish People a jar of manna prepared in the time of Moshe. Why? 16:32 - The people claimed they couldn't study Torah because they were too busy earning a livelihood. Yirmiyahu showed them the manna saying: "If you study Torah, G-d will provide for you just as he provided for your ancestors in the desert." Which verse in this week's parsha alludes to the plague of blood? 17:5 - "And your staff with which you smote the river...." Why did Moshe's hands become heavy during the war against Amalek? 17:12 - Because he was remiss in his duty, since he, not Yehoshua, should have led the battle.
Yitro Yitro had 7 names. Why was one of his names Yeter ? 18:1 - Because he caused a parsha to be added to the Torah. Yeter means addition. News of which two events motivated Yitro to come join the Jewish People? 18:1 - The splitting of the sea and the war against Amalek.
18:1 - The splitting of the sea and the war against Amalek. What name of Yitro indicates his love for Torah? 18:1 - Chovav. Why was Tzipora with her father, Yitro, and not with Moshe when Bnei Yisrael left Egypt? 18:3 - When Aharon met Moshe with his family on their way down to Egypt, Aharon said to Moshe: "We're pained over the Jews already in Egypt, and you're bringing more Jews to Egypt?" Moshe, hearing this, sent his wife and children back to Midian. Why does verse 18:5 say that Yitro came to the desert don't we already know that the Bnei Yisrael were in the desert? 18:5 - To show Yitro's greatness. He was living in a luxurious place; yet he went to the desert in order to study the Torah. Why did Moshe tell Yitro all that G-d had done for the Jewish People? 18:8 - To draw Yitro closer to the Torah way of life. According to the Midrash quoted by Rashi, how did Yitro respond when he was told about the destruction of Egypt? 18:9 - He grieved. Who is considered as if he enjoys the splendor of the Shechina ? 18:12 - One who dines with Torah scholars. On what day did Moshe sit to judge the Jewish People? 18:13 - The day after Yom Kippur. Who is considered a co-partner in Creation? 18:13 - A judge who renders a correct decision. "Moshe sat to judge the people, and the people stood before Moshe...." What bothered Yitro about this arrangement? 18:14 - Yitro felt that the people weren't being treated with the proper respect. Why did Yitro return to his own land? 18:27 - To convert the members of his family to Judaism. How did the encampment at Sinai differ from the other encampments? 19:2 - The Jewish People were united. To whom does the Torah refer when it uses the term "Beit Yaakov "? 19:3 - The Jewish women. How is G-d's protection of the Jewish People similar to an eagle's protection of its young? 19:4 - An eagle carries its young on top of its wings to protect them from human arrows. So too, G-d's cloud of glory separated between the Egyptians and the Jewish camp in order to absorb Egyptian missiles and arrows fired at the Jewish People. What was G-d's original plan for Matan Torah ? What was the response of the Jewish People? 19:9 - G-d offered to appear to Moshe and to give the Torah through him. The Jewish People responded that they wished to hear the Torah directly from G-d. How many times greater is the "measure of reward" than the "measure of punishment"? 20:6 - 500 times. How is it derived that "Don't steal" refers to kidnapping? 20:13 - Since it is written immediately after "Don't murder" and "Don't commit adultery," it is derived that "Don't steal" refers to a crime carrying the same penalty as the first two, namely, the death penalty. In response to hearing the Torah given at Sinai, how far backwards did the Jewish people
In response to hearing the Torah given at Sinai, how far backwards did the Jewish people retreat in fear? 20:15 - They backed away from the mountain twelve mil (one mil is 2000 cubits). Why does the use of iron tools profane the altar? 20:22 - The altar was created to extend life; iron is sometimes used to make weapons which shorten life.
Mishpatim In what context is a mezuza mentioned in this week's parsha? 21:6 - If a Hebrew slave desires to remain enslaved, his owner brings him "to the doorpost mezuza" to pierce his ear. What special mitzvah does the Torah give to the master of a Hebrew maidservant? 21:8,9 - To marry her. What is the penalty for wounding one's father or mother? 21:15 - Death by strangulation. A intentionally hits B. As a result, B is close to death. Besides any monetary payments, what happens to A? 21:19 - He is put in jail until B recovers or dies. What is the penalty for someone who tries to murder a particular person, but accidentally kills another person instead? Give two opinions. 21:23 (a) The murderer deserves the death penalty. (b) The murderer is exempt from death but must compensate the heirs of his victim. A slave goes free if his master knocks out one of the slave's teeth. What teeth do not qualify for this rule and why? 21:26 - Baby teeth, which grow back. An ox gores another ox. What is the maximum the owner of the damaging ox must pay, provided his animal had gored no more than twice previously? 21:35 - The full value of his own animal. From where in this week's parsha can the importance of work be demonstrated? 21:37 - From the "five-times" penalty for stealing an ox and slaughtering it. This fine is seen as punishment for preventing the owner from plowing with his ox. What is meant by the words "If the sun shone on him"? 22:2 - If it's as clear as the sun that the thief has no intent to kill. A person is given an object for safe-keeping. Later, he swears it was stolen. Witnesses come and say that in fact he is the one who stole it. How much must he pay? 22:8 - Double value of the object. A person borrows his employee's car. The car is struck by lightning. How much must he pay? 22:14 - Nothing Why is lending money at interest called "biting"? 22:24 - Interest is like a snake bite. Just as the poison is not noticed at first but soon overwhelms the person, so too interest is barely noticeable until it accumulates to an overwhelming sum. Non-kosher meat, "treifa," is preferentially fed to dogs. Why?
Non-kosher meat, "treifa," is preferentially fed to dogs. Why? 22:30 - As "reward" for their silence during the plague of the first-born. Which verse forbids listening to slander? 23:1 - Targum Onkelos translates "Don't bear a false report" as "Don't receive a false report". What constitutes a majority-ruling in a capital case? 23:2 - A simple majority is needed for an acquittal. A majority of two is needed for a ruling of guilty. How is Shavuot referred to in this week's parsha? 23:16 - Chag Hakatzir -- Festival of Reaping. How many prohibitions are transgressed when cooking meat and milk together? 23:19 - One. What was written in the Sefer Habrit which Moshe wrote prior to the giving of the Torah? 24:4,7 - The Torah, starting from Bereishet until the giving of the Torah, and the mitzvot given at Mara. What was the livnat hasapir a reminder of? 24:10 - That the Jews in Egypt were forced to toil by making bricks. Who was Efrat? Who was her husband? Who was her son? 24:14 - Miriam, wife of Calev, mother of Chur.
Trumah How many types of items were the Jews to donate? 25:2 - 13. The donation of silver for the Mishkan differed from the donation of the other items. How? 25:3 - No fixed amount of the other items was required. The silver was given as a fixed amount:a half-shekel. What property do techelet and argaman share that orot eilim m'adamim do not share? 25:4,5 - They are wool; orot eilim are not. What property do the above three share that shesh and orot techashim do not share? 25:4,5 - They are dyed; shesh and orot techashim are not. Onkelos translates "tachash" as "sasgona." Why? 25:5 - The tachash delights (sas) in its multi-colors (g'vanim). What kind of trees did Yaakov plant in Egypt? 25:5 - Arazim -- cedars. Describe two uses of: (a) oil , (b) spices, (c) jewels 25:6-7: (a). The oil was lit in the menorah and used for anointing. (b). The spices were used in the anointing oil and for the incense. (c). The precious stones were for the ephod and the choshen. The aron was made with three boxes, one inside the other. Exactly how tall was the outer box? 25:11 - The outer box was one and a half amot plus a tefach plus a little bit, because it rose
25:11 - The outer box was one and a half amot plus a tefach plus a little bit, because it rose a little bit above the kaporet. (The kaporet was a tefach thick -- see 25:17). Why is the Torah referred to as "testimony"? 25:16 - It testifies that G-d commanded us to keep the mitzvot. What did the faces of the keruvim resemble? 25:18 - The faces of children. On what day of the week was the lechem hapanim baked? 25:29 - Friday. What does miksha mean? 25:31 - Hammered. What was the purpose of the menorah's gevi'im (cups)? 25:31 - Purely ornamental. How did Moshe know the shape of the menorah? 25:40 G-d showed Moshe a menorah of fire. What designs were embroidered into the tapestries of the Mishkan? 26:1 - On one side a lion; on the other side an eagle. What is meant by "standing wood"? 26:15 - The wooden beams were to be upright and not stacked one upon the other. How long was the Mishkan? 26:16 - 30 amot. How wide was the interior of the Mishkan? 26:23 - 10 amot. Why was the altar coated with nechoshet? 27:2 - To atone for brazenness. Which function did the copper yeteidot serve? 27:19 - They secured the curtains against the wind.
Tetzaveh What two precautions were taken to assure the purity of oil for the menorah? 27:20 - The olives were pressed and not ground; and only the first drop was used. How was Aharon commanded to kindle the menorah? 27:20 - He was commanded to kindle it until the flame ascended by itself. What does tamid mean in reference to the menorah? 27:20 - It means that it should be kindled every night. What does kehuna mean? 28:3 - Service. Name the eight garments worn by the Kohen Gadol. 28:4,36,42 - Choshen, ephod, me'il, ketonet, mitznefet, avnet, tzitz, and michnasayim. To what does Rashi compare the ephod? 28:6 - A woman's riding garment. In which order were the names of the Tribes inscribed on the ephod? 28:10 - In order of birth. The stones of the ephod bore the inscription of the names of the sons of Yaakov. Why? 28:12 - So that G-d would see their names and recall their righteousness. For what sins did the choshen mishpat atone?
For what sins did the choshen mishpat atone? 28:15 - For judicial errors. What are three meanings of the word mishpat? 28:15 (i) The claims of the litigants, (ii) The court's ruling, (iii) The court's punishment. What was lacking in the bigdei kehuna in the second Beit Hamikdash? 28:30 - The Urim V'Tumim -- the "Shem Ha'meforash" placed in the folds of the choshen. Which garment's fabric was woven of only one material? 28:31 - The fabric of the me'il was made only of techelet. When the Kohen Gadol wore all his priestly garments, where on his head was the tefillin situated? 28:37 - Between the tzitz and the mitznefet. What does the word tamid mean in reference to the tzitz? (two answers) 28:38 (i) It always atones, even when not being worn. (ii)The Kohen Gadol must always be aware that he is wearing it. Which garments were worn by a kohen hediot? 28:40,42 - Ketonet, avnet, migba'at, and michnasayim. During the inauguration of the kohanim, a bullock was brought as a sin offering. For what sin did this offering atone? 29:1 - The sin of the golden calf. Moshe was commanded to wash Aharon and his sons to prepare them to serve as kohanim (29:4). How were they washed? 29:4 - They immersed in a mikveh. What was unique about the bull sin-offering brought during the inauguration of the kohanim? 29:14 - It is the only external sin-offering that was completely burned. How did the oil used for the meal-offering differ from the oil used for the menorah? 29:40 - Oil for the menorah comes only from beaten olives. Oil for meal-offerings may come from either beaten olives or from ground-up olives. What does the crown on the mizbeach haketoret symbolize? 30:3 - The crown of kehuna.
Ki Tisa How many "geira" are in a shekel? 30:13 - Twenty. What was the minimum age of military service in the Jewish army? 30:14 - Twenty. What were the three different types of terumah donated? 30:15 - For the adanim (sockets), for the purchase of communal sacrifices, and for the building of the Mishkan. The Jews were counted after Yom Kippur and again after Pesach. Both times they numbered the same amount. How can this be? Didn't some 19-year olds turn 20 during that six month period?
period? 30:16 - Their ages were calculated based on Rosh Hashana, not based on their individual birthdays. How many ingredients comprise the incense of the Mishkan? 30:34 - Eleven ingredients were used making the incense. According to Rashi, why are sailors called "malachim?" 30:35 - Because they stir (malach) the water with their oars. What is the difference between chochma (wisdom), bina (understanding), and da'at (knowledge)? 31:3 - Chochma is knowledge acquired from others. Bina is the deduction of new knowledge from what one has already learned. Da'at is holy inspiration. Shabbat is a "sign." What does it signify? 31:13 - It is a sign between G-d and the Jewish People that He has chosen them and a sign to the nations of the world that He has sanctified the Jewish People. When did the Jewish People begin to give contributions for the building of the Mishkan? 31:18 - The 11th of Tishrei. How many books are there in Tanach? 31:18 - 24. From where did the men take the earrings that they donated to make the calf? 32:2,3 - From their ears. Why did Aharon build the altar for the golden calf by himself? 32:5 - He hoped that by building it by himself it would take longer and in the interim Moshe would return. Why did Moshe break the Tablets? 32:19 - Moshe reasoned: If the Torah forbids those who have estranged themselves from the Torah to partake in even a single commandment (Pesach sacrifice), surely the entire Torah cannot be given to a whole nation which has estranged itself from G-d! How can two brothers belong to two different tribes? 32:27 - Half-brothers, sharing the same mother. Why did Moshe ask that his name be erased from the Torah? 32:32 - So people shouldn't say "Moshe was unworthy to plead for mercy on behalf of the Jewish people." How has the sin of the golden calf affected the Jewish People throughout history? 32:34 - Whenever G-d punishes the Jewish People, part of that punishment comes as payment for the sin of the golden calf. In verse 33:2, G-d says that the inhabitants of Eretz Canaan would be driven out of the Land. In that verse, only six of the seven Canaanite nations are mentioned. What happened to the seventh? 33:2 - The seventh nation, the Girgashites, voluntarily emigrated. How did G-d show that He forgave the Jewish People? 33:14 - He agreed to let His Shechina dwell among them. How did Moshe become wealthy? 34:1 - Moshe carved the Tablets out of precious stone. G-d commanded Moshe to keep the leftover fragments. How do the light rays shining from Moshe's face show us the powerful effect of sin? 34:35 - Before the sin of the golden calf, the people would not have been afraid to look at
34:35 - Before the sin of the golden calf, the people would not have been afraid to look at the light rays, but after the sin they were afraid.
Vayakhel On which day did Moshe assemble the Jewish People? 35:1 - The day after Yom Kippur. Why is the prohibition against doing work on Shabbat written prior to the instruction for building the Mishkan? 35:2 - To emphasize that the building of the Mishkan does not supersede the laws of Shabbat. Why does the Torah specify the particular prohibition of lighting a fire on Shabbat right after it had already noted the general prohibition of doing work on Shabbat? 35:3 - There are two opinions: One opinion is to teach that igniting a fire on Shabbat is punishable by lashes as opposed to other "melachot" which are punishable by death. The other opinion is to teach that violation of numerous "melachot" at one time requires a separate atonement for each violation. What function did the "yitdot hamishkan" serve? 35:18 - The edges of the curtains were fastened to them. These were inserted in the ground so the curtains would not move in the wind. What function did the "bigdei hasrad" serve? 35:19 - They covered the aron, the shulchan, the menorah, and the mizbachot when they were packed for transport. What was unusual about the way the women spun the goat's hair? 35:26 - It was spun directly from off the backs of the goats. Why were the Nesi'im last to contribute to the building of the Mishkan? How does the Torah show dissatisfaction with their actions? 35:27 - The Nesi'im reasoned that they would first let the people contribute materials needed for the Mishkan and then they would contribute what was lacking. The Torah shows its dissatisfaction by deleting a letter from their title. Who does the Torah identify as the primary builders of the Mishkan? From which tribes were they? 35:30, 35:34 - Betzalel ben Uri from the tribe of Yehuda; Oholiav ben Achisamach from the tribe of Dan. What time of day did the people bring their daily contributions for the construction of the Mishkan? 36:3 - Morning. For what was the woven goat's hair used? 36:14 - It was made into curtains to be draped over the Mishkan What image was woven into the parochet? 36:35 - Cherubim. (See Rashi 26:31) Why does the Torah attribute the building of the aron to Betzalel? 37:1 - Because he dedicated himself to its building more than anyone else. Where were the sculptured kruvim located? 37:7 - On the two extremities of the kaporet (cover of the aron). How many lamps did the menorah have?
How many lamps did the menorah have? 37:23 - Seven. Of what materials was the mizbe'ach haketoret composed? 37:25,26 - Wood overlaid with gold. Of what material was the mizbe'ach ha'olah composed? 38:1-2 - Wood overlaid with copper. The kiyor was made from copper mirrors. What function did these mirrors serve in Egypt? 38:8 - These mirrors aided in the proliferation of the Jewish People. The Jewish women in Egypt would look in the mirrors so as to awaken the affections of their husbands who were exhausted by their slave labor. How did the kiyor promote peace? 38:8 - Its waters helped a woman accused of adultery to prove her innocence. The kiyor was made from the mirrors of the women who were crowding at the entrance to the Ohel Mo'ed. Why were the women crowding there? 38:8 - To donate to the Mishkan. Of what material were the "yitdot hamishkan" constructed? 38:20 - Copper.
Pekudei Why is the word Mishkan stated twice in verse 38:21? 38:21 - To allude to the Beit Hamikdash that would twice be taken as a "mashkon" (pledge) for the sins of the Jewish People until the nation repents. Why is the Mishkan called the "Mishkan of Testimony"? 38:21 - It was testimony for the Jewish People that G-d forgave them for the golden calf and allowed His Shechina to dwell among them. Who was appointed to carry the vessels of the Mishkanin the midbar? 38:21 - The levi'im. Who was the officer in charge of the levi'im? 38:21 - Itamar ben Aharon. What is the meaning of the name Betzalel? 38:22 - "In the shadow of G-d." How many people contributed a half-shekel to the Mishkan? Who contributed? 38:26 - 603,550. Every man age twenty and over (except the levi'im). Which material used in the bigdei kehuna was not used in the coverings of the sacred vessels? 39:1 - Linen (See Rashi 31:10). How were the gold threads made? 39:3 - The gold was beaten into thin plates from which threads were cut. (See Rashi 28:6). What was inscribed on the stones on the shoulders of the ephod? 39:6, 39:7 - The names of the tribes. What was on the hem of the me'il? 39:24,25 - Woven pomegranates and golden bells. What did the Kohen Gadol wear between the mitznefet and the tzitz? 39:31 - Tefillin. What role did Moshe play in the construction of the Mishkan?
What role did Moshe play in the construction of the Mishkan? 39:33 - He stood it up. Which date was the first time that the Mishkan was erected and not dismantled? 40:17 - Rosh Chodesh Nissan of the second year in the desert. For seven days before this, during the consecration of Aharon and his sons, Moshe erected and dismantled the Mishkan. (Rashi 39:29) What was the "tent" which Moshe spread over the Mishkan(40:19)? 40:19 - The curtain of goatskin. What "testimony" did Moshe place in the aron? 40:20 - The Luchot Habrit. What function did the parochet serve? 40:21 - It served as a partition for the aron. Where was the shulchan placed in the Mishkan? 40:22 - On the northern side of the Ohel Mo'ed, outside the parochet. Where was the menorah placed in the Mishkan? 40:24 - On the southern side of the Ohel Mo'ed opposite the shulchan. Who offered the communal sacrifices during the eight days of the dedication of the Mishkan? 40:29 - Moshe. On which day did both Moshe and Aharon serve as kohanim? 40:31 - On the eighth day of the consecration of the Mishkan.
Leviticus
Vayikra Who does the word "eilav" in verse 1:1 exclude? 1:1 - Aharon. Name all the types of animals and birds mentioned in this week's Parsha. 1:2,14, 3:12 - Cattle, sheep, goats, turtledoves (torim), and doves (bnei yona). What two types of sin does an olah atone for? 1:4 - Neglecting a positive command, and violating a negative command which is rectified by a positive command. Where was the olah slaughtered? 1:5 - In the Mishkan Courtyard (azarah). What procedure of an animal-offering can a non-kohen perform? 1:5 - Ritual slaughter. Besides the fire the kohanim bring on the altar, where else did the fire come from? 1:7 - It descended from Heaven. At what stage of development are torim (turtledoves) and bnei yona (young pigeons) unfit as offerings? 1:14 - When their plumage turns golden. At that stage, bnei yona are too old and torim are too young. What is melika? 1:15 - Slaughtering a bird from the back of the neck using one's fingernail. Why are animal innards offered on the altar, while bird innards are not?
Why are animal innards offered on the altar, while bird innards are not? 1:16 - An animal's food is provided by its owner, so its innards are "kosher." Birds, however, eat food that they scavenge, so their innards are tainted with "theft." Why does the Torah describe both the animal and bird offerings as a "satisfying aroma"? 1:17 - To indicate that the size of the offering is irrelevant, provided your heart is directed toward G-d. Why is the term "nefesh" used regarding the flour offering? 2:1 - Usually, it is a poor person who brings a flour offering. Therefore, G-d regards it as if he had offered his nefesh (soul). Which part of the free-will mincha offering is burned on the altar? 2:1 - The kometz (fistful). The Torah forbids bringing honey with the mincha. What is meant by "honey"? 2:11 - Any sweet fruit derivative. When does the Torah permit bringing a leavened bread offering? 2:12 - On Shavuot. Concerning shelamim, why does the Torah teach about sheep and goats separately? 3:7 - Because they differ regarding the alya (fat tail). The lamb's alya is burned on the altar but the goat's is not. For most offerings the kohen may use a service vessel to apply the blood on the mizbe'ach. For which korban may he apply the blood using only his finger? 3:8 - The chatat. Who is obligated to bring a chatat? 4:2 - One who accidentally transgresses a negative commandment whose willing violation carries the karet (excision) penalty. Where were the remains of the bull burnt while in the wilderness? Where were they burnt during the time of the Beit Hamikdash? 4:12 Outside the three camps. Outside Jerusalem. What two things does a voluntary mincha have that a minchat chatat lacks? 5:11 - Levona and oil. What is the minimum value of a korban asham? 5:15 - Two shekalim. Tzav What separated the kohen's skin from the priestly garments? 6:3 - Nothing. How often were the ashes removed from upon the mizbe'ach? How often were they removed from next to the mizbe'ach? 6:4 A) Every day. B) Whenever there was a lot. If someone extinguishes the fire on the mizbe'ach, how many Torah violations has he transgressed? 6:6 - Two. The portion of a flour-offering offered on the mizbe'ach may not be chametz. But is the
The portion of a flour-offering offered on the mizbe'ach may not be chametz. But is the kohen's portion allowed to be chametz? 6:10 - No. When a kohen is inaugurated, what offering must he bring? 6:13 - A korban mincha -- A tenth part of an ephah of flour. What three baking processes were used to prepare the korban of Aharon and his sons? 6:14 - Boiling, baking in an oven and frying in a pan. What is the difference between a minchat kohen and a minchat Yisrael? 6:15 - The minchat kohen is burnt completely. Only a handful of the minchat Yisrael is burnt, and the remainder is eaten by the kohanim. When is a kohen disqualified from eating from a chatat? 6:19 - If he is tamei (spiritually impure) at the time of the sprinkling of the blood. What is the difference between a copper and earthenware vessel regarding removing absorbed tastes? 6:21 - One can remove an absorbed taste from a copper vessel by scouring and rinsing, whereas such a taste can never be removed from an earthenware vessel. Can an animal dedicated as an asham be replaced with another animal? 7:1 - No. How does an asham differ from all other korbanot? 7:3 - It can only be brought from a ram or sheep. Unlike all other korbanot, what part of the ram or sheep may be placed on the mizbe'ach? 7:3 - The tail. What three types of kohanim may not eat from the asham? 7:7 - A t'vul yom (a tamei kohen who immersed in a mikveh yet awaits sunset to become tahor); A mechusar kipurim (a tamei person who has gone to the mikveh but has yet to bring his required offering); An onan (a mourner prior to the burial of the deceased). n which four instances is a korban todah brought? 7:12 - Upon safe arrival from an ocean voyage; Upon safe arrival from a desert journey; Upon being freed from prison; Upon recovering from illness. Until when may a todah be eaten according to the Torah? Until when according to Rabbinic decree? 7:15 (a) Until the morning. (b) Until midnight. How does a korban become pigul? 7:18 - The person slaughters the animal with the intention that it be eaten after the prescribed time. Who may eat from a shelamim? 7:19 - Any uncontaminated person (not only the owner). What miracle happened at the entrance of the Ohel Moed? 8:3 - The entire nation was able to fit in this very small area. Other than Yom Kippur, what other service requires that the kohen separate from his family? 8:34 - The burning of the parah adumah (red heifer). What are the 5 categories of korbanot listed in this Parsha? Olah (6:2); mincha (6:7); chatat (6:18); asham (7:1); shelamim (7:11).
Olah (6:2); mincha (6:7); chatat (6:18); asham (7:1); shelamim (7:11).
Shmini What date was "yom hashemini"? 9:1 - First of Nissan. Which of Aharon's korbanot atoned for the Golden Calf? 9:2 - The calf offered as a korban chatat. What korbanot did Aharon offer for the Jewish People? 9:3,4 - A he-goat as a chatat, a calf and a lamb for an olah, an ox and a ram for shelamim, and a mincha. What was unique about the chatat offered during the induction of the Mishkan? 9:11 - It's the only example of a chatat offered on the courtyard mizbe'ach that was burned. When did Aharon bless the people with the birkat kohanim? 9:22 - When he finished offering the korbanot, before descending from the mizbe'ach. Why did Moshe go into the Ohel Mo'ed with Aharon? 9:23 - For one of two reasons: Either to teach Aharon about the service of the incense, or to pray for the Shechina to dwell with Israel. Why did Nadav and Avihu die? 10:2 - Rashi offers two reasons: Either because they gave a halachic ruling in Moshe's presence, or because they entered the Mishkan after drinking intoxicating wine. Aharon quietly accepted his sons' death. What reward did he receive for this? 10:3 - A portion of the Torah was given solely through Aharon. What prohibitions apply to a person who is intoxicated? 10:9-11 - He may not give a halachic ruling. Also, a kohen is forbidden to enter the Ohel Mo'ed, approach the mizbe'ach, or perform the avoda. Name the three chatat goat offerings that were sacrificed on the day of the inauguration of the Mishkan. 10:16 - The goat offerings of the inauguration ceremony, of Rosh Chodesh, and of Nachshon ben Aminadav. Which he-goat chatat did Aharon burn completely and why? 10:16 - The Rosh Chodesh chatat: Either because it became tamei, or because the kohanim were forbidden to eat from it while in the state of aninut (mourning). Why did Moshe direct his harsh words at Aharon's sons? 10:16 - Out of respect for Aharon, Moshe directed his anger at his sons and not directly at Aharon. Moshe was upset that Aharon and his sons did not eat the chatat. Why? 10:17 - Because only when the kohanim eat the chatat are the sins of the owners atoned. Why did G-d choose Moshe, Aharon, Elazar, and Itamar as His messengers to tell the Jewish People the laws of kashrut? 11:2 - Because they accepted the deaths of Nadav and Avihu in silence. What are the signs of a kosher land animal? 11:3 - An animal whose hooves are completely split and who chews its cud. How many non-kosher animals display only one sign of kashrut? What are they? 11:4,5,6,7 - Four: Camel, shafan, hare, and pig. If a fish sheds its fins and scales when out of the water, is it kosher? 11:12 - Yes.
11:12 - Yes. Why is a stork called chasida in Hebrew? 11:19 - Because it acts with chesed (kindness) toward other storks. The chagav is a kosher insect. Why don't we eat it? 11:21 - We have lost the tradition and are not able to identify the kosher chagav. What requirements must be met in order for water to maintain its status of purity? 11:36 - It must be connected to the ground (i.e., a spring or a cistern).
Tazria When does a woman who has given birth to a son go to the mikveh? 12:2 - At the end of seven days. After a woman gives birth, she is required to offer two types of offerings. Which are they? 12:6 - An olah and a chatat. What animal does the woman offer as a chatat? 12:6 - A tor (turtle dove) or a ben yona (young pigeon). Which of these offerings makes her tahor (ritual purity)? 12:7 - The chatat. Which of the sacrifices does the woman offer first, the olah or the chatat? 12:8 - The chatat. Who determines whether a person is a metzora tamei (person with ritually impure tzara'at) or is tahor? 13:2 - A kohen. If the kohen sees that the tzara'at has spread after one week, how does he rule? 13:5 - The person is tamei. What disqualifies a kohen from being able to give a ruling in a case of tzara'at? 13:12 - Poor vision. Why is the appearance of tzara'at on the tip of one of the 24 "limbs" that project from the body usually unable to be examined? 13:14 - The tzara'at as a whole must be seen at one time. Since these parts are angular, they cannot be seen at one time. On which days is a kohen not permitted to give a ruling on tzara'at? 13:14 - During the festivals; and ruling on a groom during the seven days of feasting after the marriage. In areas of the body where collections of hair grow (e.g., the head or beard), what color hair is indicative of ritual impurity? 13:29 - Golden. In areas of the body where collections of hair grow, what color hair is indicative of purity? 13:37 - Any color other than golden. If the kohen intentionally or unintentionally pronounces a tamei person "tahor," what is that person's status? 13:37 - He remains tamei. What signs of mourning must a metzora display? 13:45 - He must tear his garments, let his hair grow wild, and cover his lips with his garment. Why must a metzora call out, "Tamei! Tamei! "? 13:45 - So people will know to keep away from him. Where must a metzora dwell?
Where must a metzora dwell? 13:46 - Outside the camp in isolation. Why is a metzora commanded to dwell in isolation? 13:46 - Since tzara'at is a punishment for lashon hara (evil speech), which creates a rift between people, the Torah punishes measure for measure by placing a division between him and others. What sign denotes tzara'at in a garment? 13:49 - A dark green or dark red discoloration. What must be done to a garment that has tzara'at? 13:52 - It must be burned If after washing a garment the signs of tzara'at disappear entirely, how is the garment purified? 13:58 - Through immersion in a mikveh.
Metzora When may a metzora not be pronounced tahor? 14:2 - At night. In the midbar, where did a metzora dwell while he was tamei? 14:3 - Outside the three camps. Why does the metzora require birds in the purification process? 14:4 - Tzara'at comes as a punishment for lashon hara. Therefore, the Torah requires the metzora to offer birds, who chatter constantly, to atone for his sin of chattering. In the purification process of a metzora, what does the cedar wood symbolize? 14:4 - The cedar is a lofty tree. It alludes to the fact that tzara'at comes as a punishment for haughtiness. During the purification process, the metzora is required to shave his hair. Which hair must he shave? 14:9 - Any visible collection of hair on the body. What is unique about the chatat and the asham offered by the metzora? 14:10 - They require n'sachim (drink offerings). In the Beit Hamikdash, when the metzora was presented "before G-d" (14:11), where did he stand? 14:11 - At the gate of Nikanor. Where was the asham of the metzora slaughtered? 14:13 - On the northern side of the mizbe'ach. How was having tzara'at in one's house sometimes advantageous? 14:34 - The Amorites concealed treasures in the walls of their houses. After the conquest of the Land, tzara'at would afflict these houses. The Jewish owner would tear down the house and find the treasures. When a house is suspected as having tzara'at, what is its status prior to the inspection by a kohen? 14:36 - It is tahor. What happens to the vessels that are in a house found to have tzara'at? 14:36 - They become tamei. Which type of vessels cannot be made tahor after they become tamei? 14:36 - Earthenware vessels.
14:36 - Earthenware vessels. Where were stones afflicted with tzara'at discarded? 14:40 - In places where tahor objects were not handled When a house is suspected of having tzara'at, a kohen commands that the affected stones be replaced and the house plastered. What is the law if the tzara'at: returns and spreads; does not return; returns, but does not spread? 14:44-45 - It is called "tzara'at mam'eret," and the house must be demolished; 14:48 - the house is pronounced tahor; 14:44 - The house must be demolished. When a person enters a house that has tzara'at, when do his clothes become tamei? 14:46 - When he remains in the house long enough to eat a small meal. What is the status of a man who is zav (sees a flow): two times or two consecutive days; three times or three consecutive days? 15:2 He is tamei; he is tamei and is also required to bring a korban. A zav sat or slept on the following: a bed; a plank; a chair; a rock. If a tahor person touches these things what is his status?
15:4-5 - Only a type of object that one usually lies or sits upon becomes a transmitter of tumah when a zav sits or lies on it. A tahor person who subsequently touches the object becomes tamei and the clothes he is wearing are also tmei'im. Therefore: tamei; tahor; tamei; tahor. What does the Torah mean when it refers to a zav who "has not washed his hands"? 15:11 - One who has not immersed in a mikveh. When may a zav immerse in a mikveh to purify himself? 15:13 - After seven consecutive days without a flow. What is the status of someone who experiences a one-time flow? 15:32 - He is tamei until evening.
Acharei Mot Why does the Torah emphasize that Parshas Acharei Mos was taught after the death of Aaron's sons? 16:1 - To strengthen the warning not to enter the Kodesh Kodashim except on Yom Kippur. What is the punishment for a Kohen Gadol who inappropriately enters the Kodesh
What is the punishment for a Kohen Gadol who inappropriately enters the Kodesh Kodashim? 16:2 - Death. How long did the first Beis Hamikdash exist? 16:3 - 410 years. What did the Kohen Gadol wear when he entered the Kodesh Kodashim? 16:4 - Only the four linen garments worn by an ordinary Kohen. How many times did the Kohen Gadol change his clothing and immerse in the mikveh on Yom Kippur? 16:4 - Five times. How many times did he wash his hands and feet from the Kiyor (copper laver)? 16:4 - Ten times. The Kohen Gadol offered a bull Chatas to atone for himself and his household. Who paid for it? 16:6 - The Kohen Gadol. One of the goats that was chosen by lot went to Azazel. What is Azazel? 16:8 - A jagged cliff. Who is included in the "household" of the Kohen Gadol? 16:11 - All the Kohanim. For what sin does the goat Chatas atone? 16:16 - For unknowingly entering the Beis Hamikdash in the state of tumah. After the Yom Kippur service, what is done with the four linen garments worn by the Kohen Gadol? 16:23 - They must be put into geniza and not be used again. Where were the fats of the Chatas burned? 16:25 - On the outer Mizbe'ach. Who is solely responsible for attaining atonement for the Jewish People on Yom Kippur? 16:32 - The Kohen Gadol. From one point in history, installation of the Kohen Gadol through anointing was no longer used but was conducted by donning the special garments of that office. From when and why? 16:32 - Anointing ceased during the kingship of Yoshiahu. At that time, the oil of anointing was hidden away. What is the penalty of kares? 17:9 - One's offspring die and one's own life is shortened. Which categories of animals must have their blood covered when they are slaughtered? 17:13 - Non domesticated kosher animals and all species of kosher birds. When a person eats a kosher bird that was improperly slaughtered (a neveilah), at what point does he contract tumah? 17:15 - When the food enters the esophagus. The Torah commands the Jewish People not to follow the "chukim" of the Canaanites. What are the forbidden "chukim"? 18:3 - Their social customs. What is the difference between "mishpat" and "chok"? 18:4 - A "mishpat" conforms to the human sense of justice. A "chok" is a law whose reason is not given to us and can only be understood as a decree from Hashem. May a man marry his wife's sister?
May a man marry his wife's sister? 18:18 - Yes, but not during the lifetime of his wife.
Kedoshim Why was Parshat Kedoshim said in front of all the Jewish People? 19:2 - Because the fundamental teachings of the Torah are contained in this Parsha. Why does the Torah mention the duty to honor one's father before it mentions the duty to honor one's mother? 19:3 - Since it is more natural to honor one's mother, the Torah stresses the obligation to honor one's father. Why is the command to fear one's parents followed by the command to keep Shabbat? 19:3 - To teach that one must not violate Torah law even at the command of one's parents. Why does Shabbat observance supersede honoring parents? 19:3 - Because the parents are also commanded by Hashem to observe Shabbat. Parents deserve great honor, but not at the "expense" of Hashem's honor. What is "leket?" 19:9 - "Leket" is one or two stalks of grain accidentally dropped while harvesting. They are left for the poor. In Shemot 20:13, the Torah commands "Do not steal." What does the Torah add when it commands in Vayikra 19:11 "Do not steal?" 19:11 - The Torah in Vayikra prohibits monetary theft. In Shemot it prohibits kidnapping. "Do not do wrong to your neighbor" (19:13). To what "wrong" is the Torah referring? 19:13 - Withholding wages from a worker. By when must you pay someone who worked for you during the day? 19:13 - Before the following dawn. How does Rashi explain the prohibition "Don't put a stumbling block before a sightless person?" 19:13 - Don't give improper advice to a person who is unaware in a matter. For example, don't advise someone to sell his field, when in reality you yourself wish to buy it. In a monetary case involving a poor person and a rich person, a judge is likely to wrongly favor the poor person. What rationale does Rashi give for this? 19:15 - The judge might think: "This rich person is obligated to give charity to this poor person regardless of the outcome of this court case. Therefore, I'll rule in favor of the poor person. That way, he'll receive the financial support he needs without feeling shame. When rebuking someone, what sin must one be careful to avoid? 19:17 - Causing public embarrassment. It's forbidden to bear a grudge. What example does Rashi give of this? 19:18 - Person A asks person B: "Can I borrow your shovel?" Person B says: "No." The next day, B says to A: "Can I borrow your scythe?" A replies: "Sure, I'm not stingy like you are." The Torah forbids tattooing. How is a tattoo made? 19:28 - Ink is injected into the skin with a needle. How does one fulfill the mitzvah of "hadarta p'nei zaken?" 19:32 - By not sitting in the seat of elderly people, and by not contradicting their statements. What punishment will never come to the entire Jewish People?
What punishment will never come to the entire Jewish People? 20:3 - "Karet" -- being spiritually "cut off." What penalty does the Torah state for cursing one's parents? 20:9 - Death by stoning. When the Torah states a death penalty but doesn't define it precisely, to which penalty is it referring? 20:10 - Chenek (strangulation). What will result if the Jewish People ignore the laws of forbidden relationships? 20:22 - The land of Israel will "spit them out." Which of the forbidden relationships listed in this week's Parsha were practiced by the Canaanites? 20:23 - All of them. Is it proper for a Jew to say "I would enjoy eating ham?" 20:26 - Yes.
Emor Which male descendants of Aharon are exempt from the prohibition against contacting a dead body? 21:1 - Challalim - those disqualified from the priesthood because they are descended from a relationship forbidden to a kohen. Does a kohen have an option regarding becoming ritually defiled when his unmarried sister passes away? 21:3 - No, he is required to do so. How does one honor a kohen? 21:8 - He is first in all matters of holiness. For example, a kohen reads from the Torah first, and is usually the one to lead the blessings before and after meals. How does the Torah restrict the Kohen Gadol with regard to mourning? 21:10-12 - He may not allow his hair to grow long, nor attend to his close relatives if they die, nor accompany a funeral procession. The Torah states in verse 22:3 that one who "approaches holy objects" while in a state of tumah (impurity) is penalized with excision. What does the Torah mean by "approaches"? 22:3 - Eats. What is the smallest piece of a corpse that is able to transmit tumah? 22:5 - A piece the size of an olive. Who in the household of a kohen may eat terumah? 22:11 - He, his wife, his sons, his unmarried daughters and his non-Jewish slaves. If the daughter of a kohen marries a "zar" she may no longer eat terumah. What is a zar? 22:12 - A non-kohen. What is the difference between a neder and a nedavah? 22:18 - A neder is an obligation upon a person; a nedavah is an obligation placed upon an object. May a person slaughter an animal and its father on the same day? 22:28 - Yes. The Torah only prohibits slaughtering an animal and its mother on the same day. How does the Torah define "profaning" the Name of G-d? 22:32 - Willfully transgressing the commandments. Apart from Shabbos, how many days are there during the year about which the Torah says
Apart from Shabbos, how many days are there during the year about which the Torah says that work is forbidden? 23:7-36 - Seven. How big is an omer? 23:10 - One tenth of an eipha. On what day do we begin to "count the omer"? 23:15 - On the 16th of Nissan. Why do we begin counting the omer at night? 23:15 - The Torah requires counting seven complete weeks. If we begin counting in the daytime, the seven weeks would not be complete, because according to the Torah a day starts at nightfall. How does the omer differ from other minchah offerings? 23:16 - It was made from barley. The blowing of the shofar on Rosh Hashanah is called a "zichron teruah" (sound of remembrance). For what is it a reminder? 23:24 - The akeidas (binding of) Yitzchak. What is unusual about the wood of the esrog tree? 23:40 - It has the same taste as the fruit. Who was the father of the blasphemer? 24:10 - The Egyptian killed by Moshe (Shemos 2:12). What is the penalty for intentionally wounding one's parent? 24:21 - Death. Behar Why does the Torah specify that the laws of shemita were taught on Har Sinai? 25:1 - To teach us that just as shemita was taught in detail on Har Sinai, so too, all the mitzvot were taught in detail on Har Sinai. If one possesses shemita food after it is no longer available in the field, what must he do with it? 25:7 - Remove it from his property and declare it ownerless. The Torah commands, "You shall sanctify the fiftieth year." How is this done? 25:10 - At the beginning of the year the Beit Din declares, "This year is kadosh (sanctified)." Which two "returns" are announced by the shofar during yovel? 25:10 - The return of the land to its original owner, and the "return" (freedom) of the slave from slavery. From where does the yovel year get its name? 25:10 - From the sounding of the shofar. A ram's horn is called a yovel. What prohibitions are derived from the verse "v'lo tonu ish et amito -- a person shall not afflict his fellow"? 25:17 - One may not intentionally hurt people's feelings, nor give bad advice while secretly intending to reap benefit. What is the punishment for neglecting the laws of shemita? 25:18 - Exile. If shemita is observed properly, how long is the crop of the sixth year guaranteed to last? 25:21,22 - From Nissan of the sixth year until Sukkot of the ninth year.
25:21,22 - From Nissan of the sixth year until Sukkot of the ninth year. After selling an ancestral field, when can one redeem it? 25:24 - After two years following the sale, until yovel. At the beginning of yovel it returns to the family automatically. Under what circumstance may one sell ancestral land? 25:25 - Only if one becomes impoverished. If a home in a walled city is sold, when can it be redeemed? 25:29 - Only within the first year after the sale. Afterwards, even in yovel, it does not return. What does the word "days" mean in this week's Parsha? 25:29 - The days of an entire year. What is considered a walled city? 25:29 - A city that has been surrounded by a wall since the time of Yehoshua. Why does the Torah say in 26:46 "Torot" (plural) and not "Torah" (singular)? 25:35 - A non-Jew who lives in Eretz Yisrael and accepts upon himself not to worship idols. To what is one who leaves Eretz Yisrael compared? 25:38 - To one who worships idols. If a person says "The leg of this animal shall be an olah offering" the animal is sold and sacrificed as an olah offering. What is the status of the money received for the animal? 25:38 - The prohibition against taking interest is accompanied by the phrase, "I am Hashem your G-d who took you out of Egypt." Rashi explains that just as Hashem discerned in Egypt between those who were firstborn and those who were not, so too will Hashem discern and punish those who lend with interest, pretending they are acting on behalf of others. List three prohibitions which demonstrate the dignity with which one must treat a Jewish indentured servant. 25:39-43 1.Do not make him perform humiliating tasks 2.Do not sell him publicly 3.Do not make him perform unnecessary jobs Who supports the family of the Jewish indentured servant during his years of servitude? 25:41 - His master. If a Jew is sold as a servant to a non-Jew, does he go free after six years? 25:54 - No. If he is not redeemed with money, he must wait until the yovel to go free. Where is it permitted to prostrate oneself on a stone floor? 26:1 - In the Mikdash.
Bechukotai To what do the words "bechukotai telechu" (walk in My statutes) refer? 26:3 - Laboring in Torah learning. When is rain "in its season?" 26:4 - At times when people are not outside (e.g., Shabbat nights). What is the blessing of "v'achaltem lachmechem l'sova" (and you shall eat your bread to satisfaction)? 26:5 - You will only require a little bread to be completely satisfied. What is meant by the verse "and a sword will not pass through your land"?
What is meant by the verse "and a sword will not pass through your land"? 26:6 - No foreign army will travel through your land on their way to a different country. Mathematically, if five Jewish soldiers can defeat 100 enemy soldiers, how many enemy soldiers should 100 Jewish soldiers be able to defeat? 26:4 - Two thousand. How much is "revava"? 26:4 - Ten thousand. Which "progression" of seven transgressions are taught in Chapter 26, and why in that particular order? 26:14,15 - Not studying Torah, not observing mitzvot, rejecting those who observe mitzvot, hating Sages, preventing others from observing mitzvot, denying that G-d gave the mitzvot, denying the existence of G-d. They are listed in this order because each transgression leads to the next. What is one benefit which the Jewish People derive from the Land of Israel's state of ruin? 26:32 - No enemy nation will be able to settle in the Land of Israel. What was the duration of the Babylonian exile and why that particular number? 26:35 - 70 years. Because the Jewish People violated 70 shemita and yovel years. How many years did the Jewish People sin in Israel up till the time the northern tribes were exiled? 26:35 - 390 years. In verse 26:42, the name Yaakov is written with an extra "vav." From whom did Yaakov receive this extra letter and why? 26:42 - In five places in the Torah, Yaakov's name is written with an extra "vav" and in five places the name Eliyahu is missing a "vav." Yaakov "took" these vavs as a pledge that Eliyahu will one day come and announce the redemption of Yaakov's children. What positive element is implied by the words "and I will bring them into the land of their enemies?" 26:41 - G-d Himself, so to speak, will bring them into their enemies' land. This means that even when the Jews are in exile, G-d will supply them with leaders who inspire them to keep the Torah. This guards the Jews from assimilating into the host culture. In verse 26:42, why is the word "remember" not used in connection with the name of Yitzchak? 26:42 - Because the image of Yitzchak's ashes (who was prepared to be brought as an offering) upon the altar is always before G-d. Why does the Torah say in 26:46 "Torot" (plural) and not "Torah" (singular)? 26:46 - To teach that both the Written Torah and the Oral Torah were given to Moshe on Har Sinai. What happens when a poor person dedicates the value of a man to the Beit Hamikdash and doesn't have sufficient funds to fulfill his vow? 27:8 - The person whose value was donated goes before the kohen, who sets the obligation according to the poor person's ability to pay. If a person says "The leg of this animal shall be an olah offering" the animal is sold and sacrificed as an olah offering. What is the status of the money received for the animal? 27:9 - The money is "chullin," meaning it does not have "holy" status, except for the value of the animal's leg which does have "holy" status. If a person dedicates his ancestral field to the Beit Hamikdash and fails to redeem it before
If a person dedicates his ancestral field to the Beit Hamikdash and fails to redeem it before yovel what happens to the field? 27:16 - It becomes the property of the kohanim who are on rotation at the beginning of yovel. Where must "ma'aser sheini" be eaten? 27:30 - In Jerusalem. When a person redeems "ma'aser sheini" what happens to the food? What happens to the redemption money? 27:31 - The food becomes permissible to him outside of Jerusalem. The redemption money must be brought to Jerusalem and used to purchase food to be eaten there. How does a person tithe his animals? 27:32 - He passes them through a door individually and every tenth animal he marks with a rod smeared with red dye.
Numbers
Bamidbar Why were the Jewish People counted so frequently? 1:1 - They are very dear to G-d. What documents did the people bring when they were counted? 1:18 - They brought birth records proving their tribal lineage. What determined the color of the tribal flags? 2:2 - Each tribes flag was the color of that tribes stone in the breastplate of the kohen gadol. What is the difference between an "ot" and a "degel"? 2:2 - An "ot" is a flag, i.e., a colored cloth that hangs from a flagpole. A degel is a flagpole. How do we see that the Jews in the time of Moshe observed "techum Shabbat" - the prohibition against traveling more than 2,000 amot on Shabbat? 2:2 - G-d commanded them to camp no more than 2,000 amot from the Ohel Moed. Had they camped farther, it would have been forbidden for them to go to the Ohel Moed on Shabbat. What was the signal for the camp to travel? 2:9 - The cloud over the Ohel Moed departed and the kohanim sounded the trumpets. What was the sum total of the counting of the 12 tribes? 2:32 - 603,550. Why are Aharon's sons called "sons of Aharon and Moshe"? 3:1 - Since Moshe taught them Torah, its as if he gave birth to them. Who was Nadav's oldest son? 3:4 - Nadav had no children. Which two people from the Book of Esther does Rashi mention in this week's Parsha? 3:7 - Bigtan and Teresh. Why did the levi'im receive ma'aser rishon? 3:8 - Since the leviim served in the Mishkan in place of everyone else, they received tithes as "payment." Which groups of people were counted from the age of one month? 3:15, 40 - The leviim, and the firstborn of Bnei Yisrae l. Name the first descendant of Levi in history to be counted as an infant.
Name the first descendant of Levi in history to be counted as an infant. 3:15 - Levis daughter Yocheved was born while the Jewish People were entering Egypt. She is counted as one of the 70 people who entered Egypt. Who assisted Moshe in counting the levi'im? 3:16 G-d. Why did so many people from the tribe of Reuven support Korach in his campaign against Moshe? 3:29 - The tribe of Reuven was encamped near Korach, and were therefore influenced for the worse. This teaches that one should avoid living near the wicked. Why did so many people from the tribes of Yehuda, Yissachar and Zevulun become great Torah scholars? 3:38 - The tribes of Yehuda, Yissachar and Zevulun were encamped near Moshe, and were therefore influenced for the good. This teaches that one should seek to live near the righteous In verse 3:39 the Torah states that the total number of levi'im was 22,000. The actual number was 22,300. Why does the Torah seem to ignore 300 levi'im? 3:39 - Each levi served to redeem a first-born of the Jewish People. Since 300 leviim were themselves firstborn, they themselves needed to be redeemed, and could therefore not redeem others. The firstborn males of the Jewish People were redeemed for five shekalim. Why five shekalim? 3:46 - To atone for the sale of Yosef, Rachels firstborn, who was sold by his brothers for five shekalim (20 pieces of silver.) During what age-span is a man considered at his full strength? 4:2 - Between the ages of 30 and 50. As the camp was readying itself for travel, who was in charge of covering the vessels of the Mishkan in preparation for transport? 4:5 - The kohanim. Naso What is the significance of the number 8,580 in this weeks Parsha? 4:47-48 - It is the number of leviim between ages thirty and fifty. Besides transporting the Mishkan, what other service performed by the leviim is referred to in this Parsha? 4:47 - Singing and playing cymbals and harps to accompany the sacrifices. On which day did Moshe teach the command to send those who are temeim (ritually impure) out of the camp? 5:2 - The day the Mishkan was erected. Name the three camps in the desert. 5:2 - The camp of the Shechina was in the center, surrounded by the camp of Levi which was surrounded by the camp of Yisrael. Who was sent out of each of the camps? 5:2 - A metzora was sent out of all three camps. A zav was permitted in the camp of Yisrael but excluded from the two inner camps. A person who was tamei from contact with the dead had to leave only the camp of the Shechina. A person stole from another and swore that he was innocent. If he later confesses his guilt,
A person stole from another and swore that he was innocent. If he later confesses his guilt, what are his obligations? 5:6-8 - He pays the principle plus a fifth to the victim, and brings a korban asham. Who determines which kohen receives the gifts that must be given to the kohanim? 5:10 - The giver. What does the Torah promise a person who gives matnot kehuna? 5:10 - Great wealth. Why are the verses about matnot kehuna followed by the verses about the sotah? 5:12 - To teach that someone who withholds the gifts due the kohanim is deserving of eventually bringing his wife to the kohanim to be tried as a sotah. Why is the sotah given water from the holy basin? 5:17 - The holy basin was made from the mirrors of the righteous women who left Egypt; the sotah strayed from the example set by these women. What does the kohen do to the hair of a sotah? 5:18 - He uncovers it. When a sotah who is guilty of adultery drinks the water, she dies in a very specific fashion. What happens to the adulterer? 5:22 - He dies a similar death. Before the name of G-d is erased, the sotah has the option either to admit guilt or to drink the water. Does she have a third option? 5:27 - Yes, she can refuse both: She can refuse to admit guilt and also refuse to drink the water. (After the Name of G-d is erased, she loses this option.) What are chartzanim? What are zagim? 6:4 - Chartzanim are seeds. Zagim are peels. What sin does a nazir commit against himself? 6:11 - He abstains from enjoying wine. Where was the cut hair of a nazir placed? 6:18 - It was placed on the fire under the pot in which the nazirs shelamim offering was cooked. A kohen should bless the people "with a full heart". What word in the Parsha conveys this idea of "a full heart"? 6:23 - "Amor." What is the meaning of the blessing "May G-d bless you and guard you?" 6:24 - "May G-d bless you" that your property may increase, "and guard you" from robbery. What is the meaning of the blessing "May G-d lift up His countenance upon you?" 6:26 - "May He suppress His anger." The tribe of Yissachar was the second tribe to offer their gifts. Why did they merit this position? 7:18 - The Tribe of Yissachar was well versed in Torah. Also, they proposed the idea that the nesiim should offer gifts.
Be'halot'cha Toward which direction did the wicks of the menorah burn, and why? 8:2 - They leaned toward the middle wick so people wouldn't say that the menorah was lit for its light.
its light. From what material and in what manner was the menorah made? 8:4 - It was made from one solid piece of hammered gold. Moshe was commanded to cleanse the levi'im by sprinkling on them "mei chatat." What is "mei chatat"? 8:7 - Water containing ashes of the para aduma. Which three "t'nufot" (wavings) are in the parsha? 8:11 - The wavings of Kehat, Gershon and Merari. Why did G-d claim the first-born of the Jewish People as His possession? 8:17 - Because in Egypt He spared them during makat bechorot. Why are the words "Bnei Yisrael" repeated five times in verse 8:19? 8:19 - To show G-d's love for them. When a levi reaches age 50, which functions may he still perform? 8:25 - Closing the courtyard gates of the Mishkan and Beit Hamikdash; singing during the avoda; loading the wagons to transport the Mishkan. Why was the mitzvah of Pesach Sheini not commanded directly to Moshe? 9:7 - The people who asked about it were rewarded by being the catalyst for the teaching of this mitzvah. What similarity is there between the menorah and the trumpets? 8:4, 10:2 - They were each made from a single, solid block. What three purposes did trumpet signals serve? 10:2-7 - Announcement of the gathering of Bnei Yisrael, the gathering of the nesi'im, and the beginning of a move of the encampment. How many tribes marched between the Gershon-Merari detachment and that of Kehat? How was the time differential used? 10:17-21 - Three: Reuven, Shimon and Gad. In the meantime Gershon and Merari set up the Mishkan. The tribe of Dan, who traveled last, was called "the gatherer of all the camps." What did they gather? 10:25 - They gathered and returned things lost by the other tribes. When the Jewish People entered the Land, who took temporary possession of Jericho? 10:32 - The children of Yitro. Which aron is referred to in verse 10:33? 10:33 - The aron which held the broken pieces of the first tablets, that was taken to the battlefront. Which two topics are out of chronological order in the parsha? 9:1, 10:35,36 - The Pesach sacrifice, and the traveling of the aron. Which tastes did the manna not offer, and why not? 11:5 - Cucumbers, melons, leeks, onion and garlic - these are harmful to nursing women. Moshe was commanded to choose 70 elders to help him lead the Jewish People. What happened to the elders who led the Jewish People in Egypt? 11:16 - They were consumed in the fire at Taverah (11:3). Who did Moshe choose as elders? 11:16 - People who were supervisors in Egypt and had pity on Bnei Yisrael at risk to themselves. What was the prophecy of Eldad and Medad?
What was the prophecy of Eldad and Medad? 11:28 - "Moshe will die and Yehoshua will lead the Jewish People into the Land." Why did Miriam merit to have the people wait for her? 12:15 - Because she waited for Moshe when he was cast into the river.
Shlach Why is the portion about the spies written immediately after the portion about Miriam's tzara'at? 13:2 - To show the evil of the meraglim (spies), that they saw Miriam punished for lashon hara (negative speech) yet failed to take a lesson from it. To what was Moshe referring when he asked the spies "Are there trees in the land"? 13:20 - Were there any righteous people in the land whose merit would "shade" the Canaanites from attack? Who built Hebron? 13:22 - Cham. Which fruits did the meraglim bring back? 13:23 - A cluster of grapes, a pomegranate and a fig. How many people carried the grape cluster? 13:23 - Eight. Why did G-d shorten the meraglim's journey? 13:25 - G-d knew the Jews would sin and be punished with a year's wandering for each day of the spies' mission. So He shortened the journey to soften the decree. Why did the meraglim begin by saying the land is "flowing with milk and honey"? 13:27 - Any lie which doesn't start with an element of truth won't be believed. Therefore, they began their false report with a true statement. Why did the meraglim list Amalek first among the hostile nations they encountered? 13:29 - To frighten the Jews. The Jewish People were afraid of Amalek because Amalek had once attacked them. How did Calev quiet the people? 13:30 - He fooled them by shouting, "Is this all that the son of Amram did to us?" The people quieted themselves to hear what disparaging thing Calev wished to say about the "son of Amram" (Moshe). Why did the Land appear to "eat its inhabitants"? 13:32 - G-d caused many deaths among the Canaanites so they would be preoccupied with burying their dead and not notice the meraglim. Besides the incident of the meraglim, what other sin led to the decree of 40 years in the desert? 13:33 - The golden calf. On what day did Bnei Yisrael cry due to the meraglim's report? How did this affect future generations? 14:1 - The 9th of Av (Tisha B'av). This date therefore became a day of crying for all future generations: Both Temples were destroyed on this date. "Don't fear the people of the Land...their defense is departed." (14:9) Who was their chief "defender"? 14:9 - Iyov.
14:9 - Iyov. Calev and Yehoshua praised Eretz Canaan and tried to assure the people that they could be victorious. How did the people respond? 14:10 - They wanted to stone them. "How long shall I bear this evil congregation?" G-d is referring to the 10 meraglim who slandered the Land. What halacha do we learn from this verse? 14:27 - That ten men are considered a congregation. How is the mitzvah of challa different from other mitzvot associated with Eretz Yisrael? 15:18 - The obligation to observe other mitzvot associated with Eretz Yisrael began only after the possession and division of the Land. The mitzvah of challa was obligatory immediately upon entering the Land. What is the minimum amount of challa to be given to a kohen according to Torah Law? Rabbinic Law? 15:20 - No fixed amount is stated by the Torah. Rabbinic Law requires a household to give 1/24 and a baker to give 1/48. Verse 15:22 refers to what sin? How does the text indicate this? 15:22 - Idolatry. "All these commandments" means one transgression which is equal to transgressing all the commandments - i.e. idolatry. Moshe's doubt regarding the punishment of the mekoshesh etzim (wood-gatherer) was different than his doubt regarding the punishment of the blasphemer. How did it differ? 15:34 - Moshe knew that the mekoshesh etzim was liable for the death penalty, but not which specific means of death. Regarding the blasphemer, Moshe didn't know if he was liable for the death penalty. How do the tzitzit remind us of the 613 commandments? 15:39 - The numerical value of the word tzitzit is 600. Tzitzit have eight threads and five knots. Add these numbers and you get 613.
Korach Why did Datan and Aviram join Korach? 16:1 - Because they were his neighbors. Why is Yaakov's name not mentioned in Korach's genealogy? 16:1 - Yaakov prayed that his name not be mentioned in connection with Korach's rebellion (Bereishet 49:6). What motivated Korach to rebel? 16:1 - Korach was jealous that Elizafan ben Uziel was appointed as leader of the family of Kehat instead of himself. What did Korach and company do when Moshe said that a techelet garment needs tzizit? 16:1 - They laughed. What warning did Moshe give the rebels regarding the offering of the incense? 16:6 - Only one person would survive. Did Moshe want to be the kohen gadol? 16-6 - Yes. What event did Korach not foresee? 16:7 - That his sons would repent. What does the phrase rav lachem mean in this week's Parsha? (Give two answers.)
What does the phrase rav lachem mean in this week's Parsha? (Give two answers.) 16:7,3 - Rav lachem appears twice in this week's Parsha. It means "much more than enough greatness have you taken for yourself (16:3)" and "It is a great thing I have said to you (16:17)." What lands are described in this week's Parsha as "flowing with milk and honey"? 16:12 - Egypt and Canaan. When did Moshe have the right to take a donkey from the Jewish community? 16:15 - When he traveled from Midian to Egypt. What did Korach do the night before the final confrontation? 16:19 - Korach went from tribe to tribe in order to rally support for himself. What sin did Datan and Aviram have in common specifically with Goliath? 16:27 - They all blasphemed. Before what age is a person not punished by the Heavenly Court for his sins? 16:27 - Twenty years old. What happens to one who rebels against the institution of kehuna? Who suffered such a fate? 17:5 - He is stricken with tzara'at, as was King Uziyahu (Divrei HaYamim II 26:16-19). Why specifically was incense used to stop the plague? 17:13 - Because the people were deprecating the incense offering, saying that it caused the death of two of Aharon's sons and also the death of 250 of Korach's followers. Therefore G-d demonstrated that the incense offering was able to avert death, and it is sin, not incense, which causes death. Why was Aharon's staff placed in the middle of the other 11 staffs? 17:21 - So people would not say that Aharon's staff bloomed because Moshe placed it closer to the Shechina. Aharon's staff was kept as a sign. What did it signify? 17:25 - That only Aharon and his children were selected for the kehuna. Why are the 24 gifts for the kohanim taught in this week's Parsha? 18:8 - Since Korach claimed the kehuna, the Torah emphasizes Aharon's and his descendants' rights to kehuna by recording the gifts given to them. Who may eat the kodshei kodashim (most holy sacrifices) and where must they be eaten? 18:10 - Male kohanim may eat them and only in the azara (forecourt of the Beit Hamikdash). Why is G-d's covenant with the kohanim called "a covenant of salt"? 18:19 - Just as salt never spoils, so this covenant will never be rescinded.
Chukat "Take a perfect para aduma (red heifer)." What does the word "perfect" temima mean in this context? 19:2 - Perfectly red. How many non-red hairs disqualify a cow as a para aduma? 19:2 - Two. man dies in a tent. What happens to the sealed metal and earthenware utensils in the tent? 19:14,15 - The metal utensils are impure for seven days, even if they are sealed. The sealed earthenware vessels are unaffected. What happens to the one who: a) sprinkles the water mixed with the ashes of the para
What happens to the one who: a) sprinkles the water mixed with the ashes of the para aduma; b) touches the water; c) carries the water? 19:21 - a) Remains tahor; b) He, but not his clothing, contracts tumah; c) He and his clothing contract tumah. Why was the mitzvah of the para aduma entrusted to Elazar rather than to Aharon? 19:22 - Because Aharon was involved in the sin of the golden calf. Why does the Torah stress that all of the congregation came to Midbar Tzin? 20:1 - To teach that they were all fit to enter the Land; everyone involved in the sin of the spies already died. Why is Miriam's death taught after the law of para aduma? 20:1 - To teach that just as sacrifices bring atonement, so too does the death of the righteous. During their journey in the midbar, in whose merit did the Jewish People receive water? 20:2 - Miriam's. Why did Moshe need to strike the rock a second time? 20:11 - After he hit it the first time, only a few drops came out since he was commanded to speak to the rock. When Moshe told the King of Edom that the Jewish People would not drink from the wellwater, to which well did he refer? What do we learn from this? 20:17 - To the well that traveled with the nation in the midbar. This teaches that one who has adequate provisions should nevertheless purchase goods from his host in order to benefit the host. The cloud that led the Jewish People leveled all mountains in their path except three. Which three and why? 20:22 - Har Sinai for receiving the Torah, Har Nevo for Moshe's burial, and Hor Hahar for Aharon's burial. Why did the entire congregation mourn Aharon's death? 20:29 - Aharon made peace between contending parties and between spouses. Thus, everybody mourned him. What disappeared when Aharon died? 20:29 - The clouds of glory disappeared, since they sheltered the Jews in Aharon's merit. Which "inhabitant of the South" (21:1) attacked the Jews? 21:1 - Amalek. For what two reasons did G-d punish the people with snakes specifically? 21:6 - The original snake, which was punished for speaking evil, is fitting to punish those who spoke evil about G-d and about Moshe. And the snake, to which everything tastes like dust, is fitting to punish those who complained about the manna which changed to any desired taste. Why did the Jewish People camp in Arnon, rather than pass through Moav to enter Eretz Canaan? 21:13 - Moav refused them passage. What miracle took place at the valley of Arnon? 21:15 - The Amorites hid in caves in the mountain on the Moabite side of the valley in order to ambush the Jews. When the Jews approached, the mountain on the Eretz Canaan side of the valley moved close to the other mountain and the Amorites were crushed. What was the "strength" of Amon that prevented the Jewish People from entering into their Land?
their Land? 21:24 - G-d's command, "Do not harass them" (Devarim 2:19). Why was Moshe afraid of Og? 21:34 - Og had once been of service to Avraham. Moshe was afraid that this merit would assist Og in battle. Who killed Og? 21:35 - Moshe.
Balak Why did Moav consult specifically with Midian regarding their strategy against the Jews? 22:4 - Since Moshe grew up in Midian, the Moabites thought the Midianites might know wherein lay Moshe's power. What was Balak's status before becoming Moav's king? 22:4 - He was a prince of Midian. Why did G-d grant prophecy to the evil Bilaam? 22:5 - So the other nations couldn't say, "If we had had prophets, we also would have become righteous." Why did Balak think Bilaam's curse would work? 22:6 - Because Bilaam's curse had helped Sichon defeat Moav. When did Bilaam receive his prophecies? 22:8 - Only at night. G-d asked Bilaam, "Who are these men with you?" What did Bilaam deduce from this question? 22:9 - He mistakenly reasoned that G-d isn't all-knowing. How do we know Bilaam hated the Jews more than Balak did? 22:11 - Balak wanted only to drive the Jews from the land. Bilaam sought to exterminate them completely. What is evidence of Bilaam's arrogance? 22:13 - He implied that G-d wouldn't let him go with the Moabite princes due to their lesser dignity. In what way was the malach that opposed Bilaam an angel of mercy? 22:22 - It mercifully tried to stop Bilaam from sinning and destroying himself. How did Bilaam die? 22:23 - He was killed with a sword. Why did the malach kill Bilaam's donkey? 22:33 - So that people shouldn't see it and say, "Here's the donkey that silenced Bilaam." Gd is concerned with human dignity. Bilaam compared his meeting with an angel to someone else's meeting with an angel. Who was the other person and what was the comparison? 22:34 - Avraham. Bilaam said, "G-d told me to go but later sent an angel to stop me. The same thing happened to Avraham: G-d told Avraham to sacrifice Yitzchak but later canceled the command through an angel." Bilaam told Balak to build seven altars. Why specifically seven? 23:4 - Corresponding to the seven altars built by the Avot. Bilaam said to G-d, "The Jewish People's ancestors built seven altars, but I alone have built altars equal to all of them."
People's ancestors built seven altars, but I alone have built altars equal to all of them." Who in Jewish history seemed fit for a curse, but got a blessing instead? 23:8 - Yaakov, when Yitzchak blessed him. Why are the Jewish People compared to lions? 23:24 - They rise each morning and "strengthen" themselves to do mitzvot. On Bilaam's third attempt to curse the Jews, he changed his strategy. What was different? 24:1 - He began mentioning the Jewish People's sins, hoping thus to be able to curse them. What were Bilaam's three main characteristics? 24:2 - An evil eye, pride and greed. What did Bilaam see that made him decide not to curse the Jews? 24:2 - He saw each tribe dwelling without intermingling. He saw the tents arranged so no one could see into his neighbor's tent. What phrase in Bilaam's self-description can be translated in two opposite ways, both of which come out meaning the same thing? 24:3 - "Shatum ha'ayin." It means either "the poked-out eye," implying blindness in one eye; or it means "the open eye", which means vision but implies blindness in the other eye. Bilaam told Balak that the Jews' G-d hates what? 24:14 - Promiscuity.
Pinchas Why was Pinchas not originally a kohen? 25:13 - Kehuna (priesthood) was given to Aharon and his sons (not grandsons), and to any of their descendants born after they were anointed. Pinchas, Aharon's grandson, was born prior to the anointing. Why was Moav spared the fate of Midian? 25:18 - For the sake of Ruth, a future descendant of Moav. What does the yud and hey added to the family names testify? 26:5 - That the families were truly children of their tribe. Korach and his congregation became a "sign." What do they signify? 26:10 - That kehuna was given forever to Aharon and his sons, and that no one should ever dispute this. Why did Korach's children survive? 26:11 - Because they repented. Name six families in this Parsha whose names are changed. 26:13,16,24,38,39,42 - Zerach, Ozni, Yashuv, Achiram, Shfufam, Shucham. Who was Yaakov's only living granddaughter at the time of the census? 26:46 - Serach bat Asher How many years did it take to conquer the Land? How long to divide the Land? 26:53 - Seven years. Seven years. Two brothers leave Egypt and die in the midbar. One brother has three sons. The other brother has only one son. When these four cousins enter the Land, how many portions will the one son get? 26:55 - Two portions. That is, the four cousins merit four portions among them. These four portions are then split among them as if their fathers were inheriting them; i.e., two portions to one father and two portions to the other father.
to one father and two portions to the other father. What do Yocheved, Ard and Na'aman all have in common? 26:24,56 - They came down to Mitzrayim in their mothers' wombs. Why did the decree to die in the desert not apply to the women? 26:64 - In the incident of the meraglim, only the men wished to return to Egypt. The women wanted to enter Eretz Yisrael. What trait did Tzlofchad's daughters exhibit that their ancestor Yosef also exhibited? 27:1 - Love for Eretz Yisrael. Why does the Torah change the order of Tzlofchad's daughters' names? 27:1 - To teach that they were equal in greatness. Tzlofchad died for what transgression? 27:3 - Rabbi Akiva says that Tzlofchad gathered sticks on Shabbat. Rabbi Shimon says that Tzlofchad was one who tried to enter Eretz Yisrael after the sin of the meraglim. Why did Moshe use the phrase "G-d of the spirits of all flesh"? 27:16 - He was asking G-d, who knows the multitude of dispositions among the Jewish People, to appoint a leader who can deal with each person on that person's level. Moshe "put some of his glory" upon Yehoshua. What does this mean? 27:20 - That Yehoshua's face beamed like the moon. Where were the daily offerings slaughtered? 28:3 - At a spot opposite the sun. The morning offering was slaughtered on the west side of the slaughtering area and the afternoon offering on the east side. Goats are brought as musaf sin-offerings. For what sin do they atone? 28:15 - For unnoticed ritual impurity of the Sanctuary or its vessels. Why is Shavuot called Yom Habikkurim? 28:26 - The Shavuot double-bread offering was the first wheat-offering made from the new crop. What do the 70 bulls offered on Succot symbolize? 29:18 - The seventy nations.
Matot Who may annul a vow? 30:2 - Preferably, an expert in the laws of nedarim. Otherwise, three ordinary people. When may a father annul his widowed daughter's vows? 30:10 - If she is under 12 1/2 years old and widowed before she was fully married. Why were the Jewish People not commanded to attack Moav, as they were to attack Midian? 31:2 - Because Moav only acted out of fear against the Jewish People. Also, Ruth was destined to come from Moav. Those selected to fight Midian went unwillingly. Why? 31:5 - They knew that Moshe's death would follow. What holy vessels accompanied the Jewish People into battle? 31:6 - The aron and the tzitz. Those who killed in the war against Midian were required to remain outside the"machane" (camp). Which machane? 31:19 - The Machane Shechina. Besides removing traces of forbidden food, what else is needed to make metal vessels
Besides removing traces of forbidden food, what else is needed to make metal vessels obtained from a non-Jew fit for a Jewish owner? 31:23 - Immersion in a mikve. "We will build sheep-pens here for our livestock and cities for our little ones." What was improper about this statement? 32:16 - They showed more regard for their property than for their children. During the conquest of the Land, where did Bnei Gad and Bnei Reuven position themselves? 32:17 - At the head of the troops. What promise did Bnei Gad and Bnei Reuven make beyond that which Moshe required? 32:24 - Moshe required them to remain west of the Jordan during the conquest of the Land. They promised to remain after the conquest until the Land was divided among the tribes.
Masay Why does the Torah list the places where the Jewish People camped? 33:1 - To show G-d's love of the Jewish People. Although it was decreed that they wander in the desert, they did not travel continuously. During 38 years, they moved only 20 times. Why did the King of Arad feel at liberty to attack the Jewish People? 33:40 - When Aharon died, the clouds of glory protecting the Jewish People departed. What length was the camp in the midbar? 33:49 - Twelve mil (one mil is 2,000 amot). Why does the Torah need to specify the boundaries that are to be inherited by the Jewish People? 34:2 - Because certain mitzvot apply only in the Land. What was the nesi'im's role in dividing the Land? 34:17 - Each nasi represented his tribe. He also allocated the inheritance to each family in his tribe. When did the three cities east of the Jordan begin to function as refuge cities? 35:13 - After Yehoshua separated three cities west of the Jordan. There were six refuge cities, three on each side of the Jordan. Yet, on the east side of the Jordan there were only two and a half tribes. Why did they need three cities? 35:14 - Because murders were more common there. To be judged as an intentional murderer, what type of weapon must the murderer use? 35:16 - One capable of inflicting lethal injury. Why is the kohen gadol blamed for accidental deaths? 35:25 - He should have prayed that such things not occur. When an ancestral field moves by inheritance from one tribe to another, what happens to it in yovel? 36:4 - It remains with the new tribe.
Deuteronomy
Devarim How do we see from the beginning of Parshat Devarim that Moshe was concerned for the
How do we see from the beginning of Parshat Devarim that Moshe was concerned for the Jewish Peoples honor? 1:1 Moshe mentions only the names of the places where the Jewish People sinned, but does not mention the sins themselves. How much time elapsed between leaving Mt. Sinai and sending the spies? 1:2 - 40 days. Moshe rebuked the Jewish People shortly before his death. From whom did he learn this? 1:3 - From Yaakov, who rebuked his sons shortly before his death. Why did Moshe wait until he had smitten the Amorite kings before rebuking the Jewish People? 1:4 So that no one could say, "What right has he to rebuke us; has he brought us into any part of the Land as he promised?" What were some of the achievements that resulted from the Jewish People "dwelling" at Mt. Sinai? 1:6 - They received the Torah, built the mishkan and all its vessels, appointed a Sanhedrin, and appointed officers. Why does the Torah single out the names of the avot in connection with the giving of the Land? 1:8 - Each of the avot possessed sufficient merit for the Jewish People to inherit the Land. What did Moshe convey to the Jewish People by saying: "You today are like the stars of the Heavens"? 1:10 - They are an eternal people, just as the sun, moon and stars are eternal. "Apikorsim" (those who denigrate Talmud scholars) observed Moshes every move in order to accuse him. What did they observe, and what did they accuse him of? 1:13 They observed the time he left home in the morning. If Moshe left early, they accused him of having family problems (which drove him from his home). If he left late, they accused him of staying home in order to plot evil against them. Moshe was looking for several qualities in the judges he chose. Which quality couldn't he find? 1:15 - Men of understanding. Moshe told the judges, "The case that is too hard for you, bring it to me." How was he punished for this statement? 1:17 - When the daughters of Tzlofchad asked him a halachic question, the law was concealed from him. Why did Moshe describe the desert as great and frightful? 1:19 - Because the Jewish People saw huge, frightening snakes and scorpions in the desert. Which tribe was not represented among the spies? 1:23 - Levi. Which city did Calev inherit? 1:36 - Hebron. How many kingdoms was Avraham promised? How many were conquered by Yehoshua? 2:5 - Avraham was promised the land of ten kingdoms. Yehoshua conquered seven. The lands of Moav, Ammon and Esav will be received in the time of the mashiach. Why were the Jewish People forbidden to provoke Ammon? 2:9 - This was a reward for Lots younger daughter, the mother of Ammon, for concealing her fathers improper conduct.
fathers improper conduct. Why were the Jewish People not permitted to conquer the Philistines? 2:23 - Because Avraham had made a peace treaty with Avimelech, King of the Philistines. How did Hashem instill the dread of the Jewish People into the nations of the world? 2:25 - During the battle against Og, the sun stood still for the sake of the Jewish People, and the whole world saw this. Why did Moshe fear Og? 3:2 - Og possessed merit for having once helped Avraham. Who was instrumental in destroying the Refaim? 3:11 - Amrafel. What was the advantage of Reuven and Gad leading the way into battle? 3:18 - They were mighty men, and the enemy would succumb to them.
V'etchanan "And I prayed to Hashem at that time." Why "at that time"? 3:23 - Defeating Sichon and Og, whose lands were part of Eretz Canaan, Moshe thought perhaps Hashem had annulled the vow against his entering the Land. What characteristic trait is represented by Hashem's "strong hand"? 3:24 - His willingness to forgive. What is ha'levanon? 3:25 - Ha'levanon means the Beit Hamikdash, which makes "white" (lavan), i.e., atones for, the Jewish People. What did Hashem tell Yehoshua after the battle of Ai? 3:28 - Yehoshua must lead the army into battle. What will happen if the Jewish People fail to keep the mitzvot properly? 4:9 - The non-Jewish world will regard them as foolish. How did the decree that Moshe not enter the Land affect him even in death? 4:22 - Even his remains weren't buried in the Land. What is hinted by the word v'noshantem? 4:25 - The gematria of v'noshantem, 852, hints at the number of years until the first exile. Why were the Jewish People exiled two years earlier than indicated by Moshe's prophecy? 4:25 - So that the rest of the prophecy "that you shall utterly perish" would not be fulfilled. "You'll serve man-made gods." Is this literal? 4:28 - No. It means you'll serve others who serve idols. Why is east called mizrach? 4:41 - It's the direction from which the sun shines (mizrach means shining). "Keep the Shabbat day as I have commanded you." When had Hashem previously commanded us to keep Shabbat? 5:13 - Before Matan Torah, at Marah. (Shmot 15:25) Where did the Jewish People first receive the command to honor parents? 5:16 - At Marah. (Shmot 15:25). What is meant by "Hashem, our G-d, Hashem is One"? 6:4 - Hashem, who is now our G-d, but not [accepted as] G-d of the other nations, will eventually be [accepted as] the one and only G-d. What are two meanings of loving Hashem "with all your might"? 6:5 - 1) With everything you own. 2) Whether Hashem treats you with kindness or harshness.
6:5 - 1) With everything you own. 2) Whether Hashem treats you with kindness or harshness. How well-versed must one be in Torah? 6:7 - If asked a Torah question, one should be able to reply quickly and clearly. Where does the word totafot come from? 6:8 - Tot means two in Caspi. Fot means two in Afriki. Together they allude to the four sections of tefillin. Who is fit to swear in Hashem's name? 6:13 - One who serves Hashem and reveres His name. What does it mean that the Jews are the "smallest nation"? 7:7 - B'nei Yisrael are the humblest nation. When someone serves Hashem with love, how many generations receive reward? 7:9 - 2,000. Why are evil-doers rewarded in this world? 7:10 - So that they get no reward in the next world.
Ekev What must the Jewish People do to ensure that Hashem will fulfill His promise to do good for us? 7:12 - Guard even the "light" commandments. What were the: (a) wonders (b) strong hand (c) outstretched arm that the Jewish People saw in Egypt? 7:19 - The: (a) Plagues; (b) Pestilence; (c) Slaying of the firstborn. When a group performs a mitzvah, whose name is attached to the mitzvah? 8:1 - The person who finishes it. How did the Jewish People do their laundry in the midbar? 8:4 - The ananei kavod (clouds of glory) cleaned and bleached their clothes. How did the Jewish People obtain clothing for their growing children in the midbar? 8:4 - As their children grew, their clothing grew with them. How many days did Moshe spend on Mt. Sinai altogether? 9:18 - 120 days. On what day did Moshe come down from Mt. Sinai having received complete forgiveness for the Jewish People? 9:18 - The tenth of Tishrei, Yom Kippur. How was Aharon punished for his role in the golden calf? 9:20 - His two sons died. Who made the ark in which Moshe placed the second set of tablets? What special function did it later serve? 10:1 - Moshe. This ark would accompany the Jewish People into battle. Which sin of the Jewish People was prompted by the death of Aharon?
Which sin of the Jewish People was prompted by the death of Aharon? 10:6-7 - When Aharon died the ananei kavod departed, causing many Jews to fear war with the King of Arad and to retreat toward Egypt. Why were the levi'im chosen by Hashem? 10:8 - Because they did not participate in the sin of the golden calf. Why do the levi'im have no portion in the land? 10:9 - Since they served in the Temple, thus they were not free to work the land. All aspects of man's life are in Hashem's "hands" except one. What is this? 10:12 - Fear of Heaven, which is dependent upon the person. What is the "added benefit" of observing the mitzvot? 10:13 - There is reward. What is meant by circumcising one's heart? 10:16 - To remove those things that block the words of Torah from entering. What are the sources of water for the fields of Egypt and Eretz Yisrael? 11:10 - Egypt is irrigated by manually carrying water up from the Nile. Eretz Yisrael is supplied by rainwater requiring no work on the part of its inhabitants. What path does the Torah prescribe for gaining new knowledge? 11:13 - By repeatedly reviewing what one knows, one more easily acquires new knowledge. Which activity is "serving Hashem with the heart"? 11:13 - Prayer. When the Jewish People sin, why are they considered worse than the generation of the flood? 11:17 - Because the generation of the flood had no one from whom to learn. How does one "cleave to Hashem"? 11:22 - Attaching oneself to Torah scholars.
Re'eh What were the sites designated for the "blessings and the curses" to be pronounced by the people? 11:26 - Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Eval, respectively. On what condition will Bnei Yisrael receive the blessings from Hashem? 11:27 - On condition that they listen to Hashem's commandments. Why does the Torah use idolatry as an example when describing one who strays from the path that Hashem commanded? 11:28 - Because those who worship idols are considered as if they have strayed from the entire Torah. What was to be the sign for the Jewish People that they would inherit the Land? 11:31 - The miracles that would occur while crossing the Jordan River. During the 14 years of the conquest and division of the Land, what types of offerings were permitted on private altars? 12:8 - Vow offerings or free-will offerings. What must one do with consecrated animals that develop a blemish? 12:15 - They must be redeemed and may then be eaten. In what ways does a consecrated animal that develops a blemish retain a degree of kedusha (holiness) even after it has been redeemed?
(holiness) even after it has been redeemed? 12:15 - Eating it is permitted, but use of its milk or fleece is forbidden. Why was the tribe of Yehuda not permitted to conquer Jerusalem? 12:17 - When Avraham bought ma'arat hamachpelah, he made a covenant of peace with the Hittites who sold it. His descendants honored this pact regarding the Hittite descendants in Jerusalem. In consecutive verses, the Torah repeats the prohibition against eating blood. What two types of blood are referred to? 12:24-25 - Blood that seeps slowly from the incision as soon as the cut is made and again after it no longer gushes. Blood absorbed into the limbs of the animal. Why were the Jewish People allowed to see the extermination of the Canaanites? 12:30 - To learn not to follow in their depraved ways. What forms of idol worship are punishable by death? 12:30 - Slaughtering or burning a sacrifice on an altar, pouring libations, prostrating oneself, and any normal manner of worshipping that idol. If a person performs miracles in the name of Hashem and then says that the laws of the Torah have been revised, what is done to this person? 13:2-6 - He is put to death. The Torah says, "to Him (Hashem) you shall cleave." How does one fulfill this command? 13:5 - One should emulate Hashem's actions by performing good deeds, assisting in burying the dead and visiting the sick. The trial of a person accused of encouraging others to worship idols differs from the trial of other capital cases. How? 13:10 - If he was acquitted and new information of a condemning nature arises, he is retried. If he was judged guilty, he is not returned to court to plead in his favor. Who has the primary responsibility of inflicting the punishment on one who tried to entice others to worship idols? 13:10 - The person whom the guilty one attempted to entice. What is the "source" of the Jewish People being an am kadosh (holy nation)? 14:2 - The kedusha is inherited from the avot. How should the Jewish People maintain themselves as an am kadosh? 14:21 - By avoiding excesses even in permitted matters. What is the order of priority regarding to whom one should give charity? 15:7 - The most needy, a brother from one's father, a brother from one's mother, the poor of one's city, the poor of another city. What mitzvah recalls the Exodus from Egypt? 16:3 - Eating the korban pesach and the matzah on the night of Pesach. Which four individuals are under Hashem's "special protection"? 16:10 - A levi, convert, orphan, and widow.
Shoftim What is the role of shoftim? What is the role of shotrim? 16:18 - Shoftim are judges who pronounce judgment. Shotrim are officers who enforce it. What qualifications should one look for when appointing a judge? 16:18 - That he is expert in the law and that he is righteous.
16:18 - That he is expert in the law and that he is righteous. May a judge accept a bribe if only for the purpose of judging fairly? 16:19 - No, because it will sway his judgment. What is the source for the concept "seek out a good beit din"? 16:20 - "Tzedek tzedek tirdof...." Although the avot built matzevot, the Torah later forbade doing so. Why? 16:22 - Because the Canaanites used them for idolatry. "You will come to...the judge who will be in those days." It's impossible to visit a judge living at a different time, so why must the Torah add these apparently extra words? 17:9 - To teach that although a judge may not be as eminent as judges of previous generations, we must obey him nevertheless. What does Hashem promise a king who doesn't amass much gold, doesn't raise many horses and doesn't marry many wives? 17:18 - That his kingdom will endure. How many Torah scrolls must the king have? 17:18 - Two. One stays in his treasury and one he keeps with him. How was King Shaul punished for disobeying a minor command of the Prophet Shmuel? 17:20 - He lost his kingship. Certain kosher animals are not included in the law of "chazeh, shok and keiva." Which ones? 18:3 - Chayot (non-domestic-type animals). Families of kohanim served in the Beit Hamikdash on a rotational basis. When was this rotation system implemented? 18:8 - During the time of David and Shmuel. Which three categories of false prophets are executed? 18:20 - One who prophesies something he didn't hear, something told to another prophet, or prophecies in the name of an idol. What does it mean to "prepare the way" to the cities of refuge? 19:3 - To post direction signs saying "refuge" at the crossroads. How many witnesses are meant when the Torah writes the word eid (witness)? 19:15 - Two, unless otherwise specified. "Through the mouth of two witnesses...." What types of testimony does this verse invalidate? 19:15 - Written testimony and testimony translated from a language which the judges don't understand. If witnesses in a capital case are proven to be zomemim (false-conspirators) before their intended victim is executed, how are they punished? 19:19 - They are put to death. Why does the section about going to war follow the laws governing witnesses? 20:1 - To teach that if the Jewish People execute fair judgment they will be victorious in war. The Jewish army is warned of four "scare-tactics" the enemy might employ. What are they? 20:3 (a)Clanging their shields (b)Making their horses stomp and whinny (c)Shouting (d)Blowing horns.
(d)Blowing horns. When a murder victim is found in a field, who determines which city is closest? 21:2 - The Sanhedrin. What happens if the murderer is found after the calf's neck was broken? 21:9- He is tried and, if guilty, executed.
Ki Tetzei Why must a captured woman mourn her family for a month in her captor's house? 21:13 - So her captor will find her unattractive. What fraction of the inheritance does a first-born receive if he has a) one brother? b) two brothers? 21:17 - a) 2/3 b) 1/2 What will become of a ben sorer u'moreh if his parents don't bring him to court? 21:22 - He will eventually rob and kill to support his physical indulgences. Why is it a degradation to G-d to hang a criminal's body on the gallows overnight? 21:23 - Because humans are made in G-d's image; and because the Jewish People are G-d's children. What do you do if you find a lost object that costs money to maintain? 22:2 - Sell it and save the money for the owner. Why does the Torah forbid wearing the clothing of the opposite gender? 22:5 - It leads to immorality. Why does the Torah link the mitzvah of sending away the mother-bird with the mitzvah of making a railing on the roof of your house? 22:8 - To teach that one mitzvah leads to another, and to prosperity. When is it permitted to wear wool and linen? 22:12 - Wool tzitzit on a linen garment. What three things happen to a man who falsely slanders his bride? 22:18 - He receives lashes, pays a fine of 100 silver selah, and may never divorce her against her will. Although the Egyptians enslaved the Jewish People, the Torah allows marriage with their third-generation converts. Why? 23:8 - Because they hosted Yaakov and his family during the famine. Why is causing someone to sin worse than killing him? 23:9 - Murder takes away life in this world, while causing someone to sin takes away his life in the World to Come. If one charges interest to his fellow Jew, how many commandments has he transgressed? 23:21 - Three; two negative commandments and a positive commandment. What is the groom's special obligation to his bride during their first year together? 24:5 - To gladden her. When is a groom required to fight in a non-obligatory war? 24:5 - When he remarries his ex-wife. What type of object may one not take as collateral? 24:6 - Utensils used to prepare food.
Ki Tavo
Ki Tavo When did the obligation to bring bikkurim begin? 26:1 - After the Land was conquered and divided. Bikkurim are from which crops? 26:2 - The seven species for which Eretz Yisrael is praised. How does one designate bikkurim? 26:2 - When he sees the first fruit ripen on a tree, he binds a piece of straw around it to mark it as bikkurim. Who shakes the basket containing the bikkurim? 26:4 - The kohen places his hands under the hands of the one bringing it, and they wave the basket together. What does "v'anita v'amarta" mean? 26:5 - Speak loudly. Which Arami "tried to destroy my father?" 26:5 - Lavan. When during the year may bikkurim be brought? Until when are the special verses recited? 26:11 - Bikkurim are brought from Shavuot until Chanukah. The verses are recited only until Succot. Someone declaring that he separated terumah and ma'aser says: "And I didn't forget." What didn't he forget? 26:13 - To bless G-d. What were the Jewish People to do with the 12 stones on Mt. Eval? 27:2 - Build an altar. Six tribes stood on Mt. Eval and six on Mt. Gerizim. Who and what were in the middle? 27:12 - Kohanim, levi'im and the Holy Ark. Who "causes the blind to go astray"? 27:18 - Any person who intentionally gives bad advice. How does one "strike another secretly"? 27:24 - By slandering him. Eleven curses were spoken on Mt. Eval. What is the significance of this number? 27:24 - Each curse corresponds to one of the tribes, except for the tribe of Shimon. Since Moshe didn't intend to bless the tribe of Shimon before his death, he did not want to curse them either. Why are sheep called "ashterot"? 28:4 - Because they "enrich" (m'ashirot) their owners. How is the manner of expressing the curses in Parshat Bechukotai more severe than in this week's parsha? 28:23 - In Bechukotai the Torah speaks in the plural, whereas in this week's Parsha the curses are mentioned in the singular.
Nitzavim What is the connection between the verse "atem nitzavim" and the curses in the previous parsha? 29:12 - The Jewish People asked, "Who can survive such curses?" Moshe responded, "You've done a lot to anger Hashem, and yet "atem nitzavim" you're still standing before Him."
done a lot to anger Hashem, and yet "atem nitzavim" you're still standing before Him." Who were the wood-choppers and water-carriers? 29:10 - Canaanites who joined the Jewish People under false pretenses. Why can Hashem never "swap" the Jewish people for another nation? 29:12 - Because Hashem swore to their ancestors that He would never do so. One who ignores the Torah's warnings "adds drunkenness to thirst." What does this mean? 29:18 - He causes Hashem to reckon his unintentional sins alongside his intentional ones, punishing him for all. What two cities were destroyed along with Sedom and Amorah? 29:22 - Admah and Tsevoyim. "The hidden things are for Hashem, our G-d, and the revealed things are for us..." What does this mean? 29:28 - There is collective culpability only for "open" sins, but not for "hidden" ones. According to Rashi, how will the day of the ingathering of the exiles be "great and difficult?" 30: 3 - It will be as if Hashem needs to take each individual by the hand and lead him out of exile. Where is the Torah not to be found? Where is it to be found? 30:12-15 - The Torah is not found in heaven nor across the ocean. Rather, it is "very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart." When and where did the Jewish People become culpable for each other's sins? 30:28 - When they crossed the Jordan and accepted the oath on Mt. Eval and Mt. Grizim. How do the earth and sky remind us to keep the mitzvot? 30:19 - The earth and heavenly bodies, although receiving neither reward nor punishment, always obey Hashem's will. How much more should we, who stand to receive reward or punishment, obey Hashem.
Vayelech Moshe said, "I am 120 years old today. I am no longer able to go out and come in..." How do we know this does not refer to physical inability? 31:2 - Because verse 34:7 says "His (Moshe's) eye never dimmed, and his (youthful) moisture never departed." Which of Moshe's statements to Yehoshua was later contradicted by Hashem's command? 31:7 - Moshe told Yehoshua to share his leadership with the Elders. Hashem later commanded Yehoshua to rule alone. Why does the Torah refer to Succot of the eighth year as though it occurred during the shemita year? 31:10 - Because the laws of the seventh year still apply to the harvest. Why does the Torah command that babies be brought to the Torah reading? 31:12 - To give reward to those who bring them. What does it mean that Hashem "hides His face?" 31:17 - He ignores their distress. What function does the song Ha'azinu serve? 31:21 - It warns what will befall the Jewish People if they abandon Torah. Which verse promises that the Torah will never be totally forgotten? 31:21 - "For (the Torah) will not be forgotten from the mouth of their offspring."
31:21 - "For (the Torah) will not be forgotten from the mouth of their offspring." What is the difference of opinion regarding the placing of the Torah scroll which Moshe gave the levi'im? 31:26 - Whether it was placed outside but adjacent to the Ark, or inside next to the Tablets. On the day of Moshe's death, why didn't Moshe gather the people by blowing trumpets as he normally would have? 31:28 - Blowing the trumpets expressed Moshe's dominion, and "there is no dominion on the day of death." (Kohelet 8) Moshe said, "For I know that after my death you will act corruptly," but, in fact, this didn't occur until after Yehoshua's death. What does this teach us? 31:29 - That a person's student is as dear to him as himself As long as Yehoshua was alive, it was as though Moshe himself
Ha'azinu Why were heaven and earth specifically chosen as witnesses? 32:1 - They endure forever. How is the Torah like rain? 32:2 - The Torah gives life and promotes growth like rain. How is G-d "faithful without injustice"? 32:4 - He is "faithful" by rewarding the righteous, and "without injustice" by rewarding even the wicked for any good deeds. Why is G-d called "tzaddik"? 32:4 - All will agree that His judgments are righteous. How many major floods did G-d bring upon the world? 32:7 - Two. One in the time of Adam's grandson Enosh and one in the time of Noach. What group of people does the Torah call "fathers"? Cite an example. 32:7 - The Prophets. Elisha called the Prophet Eliyahu "My Father." (Melachim II 2:12). Why did G-d separate the world's nations into exactly 70? 32:8 - To correspond to the 70 Bnei Yisrael who entered Egypt. Why is the merit of the Jewish People's ancestry called a "rope"? 32:9 - Their merit is "woven from" the merits of the Avot. How is G-d's behavior toward the Jewish People like an eagle's behavior toward its offspring? 32:12 - He mercifully wakes them gently, hovering over them, and carrying them on His "wings". Regarding the Jewish People's punishment, G-d says, "I will spend my arrows on them." What is the positive aspect of this phrase? 32:23 - "The arrows will be spent" implies that the afflictions will cease but the Jewish People will not. How does the idea of "chillul Hashem" prevent the nations from destroying the Jewish People? 32:27 - The nations would attribute their success to their might and the might of their gods. G-d would not let His name be desecrated like this. What will happen to the nations that conquer the Jewish People?
What will happen to the nations that conquer the Jewish People? 32:35 - They will eventually be punished. When G-d overturns a nation that persecutes the Jewish People, His attribute of Mercy is "replaced" by which attribute? 32:41 - His attribute of Justice. When G-d punishes the heathen nations, for whose sins does He exact punishment? 32:42 - For their sins and the sins of their ancestors. How will G-d's punishment change the way the nations view the Jewish People? 32:43 - They will view the Jewish People as praiseworthy for cleaving to G-d. On what day was Ha'azinu taught to the Jewish People? 32:44 - The Shabbat upon which Moshe died. Verse 32:44 calls Yehoshua "Hoshea." Why? 32:44 - To indicate that although he was the Jewish People's leader, he still maintained a humble bearing. In verse 32:47, what does "it is not empty from you" mean? 32:47 - That you will receive reward for studying Torah and that there is nothing meaningless in the Torah. Why did G-d tell Moshe that he would die a similar death to that of Aharon? 32:50 - Because Moshe wanted this. If Moshe had spoken to the rock rather than striking it, what would the Jewish People have learned? 32:51 - The Jewish People would have reasoned as follows: If a rock, which receives neither reward nor punishment, obeys G-d's commands, all the more so should they.
V'Zot HaBracha Before giving the Torah, Hashem went to Seir and Mount Paran. Why? 33:2 - In order to offer the Torah to t he people of Seir (Eisav's descendants) and the people of Paran (Yishmael's descendants). Why is Yehuda blessed immediately after Reuven? 33:7 - Because both of them admitted their sin. What covenant (brit) did Levi keep? 33:9 - Brit Mila (circumcision). Why was Binyamin blessed before Yosef? 33:12 - Because the Beit Hamikdash, built in Binyamin's portion, was "more beloved" than the Mishkan built in Yosef's portion. Which Tribe received the "best" portion of Eretz Yisrael? 33:13 - Yosef. Besides the sun, which celestial body helps fruit to ripen? 33:14 - The moon. If there were only 7 Canaanite nations, why did Yehoshua need to conquer 31 kings? 33:17 - Since the Land was so desirable, all foreign kings and governments acquired palaces and property there. What three things did the land of Zevulun possess? 33:19 - Tarit, a type of fish; Chilazon, a mollusk whose blood was needed for the techelet (a dye needed for tzitzit); and a type of sand needed for white glass.
dye needed for tzitzit); and a type of sand needed for white glass. What did visiting merchants see that inspired them to convert to Judaism? 33:19 - They saw that the Jews serve one G-d and follow a unified kashrut code. The tribe of Gad saw "the beginning -- reishit." The beginning of what? 33:21 - They saw the beginning of the conquest of the land, and chose that as its portion. The source of the Jordan River was in the territory of which tribe? 33:22 - Dan. Which tribe possessed the Kinneret? 33:23 - Naftali. The daughters of which tribe married High Priests and Kings? 33:24 - Asher. Who wrote the last eight verses in the Torah, starting with the verse "and Moshe died"? 34:5 - According to one opinion, Yehoshua wrote it. Rabbi Meir says Moshe himself wrote it with tears. Who buried Moshe? 34:6 - According to one opinion, Hashem buried Moshe. Accordin g to Rabbi Yishmael, Moshe buried himself.

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