Bamidbar Test 1 Preparation
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Questions and Answers

What event marks the beginning of the books of Bamidbar and Vayikra?

  • The Exodus from Egypt
  • The receiving of the Torah at Sinai
  • The building of the tabernacle (correct)
  • The journey into Israel

The book of Vayikra focuses on the Israelites' journey in the desert for 40 years.

False (B)

Why does the book of Bamidbar begin with a census of the Israelites?

It emphasizes that the book is about the people and signifies HaShem's love for Bnei Yisrael.

The Israelites were punished to remain in the desert for 40 years because they __________.

<p>sinned</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the chapter with its main focus in Bamidbar:

<p>Perek 1 = Census of the Israelites Perek 10 = Preparation for war Perek 19 = Purification rituals Perek 7 = Tribe leaders' sacrifices</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Perek 10 indicate that the Israelites are preparing for war?

<p>They organize themselves into army divisions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Yitro's conversation with Moshe reveal about Bnei Yisrael's mindset?

<p>They expect to enter the land of Canaan and have a meaningful relationship with God.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chapters 20-36 of Bamidbar occur before Chapters 1-18.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the manna taste like for older people?

<p>Honey (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Manna required extensive preparation before it could be consumed.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the name 'Man'?

<p>It originated from the question 'Man Who?', asked by the Israelites when they first saw the manna falling from the sky.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The manna was described as __________ inside but appeared hard from the outside.

<p>soft</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the complaints of B'nai Yisrael with their justification:

<p>Complaints about manna being boring = Less justified Concern about extra manna = Less justified Sinners having to work hard = More justified Mixed multitude receiving melted manna = More justified</p> Signup and view all the answers

How was the taste of manna described by Rashbam?

<p>Like oily crackers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

B'nai Yisrael had to labor extensively to prepare the manna.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Prof. Nechama Leibowitz, what new type of 'slavery' did B'nai Yisrael experience?

<p>The service to God through the obligations of Torah and Mitzvot.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The manna that was mixed with __________ was described as being like dough kneaded with oil.

<p>honey</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did B'nai Yisrael get instead of proper portions of manna?

<p>Leftover melted manna (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did Bnei Yisrael conduct a census according to Rashi?

<p>To reassure them of their importance (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The theme of Perek 10 is 'Ra' or bad.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main complaint of Bnei Yisrael in Perek 11?

<p>They complained about the lack of meat and missed the food from Egypt.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Bnei Yisrael's complaints transitioning from 'Tov' to _________ marks a turning point in Bamidbar.

<p>Ra</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the interpretations of מתאננים with their corresponding commentators:

<p>Rashi = A specific subgroup initiated the complaints Ibn Ezra = Directly punished those who complained Ramban = Punishment served as a warning to all No specific commentator = Interconnectedness in the Israelite camp</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did God command Moses to do in response to the leadership crisis?

<p>Gather the elders to help him (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Israelites believed that food in Egypt was better than what they had in the desert.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was God's reaction to Moses' doubts about providing meat?

<p>God emphasized that there is no limit to His power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The term ____________ refers to those who were specifically complaining in the Israelite camp.

<p>מתאננים</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason given by Rashbam for the census?

<p>To keep track of warriors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Moses was calm and composed in response to the complaints of the Israelites.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the complaint about meat indicate regarding Bnei Yisrael's mindset?

<p>It shows their dissatisfaction and nostalgia for their life in Egypt.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Israelites were punished by having their desires result in ____________.

<p>excess meat</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following events with their descriptions:

<p>Complaints about food = Crying and dissatisfaction with God's provisions Moses' doubt = Questioning God's ability to provide meat Gathering the elders = God's solution to Moses' leadership crisis God's response to complaints = Promise of excessive meat as punishment</p> Signup and view all the answers

What prompted Moshe's leadership crisis?

<p>The complaints from the people about food (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Bnei Yisrael believed they had received fish and vegetables for free in Egypt.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who were Eldad and Meidad?

<p>Eldad and Meidad were individuals not part of the 70 elders but were prophesying in the camp.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The __________ was the group that lusted after meat and raised complaints among the people.

<p>אספסוף</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the commentators to their interpretation regarding the complaints of Bnei Yisrael:

<p>Rashi = Believed the people were lying. Ramban 1 = Claimed the complaints were true but unjustified. Ramban 2 = Agreed with Ramban 1's view. Abarbanel = Felt the complaints about free food were factual.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did God send to quench the people's cravings for meat?

<p>Quails (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Moshe felt threatened by the prophesying of Eldad and Meidad.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of the people's desperation for meat?

<p>A plague struck the people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Moshe expressed a wish that all of God's people were __________.

<p>prophets</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following definitions with their appropriate terms:

<p>Zealous = Passionate and willing to go to extremes. Kibroth = Where the plague struck the people. Manna = Food provided by God in the desert. HaShem = The name used to refer to God.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Moshe wish for regarding leadership?

<p>For all people to be prophets (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Rashi, Bnei Yisrael's claim about food in Egypt was completely true.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the wind from God bring to the people?

<p>A vast supply of quails.</p> Signup and view all the answers

God appointed additional __________ to help lead the people.

<p>spiritual leaders</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the root meaning of the word אספסוף?

<p>To gather (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Chronology in Tanakh

The Tanakh sometimes follows the order of events (chronology) and sometimes groups books based on themes. For example, the five Megillot are grouped by their shared themes, while Bereshit and Shmot follow chronological order.

Start of Bamidbar and Vayikra

Both books begin after the construction of the Tabernacle, picking up the story from the book of Shemot.

Focus of Vayikra and Bamidbar

Vayikra focuses on the Tabernacle and its rituals, while Bamidbar narrates the Israelites' forty-year journey in the desert.

Why Does Bamidbar Begin with a Census?

The census emphasizes the importance of the people in Bamidbar, as opposed to the Tabernacle. It symbolizes God's care and concern for each individual Israelite.

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Importance of the Census in Bamidbar

The census at the beginning highlights the focus on the people and symbolizes God's love and care for the Israelites.

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Timeline of Bamidbar

Chapters 1-18 occur before the Israelites enter the Promised Land, while Chapters 20-36 take place after they leave the desert.

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Purpose of 40 Years in the Desert

The Israelites were meant to be in the desert for 40 years as punishment for their sins. This ensured that the generation that left Egypt would not enter the Promised Land, making way for a new generation.

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Perek 10: Preparation for War

In Perek 10, the Israelites prepare for war. God instructs Moshe to use trumpets for battle preparation and during war. Moshe's conversation with Yitro reveals the Israelites' upcoming entrance into the land of Canaan/Israel.

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Eldad and Meidad

Two individuals who began prophesying outside of the 70 elders chosen by Moses.

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Spiritual Leaders

Individuals appointed by God to guide and teach the Israelites.

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Moshe's Leadership Crisis

Moses faced a challenge when the Israelites complained about food, questioning his ability to lead.

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The אספסוף (The Rabble)

The group of Israelites who were dissatisfied and demanded meat.

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Bnei Yisrael

The people of Israel, who were expected to support Moses' leadership.

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The Meat Issue

The Israelites' complaint about the lack of variety in their diet, specifically craving meat.

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The Sin of Ingratitude

The Israelites' lack of appreciation for God's provisions, even after they had received the manna.

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God's Response

God appointed 70 additional elders, sharing his spirit with them to support Moses in leading the people.

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The Plague of Quails

God sent a plague of quails after the Israelites consumed too much meat, resulting in many deaths due to uncooked consumption.

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Rashi's Interpretation of אספסוף

Rashi believed the Israelites were lying about a lack of food, using it as an excuse to distance themselves from God.

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Ramban's Interpretation of אספסוף

Ramban accepted the Israelites' complaints as true but believed they were still ungrateful for God's provisions.

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The Meaning of 'Free'

The Israelites claimed they received fish and vegetables 'for free' in Egypt.

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Rashi's Explanation of 'Free'

Rashi believed the Israelites were lying, as they had access to meat in both Egypt and Israel.

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Ramban's Explanation of 'Free'

Ramban accepted that fish and vegetables were 'free' in Egypt, but they were not necessarily enjoyed and they could not be taken home.

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Abarbanel's Explanation of 'Free'

Abarbanel believed that fish were available in Egypt, but they were limited to specific areas for fishing.

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Optimistic Perek

A chapter that portrays the community's positive outlook and expectations, often marked by a hopeful tone and good fortune.

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Tov/Good

A recurring theme signifying a positive period or mindset. It's often used to contrast with subsequent negative events.

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Ra/Bad

A recurring theme signifying a negative period or mindset. It often indicates a shift in the narrative from positive to negative.

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Turning Point

A moment in the narrative where the theme or focus shifts significantly, often from positive to negative or vice versa.

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Mat'ananim/Complainers

Those who express dissatisfaction, discontent, or grievances. They're often associated with a negative shift in the narrative.

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Rashi's Interpretation

Rashi's understanding of mat'ananim suggests that only a specific group (likely the 'rabble') complained, while the punishment affected others in proximity too.

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Ibn Ezra's Interpretation

Ibn Ezra interprets mat'ananim literally, meaning that only those who complained were directly punished.

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Ramban's Interpretation

Ramban suggests that while complaints originated from a few, the punishment served as a warning to the whole Israelite community.

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Sin of Complaining

The act of expressing constant dissatisfaction, discontent, or negativity, often leading to negative consequences for the individual and community.

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Mat'avim/Yearners

Those who deeply desire something they don't have, often to the point of obsession or discontentment.

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Meat and Leadership

Two main themes within a chapter, focusing on the Israelites' desire for meat and Moses' difficulties with leadership.

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God's Punishment

The consequences imposed by God for the Israelites' sins, often reflecting the nature of their transgression.

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Existential Crisis

A moment where Moses questions his abilities and role, feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities of leadership.

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God's Solution

God's response to Moses' existential crisis - appointing 70elders to share the burden of leadership alongside Moses.

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Study Notes

Bamidbar Test 1 Preparation (Nov 13)

  • Book of Bamidbar's Structure and Chronology:

    • Tanakh can be organized chronologically or thematically.
    • Bamidbar and Vayikra follow events in Shemot (after tabernacle's construction).
    • Vayikra focuses on the Tabernacle; Bamidbar details the 40-year desert journey of the Israelites.
    • Bamidbar begins with a census, emphasizing the people over the Tabernacle (Mishkan). This symbolizes God's love and concern for Bnei Yisrael.
    • Prakim 1-18 likely occur before the events described in Prakim 20-36.
    • The Israelites were punished for their sins, not destined to be in the desert for 40 years; a new generation would enter Israel.
    • Perek 10 details Israelite preparations for war, indicated by trumpets' use and Yitro's conversation with Moshe.
    • The conversation with Yitro highlights Bnei Yisrael's positive expectation of settling in the promised land, viewing God as supportive.

  • The Complainers (מתאננים):

    • Perek 11 marks a turning point, highlighting the Israelites' complaints ("Ra"/bad).
    • Complaining is the sin, but different interpretations exist regarding who was punished (Pshat vs. Parshanim views).
    • Parshanim views varied on whether the whole nation or a specific group was responsible and punished, and if these groups were identical.
    • Study the worksheet on Bamidbar 11:1-3 to understand the different interpretations from Rashi, Ibn Ezra, and Ramban.

  • The Yearners/Lusters (מתאוים):

    • Perek 11 details contrasting perspectives with the complainers (מתאננים).

  • Two central issues emphasized in Perek 11 ("Meat" and "Leadership"):

    • Meat Issue:
      • Israelites long for the food of Egypt.
      • This longing is linked to dissatisfaction and a perceived lack in the desert.
      • God provides quails, leading to punishment due to their greed for immediate gratification
    • Leadership Crisis:
      • Moshe feels overwhelmed by leading the people in the desert.
      • God responds by appointing additional spiritual leaders, demonstrating God's proactive care.
    • Bnei Yisrael's desire for meat led to their discontent and in reaction to the people's complaint, Moshe's leadership crisis.
    • Different Parshanim have varied understandings of the Israelites' complaints, regarding the absence of meat and the reality of the Manna.
    • Study the Manna as described by Rashi, Prof. Leibowitz's view on a new form of enslavement (after slavery in Egypt), and the characteristics of the Manna.

  • Vocabulary:

    • Key terms and their meanings are provided for the test.

Additional Test Preparation Note

  • Carefully review the worksheets. They contain crucial details and deeper analyses.
  • Prepare a concise, complete answer for the reflection question about the complainers. This question carries significant weight and requires a deep understanding of the text, commentaries (Parshanim), and the concept of complaining in the context of the journey. Connect the Israelites' behavior to contemporary situations.

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Description

Prepare for your Bamidbar test with this focused quiz covering the structure and chronology of the book. Explore key themes, events, and the significance of the Israelites' journey through the desert. Gain insights into the census, God's relationship with Bnei Yisrael, and the events leading up to Israel's entry into the promised land.

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