Tanakh Test Review PDF

1. The Maharal teaches that G-d chose Abraham not because he was righteous, but because He wanted to create a nation through him, like a parent’s unconditional love for a child, no matter the child’s behavior. Midrash: Abraham was chosen because he actively sought God - he reject...

1. The Maharal teaches that G-d chose Abraham not because he was righteous, but because He wanted to create a nation through him, like a parent’s unconditional love for a child, no matter the child’s behavior. Midrash: Abraham was chosen because he actively sought God - he rejected idols and the worship of the forces of nature. He was even ready to sacrifice himself for it, and therefore God made himself known to him. Sfat Emet: God did not choose Avraham specifically. God was calling out to everyone, but only Avraham was listening. In Genesis 15, the covenant between God and Abram is marked by a physical sign. Similarly, Brit Milah, the circumcision of an 8-day-old boy, is a physical sign of the Jewish people's covenant with God, marking the child's entry into this eternal bond and their spiritual commitment to God's promises. In Jewish life, a Brit signifies a sacred covenant with God, representing commitment to His commandments. This is most visibly practiced through Brit Milah, the circumcision of an 8-day-old boy, marking his entry into the covenant and the continuation of the Jewish people's spiritual legacy. Genisis 15 in summary: God promises Abram both offspring (descendants) and land (Canaan). Abram’s faith is counted as righteousness. A covenant ceremony is performed to seal the promise. God prophesies the future enslavement of Abram’s descendants in Egypt for 400 years, followed by their eventual freedom and return to the promised land. In Genesis 15:6, it’s about Abram's faith being credited as righteousness, so: Abram reckoned to God’s merit. This means Abram trusted in God's promises, and his faith was counted as righteousness by God. Abram didn't earn righteousness by his own actions, but it was credited to him based on God's merit—God's faithfulness and grace. Summary of the Four Explanations: 1. Historical: The ceremony reflects an ancient Near Eastern covenant ritual, where both parties would walk between the animal pieces to confirm the agreement. 2. Symbolic #1 (G-d’s Commitment): God alone passing between the pieces symbolizes that He takes full responsibility for the covenant, ensuring its fulfillment. 3. Symbolic #2 (Suffering and Slavery): The sacrificial animals symbolize the future suffering of the Israelites during their slavery in Egypt, but God's promise endures. 4. Symbolic #3 (God’s Presence and Redemption): The fire and smoke represent God's presence and His promise to be with His people, guiding them through suffering toward redemption. These explanations together show how Genesis 15 combines historical context with symbolic depth, helping us understand the lasting significance of the covenant between God and Abram. 5 stages of redemption through suffering: 1. Avraham’s offspring will be strangers in a land, not theirs 2. They shall be enslaved for 400 years 3. God will punish the nation that enslaves them 4. The Jewish people will be freed in great wealth 5. They will return to Israel Four Approaches to Free Will in Jewish Thought: The Predictor: People have complete free will, but God knows in advance what choices they will make. There is no constraint on human freedom. The Watchmaker: God creates the world and sets its principles, but does not intervene in human choices. While God foresees the oppression of minorities (like the Jews in Egypt), individuals still have free will in their actions. Puppet Master (‫)אֲ דֹון ּבֻוּבֹות‬: God sometimes removes free will temporarily to fulfill a divine purpose, as seen with Pharaoh in Egypt, where God hardened his heart to prevent him from letting the Israelites go. Commander, Director (‫ מְ ַצּוֶה‬,‫)מְ פַ ּקֵ ד‬: God commanded the Egyptians to enslave the Israelites but allowed them to choose how to carry out the command. While the oppression was within God's plan, the cruelty exceeded His specific directive. Abrbelnales 2 explanation: Measure for measure: When someone gets punished in the same way that they sinned - or rewarded in the same way that they did a good deed. This applies to the answer that Abarbanel gives to the question "why did God enslave the Jewish  people?". Abrbanel's answer was: Because the 12 brothers sold Joseph to slavery, so did their descendants become slaves. Sins of the fathers are visited on the sons: The sons get punished for the sins that their fathers commited. These are not two different approaches. They are Jewish concepts. Both of them apply the same answer by Abarbanel. Both ideas say that the actions of the past (whether from their ancestors or others) can affect future generations in ways that help explain the 400 years of slavery the Israelites endured. Summary of Key Ideas: Abraham’s Faith: He is called the "most faithful" because he showed absolute trust in God even when asked to do difficult things, like sacrificing Isaac. Free Will: Free will is necessary for making moral choices and for developing a genuine relationship with God. It’s essential for personal growth and spiritual responsibility. Redemption Through Suffering: Suffering can lead to spiritual growth and is sometimes necessary, but it’s not the only way to achieve redemption. Positive choices and personal transformation can also lead to redemption. Big Picture and Small Picture: Knowing the Big Picture can help us understand the Small Picture by giving our challenges and experiences a greater context, helping us make sense of struggles and see them as part of a larger plan. Noah is introduced righteous man, abraham is introduced with nothing Avraham cuts a cow, goat, and sheep in half, leaving the birds uncut. He drives away birds of prey trying to eat the carcasses. Avraham falls into a deep sleep and receives a prophecy from God. A flaming torch, representing God, passes between the animal halves, establishing a covenant. The ceremony symbolizes a profound covenant between God and Avraham, highlighting themes of sacrifice and divine promise. The act of cutting animals signifies a serious commitment, while the flaming torch represents God's presence and assurance. Avraham's deep sleep indicates a transformative experience, emphasizing the gravity of the covenant. The three symbolic explanations highlight the deeper meanings behind ritual actions. The cut-up animals represent a covenant and sacrifice, while the spared dove and small bird symbolize hope and peace. Avraham's act of driving away the birds of prey signifies the rejection of negative forces, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding one's commitments.