Difference between revisions of "Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Lekh Lekha/0/en"
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<category>Did the Avot Keep the Mitzvot? | <category>Did the Avot Keep the Mitzvot? | ||
| − | <p>This issue had been debated | + | <p>This issue had been debated throughout the ages. On one hand, the Avot and Imahot lived centuries before the Torah was given and many of its laws would be meaningless to them.  On the other hand, it seems paradoxical to conceive of the founders of a religion not observing even its most basic commandments. </p> |
<ul> | <ul> | ||
<li>What other factors might lead one to suggest that the Avot did in fact observe at least some of the commandments?</li> | <li>What other factors might lead one to suggest that the Avot did in fact observe at least some of the commandments?</li> | ||
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</category> | </category> | ||
<category>Criticizing our Avot | <category>Criticizing our Avot | ||
| − | <p>To what extent should we view our ancestors as perfect role models worthy of emulation, reinterpreting any stories that cast shadows on their reputations, and when is it ok to criticize their actions and recognize that they, too, had human flaws?  Use the story of Avraham <a href="Endangering Sarai in Egypt" data-aht="page">Endangering Sarai in Egypt</a> as a test case to explore the question.</p> | + | <p>To what extent should we view our ancestors as perfect role models worthy of emulation, reinterpreting any stories that cast shadows on their reputations, and when is it ok to criticize their actions and recognize that they, too, had human flaws?  Use the story of Avraham <a href="Endangering Sarai in Egypt" data-aht="page">Endangering Sarai in Egypt</a> as a test case to explore the question.</p><ul> |
| − | <ul> | ||
<li>Do you think Avraham displayed a lack of belief in leaving the land so recently promised to him by Hashem, or was that the logical decision in face of famine? Compare <multilink><a href="RambanBereshit12-10-13" data-aht="source">Ramban</a><a href="RambanBereshit12-10-13" data-aht="source">Bereshit 12:10-13</a><a href="R. Moshe b. Nachman (Ramban, Nachmanides)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Moshe b. Nachman</a></multilink> and <a href="RalbagBereshitToalot12-10" data-aht="source">Ralbag</a>.</li> | <li>Do you think Avraham displayed a lack of belief in leaving the land so recently promised to him by Hashem, or was that the logical decision in face of famine? Compare <multilink><a href="RambanBereshit12-10-13" data-aht="source">Ramban</a><a href="RambanBereshit12-10-13" data-aht="source">Bereshit 12:10-13</a><a href="R. Moshe b. Nachman (Ramban, Nachmanides)" data-aht="parshan">About R. Moshe b. Nachman</a></multilink> and <a href="RalbagBereshitToalot12-10" data-aht="source">Ralbag</a>.</li> | ||
<li>How could Avraham try to save his life at the expense of Sarah's honor?  </li> | <li>How could Avraham try to save his life at the expense of Sarah's honor?  </li> | ||
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</category> | </category> | ||
<category>Like Father, Like Son? | <category>Like Father, Like Son? | ||
| − | <p>Often readers picture Avraham as an active trailblazer, and Yitzchak as but a passive shadow, whose main contribution is being a link in the chain. Is this an accurate depiction?</p> | + | <p>Often readers picture Avraham as an active trailblazer, and Yitzchak as but a passive shadow, whose main contribution is being a link in the chain. Is this an accurate depiction?</p><ul> |
| − | <ul> | ||
<li>What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of each character?</li> | <li>What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of each character?</li> | ||
<li>What are the main points of similarity and difference between the two?</li> | <li>What are the main points of similarity and difference between the two?</li> | ||
Version as of 03:17, 11 November 2016
Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Lekh Lekha
Did the Avot Keep the Mitzvot?
This issue had been debated throughout the ages. On one hand, the Avot and Imahot lived centuries before the Torah was given and many of its laws would be meaningless to them. On the other hand, it seems paradoxical to conceive of the founders of a religion not observing even its most basic commandments.
- What other factors might lead one to suggest that the Avot did in fact observe at least some of the commandments?
- What evidence might you bring from Torah to support each position?
- With which side of the debate do you agree; why? See Avot and Mitzvot – Was Avraham the First Jew?
Criticizing our Avot
To what extent should we view our ancestors as perfect role models worthy of emulation, reinterpreting any stories that cast shadows on their reputations, and when is it ok to criticize their actions and recognize that they, too, had human flaws? Use the story of Avraham Endangering Sarai in Egypt as a test case to explore the question.
Like Father, Like Son?
Often readers picture Avraham as an active trailblazer, and Yitzchak as but a passive shadow, whose main contribution is being a link in the chain. Is this an accurate depiction?
- What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of each character?
- What are the main points of similarity and difference between the two?
- Perhaps surprisingly, the stories of father and son are actually quite similar, and exploring the parallels helps a reader appreciate the uniqueness of each leader. See Avraham and Yitzchak for more.
