* PARSHA Q&A * In-Depth Questions on the Parsha with Rashi Parshas Terumah For the week ending 1 Adar 5754 11 & 12 February 1994 ========================================================================= Parsha Questions 1. Why does the word "Terumah" appear 3 times in the first psukim of the Parsha? 2. Which now-extinct form of animal life was used in making the Mishkan? 3. Describe two uses of: a) oil; b) spices; c) jewels. 4. How many boxes comprised the Holy Ark, and of what were they made? 5. What is symbolized by the crowns atop both the Ark and the Table? 6. Why is the Torah referred to as "Testimony"? 7. What did the two Cherubim on top of the Ark resemble? What did the two Cherubim that were woven into the tapestry look like? 8. What path did Hashem's speech travel in reaching Moshe? 9. Compare 25:18 and 25:31, and describe how the Cherubim and the Menorah were formed. 10. In which direction did the flames of the Menorah cast their light? 11. How was Moshe taught the exact form of the Menorah? 12. How many different materials were used in weaving the Mishkan's tapestries? 13. How many different layers of tapestries made up the Mishkan's roof? 14. What was the source of wood for the Mishkan? 15. What was the height of the Mishkan? 16. Which sacred vessels were on each side of the Paroches? 17. What were the dimensions of the Mishkan's courtyard? 18. What is another name for the Mishkan? 19. What were the dimensions of the Altar? Bonus Question The literal translation of the verse in 25:11 seems to indicate that the Aron consisted of only one gold-coated box. Why does Rashi say that the Aron was made out of three boxes: 1 wooden box between 2 gold boxes? I Did Not Know That! The purpose of the Mizbe'ach is hinted to by the letters that make up the word: Mem = Mechilla = forgiveness Zayin = Zechus = merit Bais = Beracha = blessing Ches = Chaim = life ========================================================================= Answers to Last Week's Questions - Parshas Mishpatim Parsha Questions All references are to Rashi's commentary, unless otherwise stated. 1. 21:1 - Adjacent to the Mizbe'ach. 2. 21:3 - The owner of the servant. 3. 21:8,9 - Only a daughter from a destitute family would become a maidservant. Such a person would have difficulty finding a husband due to a lack of funds for a dowry. Hence, the Torah mandates a special mitzvah to marry her. 4. 21:10 - Food, clothing, marital relations. 5. 21:13 - He flees to a city of refuge. He is punished because "wickedness proceeds from the wicked." 6. Execution by: a) 21:16 - strangulation; b) 21:17 - stoning; c) 21:20 - sword. 7. 21:23 - He is exempt from capital punishment but must compensate the heirs. 8. 21:35 - The full value of his own animal. 9. 21:37 - When a thief steals a lamb he degrades himself by carrying it on his shoulders. The Torah counts this degradation as part of the thief's punishment, and reduces the fine he pays when he is caught. 10. 22:1 - Whatever necessary, even at the expense of the thief's life. 11. 22:24 - The lender may neither demand the debt forcibly nor charge interest. 12. 22:30 - Non-kosher meat is preferentially fed to dogs as a reward for their being silent on the night of Makkos Bechoros (Shemos 11:7). 13. 23:1 - Targum Onkolos translates "don't bear a false report" as "don't receive a false report." 14. 23:2 - A simple majority for a decision of innocence, and a majority of two more than the minority for a decision of guilt. 15. 23:19 - While the verse refers to three prohibitions, only one is violated by cooking. 16. 23:28 - Hur was the son of Miriam. 17. 24:8 - He poured the blood on the Altar as an atonement for the people. 18. 24:14 19. Sefer HaChinuch - 23 positive, 30 negative. Bonus Question Question: In passuk 21:19, the Torah commands the damager to pay the physician's fee for healing the victim. From this we learn that a doctor is permitted to heal injuries inflicted by other people. How do we know that a physician is permitted to treat illnesses not inflicted by other people? Answer:From the phrase "v'rapo y'rapei" (lit. "and heal, he will heal"). If the Torah had written only "rapo," one might think that a doctor is only allowed to heal injuries caused by others since they are not Divinely decreed. Illnesses due to Divine decree would not be included in the physician's jurisdiction. Thus, the Torah wrote the double-language "v'rapo y'rapei," to teach that a doctor may even treat ordinary illnesses. (Tosafos - Baba Kama 85a) ========================================================================= Spend this coming Summer in Israel for as little as $599 -> JLE Israel Summer Seminar '94 <- 6 weeks of study and touring (June 1 - July 17) for Jewish men between the ages of 19 and 30 with demonstrated academic achievment and a sincere motivation to explore their roots. Minimum scholarship price: $599 (for round trip ticket, room, board, tuition and tours) For information: o send E-Mail to Rabbi Zalman Corlin o from the U.S. call toll-free 800-431-2272 (212-344-2000) o Outside N. America, send E-Mail to: ohr@jer1.co.il ========================================================================= Ohr Somayach Institutions is proud to present: MATAN TORAH: A Chronology of the Giving of the Torah compiled by Rabbi G. Rubin The chain of events surrounding the giving of the Torah is very difficult to follow, because, according to Rashi's understanding, the verses are not arranged chronologically. This file lists the events in correct chronological order so that you can easily understand how the Torah was given to the Jewish People. This file is available from the following sources: o The Jerusalem1 Gopher under the heading "Religious Institutions" and the sub-heading "Ohr Somayach" o CompuServe Religion Forum, Judaism Library (2), filename TORAH.TXT o Sent via E-Mail for those without access to one of the above. This service is available only through 10-Feb-94. Send your request to ohr@jer1.co.il. 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