* PARSHA Q&A * In-Depth Questions on the Parsha with Rashi Parshas Chayei Sarah For the week ending 24 Cheshvan 5755 28 & 29 October 1994 ========================================================================= This issue is dedicated in honor of the marriage of Cliff Seltzer of Jennifer Green of Roslyn Heights New York to Harrison New York ========================================================================= Parsha Questions 1. Kiryat Arba (City of Four) was named for the four couples who are buried there. Name them. 2. Why was Efron appointed an officer over the Bnei Ches? 3. In verse 23:16, the Torah "deletes" a letter from Efron's name. Why? 4. In verse 24:1, the Torah states that Avraham was blessed "bakol" (with all). What is this blessing? 5. How were Avraham's camels distinguished from other camels? 6. Where was Aram Naharaim located? 7. Why did Avraham's servant, Eliezer, run toward Rivka? 8. After Rivka began to draw water for the camels, Eliezer was still unsure. What information did he still need in order to know if his mission was a success? 9. Why did Eliezer give Rivka presents before he knew who she was? 10. Why did Lavan run to greet Eliezer? 11. When Lavan told Eliezer that the house was cleared out, what did he remove? 12. Who did Eliezer wish that Yitzchak would marry? 13. How many days did it take for Eliezer to travel from Eretz Canaan to the city of Nachor? 14. Lavan answered Eliezer before his father, Besuel had a chance. What does this indicate about Lavan's character? 15. What blessing did Rivka's family give her before she departed? 16. Why did Yitzchak go to Be'er L'Chai Ro'i? 17. Who was Ketura? 18. What gift did Avraham give to Yitzchak? 19. For how many years did Yaakov attend the Yeshiva of Ever? 20. How does the Torah indicate that Yishmael repented before his death? Bonus QUESTION: Rashi states that the "gift" that Avraham gave the children of Ketura was the knowledge of sorcery and black magic (25:6). The Torah punishes one who engages in witchcraft with the death penalty. So why did Avraham teach them a practice forbidden by the Torah? I Did Not Know That! "And Yitzchak went out to `speak' (pray) in the field before evening (24:63)." This teaches that Yitzchak established the mincha (afternoon) prayer. Berachos 26b ========================================================================= Answers to this Week's Questions All references are to the verses and Rashi's commentary, unless otherwise stated 1. 23:2 - Adam and Chava, Avraham and Sarah, Yitzchak and Rivka, Yaakov and Leah. 2. 23:10 - So that Avraham would not have to negotiate with a commoner. 3. 23:16 - To indicate that Efron lacked sincerity in his generosity toward Avraham. 4. 24:1 - That Hashem blessed Avraham with a son. 5. 24:10 - They were muzzled, so that they would not graze in the fields of others. 6. 24:10 - Between two rivers (the Tigris and the Euphrates). 7. 24:17 - He saw that the waters of the well rose when she approached. 8. 24:21 - He didn't know if she was from Avraham's family. 9. 24:23 - He was confident that in Avraham's merit he had found the appropriate wife for Yitzchak. 10. 24:29 - Lavan coveted his money. 11. 24:31 - Idols. 12. 24:39 - His daughter. 13. 24:42 - He arrived on the same day. 14. 24:50 - That he was wicked. 15. 24:62 - That the blessings given to Avraham would continue with her children. 16. 24:62 - To bring Hagar to Avraham so that they could remarry. 17. 25:1 - Hagar. 18. 25:5 - The power of blessing. 19. 25:17 - Fourteen years. 20. 25:17 - When reporting his death, the Torah uses the word "vayigva" (expire), a term reserved for the righteous. Bonus ANSWER: Avraham didn't teach them sorcery with the intention that they practice it. He wanted to give them expertise in such matters so that they could overcome others who tried to use wizardry against them. Gur Aryeh ======================================================================== Spend this coming Winter Break in Israel for as little as $599 -> JLE Israel Winter Seminar '94/'95 <- 3 weeks of study and touring, optional Ulpan, and structured encounters with Israeli Dignitaries Departure December 22 Optional free week Jan 8-15 For Jewish men between the ages of 19 and 30 with demonstrated academic achievment and a sincere motivation to explore their roots. 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