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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS IN JEWISH THOUGHT

ISRAEL

The Central Role of the Land of Israel

Why does the Land of Israel play a central role in Judaism?
  1. Israel was the location of most events in the Tanach (Pentateuch, Prophets and Writings).
  2. The Torah was given in the Land of Israel.
  3. Prophecy requires the Land of Israel.

The Mitzvah of Living in Israel

Why does Maimonides not count living in Israel as one of the 613 commandments?
  1. The Mitzvah is too central to be counted individually.
  2. His computer had a virus.
  3. After the Exile the Mitzvah ceased to be obligatory.

THE EXODUS

The Punishment of the Egyptians

Since the exile and slavery of the Jews in Egypt was predicted, and was in fact part of G-d's covenant with Abraham, it seems unjust for G-d to punish the Egyptians with the 10 plagues, and drowning in the Red Sea. How is this explained by the classical Jewish commentaries?
  1. The Egyptians still had freedom of choice.
  2. Slavery was decreed, torture was not.
  3. The Egyptians' motivation was wrong.

Reminders of the Exodus

There are many Torah commandments with the stated purpose of reminding us of the Exodus from Egypt (Tefilin, Mezuzah, Matzah, Maror, Hagadah, etc.). Why is it necessary to have so many actions in order to remind us of one event?
  1. If one commandment is not fulfilled there are always others as "backups".
  2. Thoughts are influenced by actions.
  3. Belief in the Exodus is one of the foundations of Judaism.

PROPHECY

Verification

How do we know who is a prophet?
  1. He demonstrates supernatural knowledge of the future.
  2. He is a pious Torah scholar and claims to be a prophet.
  3. He has deep spiritual experiences communing with G-d.

Prophecy and Law

If a prophet ventures an opinion in Jewish law based on prophecy is his opinion accepted?
  1. Yes, it is.
  2. No, it is not.

PHILOSOPHY

G-d's Relationship to the World

What is the most important idea in the Jewish religion?
  1. G-d is the creator of the world.
  2. G-d is the sustainer of the world.
  3. G-d is the giver of the Torah.

Commandments and their Rationale

Is it possible to give reasons for the commandments of the Torah?
  1. No, it is impossible.
  2. Sometimes it is possible.
  3. Yes, it is always possible.

ETHICS

Medical Ethics

What is the Jewish attitude to seeking medical attention?
  1. It is forbidden to interfere with G-d's decree.
  2. It is an obligation to improve oneself both spiritually and physically.
  3. Seeking medical attention is optional.

Ethics of Speech

Is it permitted to say something derogatory about someone if it is true, and will not cause him financial damage?
  1. Yes, it is permitted.
  2. No, it is prohibited.

KASHRUT

Mixing Meat and Milk

What rationale are given in Jewish tradition for the prohibition of eating meat and milk together?
  1. The prohibition instills sensitivity to life.
  2. Their combination disturbs a subliminal harmony in the world.
  3. The Jewish soul is "allergic" to non-Kosher food.

"Synthetic Ham"

If a food was produced that has the taste, appearance and texture of a non-Kosher food, but is produced from only Kosher ingredients, is it "Kosher"?
  1. Yes, it is Kosher.
  2. No, it is not Kosher.

SHABBAT

The Meaning of "Work" on Shabbat.

The Torah (Exodus 20:10) prohibits "work" on the Sabbath (Shabbat).
How does Jewish law define "work"?
  1. Work = Force X Distance
  2. The principal activities involved in building the Tabernacle.
  3. An act that results in a significant increase in the utility of an object.

The Significance of Seven.

What is the significance of the number Seven?
  1. The natural world was created in six days, seven is one step beyond.
  2. The seven-day week is not based on any natural phenomenom.
  3. Seven is a lucky number.

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