Category: Values

INTRODUCTION

9/24/2013

1) What do you consider valuable in your life?

2) What would you be willing to seek out to make life better?

Now read the introductory midrash (page 3). Which of the items mentioned as hidden, were on your list? How would you change your list?

Do you think these things are hidden? If so, how does one find and access them? If not, when/how do you encounter them?

Midrash – With which Torah stories are you most familiar?

Take a little time to find out if these are text or midrash.

Can you define a be’er?

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CHAPTER 3

8/19/2013

2 Comments

TORAH: What did Avimelech mean by I did not know, and you did not tell it to me and I did not hear it except today? Was it his responsibility to know? When is it important that a leader know what is happening by those under their direction? (Sports, Military, Education, Restaurant, Business, Law enforcement, Business).

When you encounter it in the story: Do you agree with Mama’s assessment of what this Torah phrase means?

A BLESSING AND A CURSE: Technology has brought the world into our backyards. In what ways does knowing what is happening in other parts of the world change the concept – v’ahavta l’recha kamocha/love your neighbor as yourself?

Are we responsible for what happens elsewhere in the world? How? Why? Or why not?

To what issues does this apply, i.e., social, justice, environmental? Which of these are most likely to affect you directly? Will any affect you indirectly?

LIFE ISN’T FAIR: Finish the following sentences: Life is_________________

I wish life was ___________________________

Share responses.

Do you think we notice tragedy more when it strikes the poor and needy or when it strikes the rich and famous? Why do we notice each situation? How do we react to each situation? Who gets the most sympathy? Who gets the most assistance? From where does each come?

EXPLORE THE WORLD: Take time to find out where there is slavery in the world. What kinds of slavery still exist in the world? What conditions make someone most vulnerable to become part of the slave culture?

YOUR VALUES: What do you value that you carry with you that no one can take away?

What is your enemy?

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CHAPTER 5 I WILL WALK

7/25/2013

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PREPARING TO READ THE STORY

A. Have you ever reread a book or story, or seen a movie/video more than once? For what purpose?

Did you notice/learn/remember anything different/more upon multiple readings/viewings?

Does that indicate that the story has changed? What does it indicate about you?

B. Are you familiar with the term revisionist history? In what context? What does this indicate about the event? What does it indicate about the narrator of the event?

TORAH QUOTE:
Background information: Abraham is sending his servant to find a wife for his son. The camels are carrying gifts for the prospective bride and her family.
What does it mean that “all the goods of his master were in his hands?” (Hint: Consider how parents feel about their children carrying on a family name, traditions, business, etc.)

How would you feel if you were in that servant's position?

Would you feel differently about guarding these goods than your own? Why or why not?

THE STORY
What do the various characters in and hidden in the story value (Abraham, his servant, Rebecca, Isaac)?
How do their values align with yours, i.e., what do you value?

Where else do we encounter women and water in the Torah?

Why did the rabbis interpret the water rising to Rebeccca as an omen of blessing?

PSALM 26

In the four verses of the psalm presented in the story, what is actually happening? Is it a contract? A blessing? A personal story? What makes you come to that conclusion?

Can you relate to this psalm/song?

Read the entire psalm below. Describe the similarities/differences you experience between the abbreviated and full versions of the psalm?

26 [A Psalm] of David. / Judge me, O Lord, for I have walked in mine integrity, / And I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. / [2] Examine me, O Lord, and try me, / Test my reins and my heart. / [3] For Thy mercy is before mine eyes; / And I have walked in Thy truth. / [4] I have not sat with men of falsehood; / Neither will I go in with dissemblers. / [5] I hate the gathering of evil-doers, / And will not sit with the wicked / [6] I will wash my hands in innocency; / So will I compass Thine altar, O Lord, / [7] That I may make the voice of thanksgiving to be heard, / And tell of all Thy wondrous works. / [8] Lord, I love the habitation of Thy house, / And the place where Thy glory dwelleth. / [9] Gather not my soul with sinners, / Nor my life with men of blood; / [10] In whose hands is craftiness, / And their right hand is full of bribes. / [11] But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity; / Redeem me, and be gracious unto me. / [12] My foot standeth in an even place, / In the congregations will I bless the Lord.

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INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 5 I WILL WALK

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