Guiding Questions: Genesis 42

This is part of the Tanakh Yomi Project.

  1. Would Genesis 42:6 be self-evident, or is it a “fulfillment” of that original dream?
  2. Why Joseph’s severity with his brothers – revenge? justice? other?
  3. What moral lesson is explicated in the brothers’ dialogue (Genesis 42:21–22) – or is this a hint by the author of some other plot unfolding?
  4. In Genesis 42:24, why Simeon; why not the oldest, Rueben – or does Genesis 42:22 explain?
  5. In Genesis 42:36, Jacob’s plaint reflects on what self-evaluation of his life?
  6. What is Rueben’s offer – that his two sons, Jacob’s grandchildren, be killed if Jacob’s son, Benjamin, is not safely returned from the second trip to Egypt?
  7. In sum, what is the impact of Joseph’s demand on his family – especially his father; might Joseph have expected otherwise?

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  • Exploring Judaism

    Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. Our goal is to create content based on three core framing: Meaning-Making (Why?), Practical Living (How?), and Explainers (What?).

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Perek Yomi materials originally produced by the USCJ and Dr. Morton K. Siegel.
We are grateful to be able to share this material.

Author

  • Exploring Judaism

    Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. Our goal is to create content based on three core framing: Meaning-Making (Why?), Practical Living (How?), and Explainers (What?).

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