Guiding Questions: Genesis 48

This is part of the Tanakh Yomi Project.

  1. Once again Yisrael, in the conclusion of Genesis 47, and Jacob in Genesis 48 – any ascertainable reason (and see the name of Divinity, as well, in verse 3)?
  2. How does Genesis 48:4 establish tribal titles for Joseph’s sons but not forJoseph?
  3. Why the refrain in Genesis 48:6 – or is this writer’s art in portraying the thoughts of an old, ill man which may rapidly move from one gestalt to another?
  4. How does Genesis 48:8 relate to the prior narrative and why the change in name to Yisrael?
  5. What is the root of “pilalti” (Genesis 48:11) and how does it relate to “tefillah”?
  6. Why would the two sons be between Jacob’s knees; what would that symbolize (Genesis 48:12)?
  7. How does Yisrael’s placing his hands reflect his own experience (Genesis 48:14)?
  8. Although Genesis 48:15-16 speak of “he blessed Joseph”, actually who was blessed?
  9. How would one characterize Joseph’s physical act and oral admonition to his father in Genesis 48:17–18?
  10. And how does Genesis 48:19, again, reflect Jacob’s own life?
  11. Genesis 48:20 is part of what Shabbat tradition?
  12. As to Joseph, what is Jacob’s last word – and to what does he refer?

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?).

    View all posts

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?).

Share This Post

Exploring Judaism Recent Posts

Find meaning in your inbox.

Subscribe to receive our latest content by email.

We won’t send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.
Got questions?