Guiding Questions: Genesis 18

This is part of the Tanakh Yomi Project.

  1. Does text indicate why, having appeared to Abraham, there is a second appearance? (Is a time interval noted?)
  2. How is this appearance “different” from the preceding (or, is it)?
  3. What lesson is taught as to the nature of hospitality?
  4. Is there any significance in the serving of dairy and meat – at this stage in the overall biblical narration?
  5. Is Sarah’s reaction different in any way from Abraham’s reaction when being informed of a child being born to them (previous chapter)?
  6. Does God speak to Sarah directly?
  7. In Genesis 18:17–19 is there a Divine rumination or a communication to Abraham?
  8. Does Genesis 18:19 answer two questions: why Abraham was chosen and, for all times, the purpose/intent of the choice? (But – does the text indicate why Abraham was selected and not another?)
  9. What are the epitomizing virtues for Abraham and his descendants?
  10. What (as in the Babel story) is the significance of God’s “going down to see”?
  11. What warranted the Sodomites’ description as “most evil and most transgressing” – is there any specific?
  12. In Genesis 18:22 – if the three went to Sedom, before whom/what is Abraham standing? (or, see XIX, verse 1)
  13. Prior to Abraham’s argument (Genesis 18:23 et seq.), has he argued in this fashion – i.e. a direct challenge to Divinity (without any respectful or other introduction)?
  14. What, according to Abraham’s thesis (Genesis 18:24–25), is the key element which should determine the Divine relationship to humanity?
  15. How does the Divine comment in Genesis 18:26 go beyond Abraham’s thesis in applying judgement mercifully?
  16. A detail: what custom prevails to this day as to the minimum number for a congregational minyan? (Genesis 18:32)

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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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