Guiding Questions: Genesis 37

This is part of the Tanakh Yomi Project.

  1. The Jacob (note, not Yisrael) narrative continues with what child – the oldest?
  2. According totext (Genesis 37:2), was Joseph’s reports on those he supervised negative by fact, or malicious?
  3. In Genesis 37:3, Joseph is called the “son of old age”, but what of Benjamin?
  4. What does the “ketonet passim” portend as to inheritance and authority? (Genesis 37:3)
  5. In his dream (Genesis 37:8 et seq.) is there any “word”, as such, from God?
  6. As to verse 11, what is meant by “his father remembered/took note/seriously considered” the dream?
  7. Does Shekhem as the site to which Joseph is to go “alert the reader” to expect some “event”?
  8. Does text give any hint as to the man Joseph met, as he lost his way? (Genesis 37:15)
  9. How does text portray Reuben in Genesis 37:21–22?
  10. Who of the brothers suggested selling Joseph?
  11. How does Genesis 37:25 and Genesis 37:28 relate to one another? (In the latter, who does the “selling”?)
  12. Why is Reuben totally distraught? (Genesis 37:29–30)
  13. Do the brothers appear much concerned about the impact of their actions on their father (save for their own exculpation)?
  14. Who/what is “missing” (in terms of specific reference) in this narrative – from dream to sale?
  15. What does the term “seris” mean – literally?

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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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