Guiding Questions: Genesis 38

This is part of the Tanakh Yomi Project.

  1. Why might text now “leave Joseph”, and proceed to an entirely other narrative re: Judah?
  2. What period of time would (might) have passed in Genesis 38:1–6?
  3. What is meant by “bad in God’s eyes” (Genesis 38:7)?
  4. What is the intent of a brother marrying his brother’s widow (Genesis 38:8)?
  5. In Genesis 38:9–10, is Onan’s “transgression” masturbation or refusal to impregnate Tamar – and, if the latter, is the current term “onanism” a correct usage?
  6. Judah has lost two sons – the message?
  7. What now becomes of Tamar?
  8. What is Tamar’s objective as set forth in Genesis 38:13–18, and why the “disguise”?
  9. What is the apparent function of the request for a “security deposit” – and the not apparent but real purpose? (Genesis 3818)
  10. In Genesis 38:21, Judah’s friend uses the term “kedeyshah” and not “zonah”. What is the difference, and how does it reflect a sensitivity to the local populace?
  11. In Genesis 38:24, who determines the fate of Tamar (no legal process?) and why the immediate maximum severity?
  12. What is the result of the exchange in Genesis 38:25 –26?
  13. One of the twins is named Peretz – and the story ends with the naming. Would the narrative, then, have any point to make?

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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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