- In the legislation which follows, does the text tell people how to “feel” or, rather, how to act?
- And, in describing these inter-personal relationships, are they subject to “legal process” or are they apodictic imperatives? (That is, “do” or “don’t do”, but no consequential reward or punishment is noted.)
- In the kadosh lifestyle, is respect for parents (as personal progenitors) and as repositories of the tradition a central notion?
- Is any form of idol worship acceptable – including “idols of the marketplace?” Is the term “idol” to be understood as a physical object or are there other kinds of idols (that is, objects of “worship”) which the kedoshim are told to avoid?
- Is the attempt to “draw closer” (kirvah, korban) to Divinity as a volitional act solely at the discretion of the individual? Is it “doing my thing my way” or “doing it the right way?”
- In dealing with the economically handicapped, is legislation provided to avoid violating their self respect? But, on the other hand, are they to be given a “hand out” or does the legislation urge that they be helped to “help themselves?”
- Why is part of the property left unharvested for the poor/stranger? Why not simply harvest it all and give them something, instead of having them take it themselves?
- Why, in Leviticus 19:11 are stealing surreptitiously and various types of lies joined? (gneyvat daat)
- In dealing with economic justice, is there a parallel concern for the employee as well as for “profit?”
- What is the attitude in this chapter towards the handicapped and what is their court of last resort?
- In the legislation of this chapter, is sympathy or economic status permitted to warp justice?
- Generally, in this legislation, would it be fair to say that in Jewishness “God is justice” (not law, nor love, but justice)?
- Is inactivity in the face of another’s vital need acceptable?
- Does the kadosh lifestyle limit itself to avoiding harming another or does it extend to requiring initiative in helping a fellow man?
- Is the sublimation of dissonance between people advocated or, rather, should there be forthright confrontation?
- In terms of improper conduct which is not subject to legal process, is this to be exercised by the individual or is it a function of “Eyl Nekamot”—Divinity, which will rectify that which is beyond the authority of the human processes of rectification? (Or, put otherwise, is it a God of “vengeance” that is described or a judge of the cause of those who cannot find justice via human mechanisms?)
- Are unnatural blendings in nature acceptable? Is a reason given for “non-mingling?” What reason(s) might one assume?
- What is the special relationship between “reyim” (that is, those who are especially close to one another) and is “reya” to be understood as a neighbor?
- Is magic of any kind acceptable? (verse 26), and does TorahRefers to the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, the Tanakh, also called the Five Books of Moses, Pentateuch or the Hebrew equivalent, Humash. This is also called the Written Torah. The term may also refer to teachings that expound on Jewish tradition. Read more consider magical activities harmless?
- Generally, are those activities which are subject to human (individual) determination and largely not enforceable a part of the pattern of living the Brit?
- Is anyone exempt from the instruction in this section?
- What is the difference between “law” and “justice” (tzedek)?
- Generally, is economic life subject to the kadosh code?
- What is the central idea of adjudicating disputes; love? law? justice? (Are they discrete categories; which is paramount?)
- Should a Jew stand by idly when his “reya” is in danger?
- What type(s) of gossip (are) described in text?
- Why is the phrase linked to “lo taamod al dam reyekha“? (Leviticus 19:16)
- Does self-hate mean that one who is kadosh can act hatefully towards another? (Leviticus 19:18)
- What are the consequences for violating one or another of the regulations set down in this chapter?
- Who (or what) will deal with the violators?
- Is any reward promised for proper performance of this “tzedek pattern?”
