Torah Dialogue

QUESTIONS FOR PARSHAT EIKEV 5780
by Rabbi Edward Davis

From the Text
1. What are the seven “fruits” of Eretz Yisrael? (8:8)
2. Which of these blessings are from the Torah and which are from the Rabbis? a) HaMotzi, b) Birkat HaMazon, c) Al Achilat Matzah, d)Hallel
3. Bnei Yisrael will possess Eretz Yisrael, but not because of their righteousness. What two reasons will work in their favor? (9:5)
4. What was Moshe’s argument to Hashem why He should not destroy Bnei Yisrael after the sin of the Golden Calf? (9:28)
5. Why were the Leviyim not given a tribal portion in Eretz Yisrael? (10:8,9)

From Rashi
6. How effective was Moshe’s prayer on behalf of Aharon after the sin of the Golden Calf? (9:20)
7. From where do we learn that one should never reproach a person for a fault which we possess ourselves? (10:19)
8. How do we show our love to Hashem? (11:12)
9. How will be able to retain our Jewish distinction in Exile? (11:18)
10. What is the difference between Pachad and Mora, which both mean fear? (11:25)

From the Rabbis
11. Why did Hashem subject Bnei Yisrael to hardships in the desert? (Ramban on 8:5)
12. Why is stubbornness usually incompatible with righteousness and uprightness? (Seforno on 9:6)
13. To whom does Hashem favor in judgement? (Ramban on 10:8)

Haftorah.   Isaiah
14. What famous expression is in this Haftorah describing Israel’s mission to humanity?

Relationships
a) Avraham - Rivkah (2 answers)
b) Yosef - Nemuel
c) Kehat - Binyamin
d) Moshe - Avihu
e) Aminadav – Elazar

ANSWERS FOR PARSHAT EIKEV 5780

1. Wheat, Barley, Grapes, Figs, Pomegranates, Olives, and Dates.
2. a) Rabbis b) Torah c) Rabbis d) could be Rabbis and at times Torah.
3. The wickedness of the current residents in the country, and because of Hashem’s promise to the Patriarchs.
4. It is bad public relations for Hashem, that Goyim would see that Hashem took Bnei Yisrael out of Egypt to kill them in the desert.
5. Leviyim were given the special job of ministering to Hashem in the Mishkan and in the Holy Temple.
6. Only two of Aharon’s sons would later die, but two would live.
7. To love a stranger because we were strangers in Egypt.
8. Serving Him without thought of a reward.
9. By means of the Mitzvot of Tefillin and Mezuzah.
10. Pachad is fear of something close; Mora is the fear of something more distant.
11. Hardship in the desert would prepare the people to appreciate better the riches and pleasure of Eretz Yisrael.
12. A stubborn person will not listen when his conduct is wrong.
13. Hashem will favor orphans and widows. (Hashem will favor any weakened person in society.)
14. Israel will be “a light to the nations.”
Relationships
a) Father-in-Law and Great Uncle
b) Uncle Yosef (Nemuel was Shimon’s son)
c) Uncle Binyamin
d) Uncle Moshe
e) Grandfather Aminadav