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Sharing Faith & Friendship in St. Charles County, Missouri
בני תורה
Sharing Faith & Friendship In St. Charles County
1701 St. Peters-Howell Road
St. Peters, Missouri  63376
Ph: (636) 279-6524

בני תורה
B’nai Torah Adult Education and Confirmation Class

Discussion 2/20/2011
The Ten Tests of Abraham
There are several versions of what the ten tests were. Not all the tests are specifically mentioned in the written Torah. Some are from the Oral Torah, and others are from Midrash (stories told by our rabbis).

The following list was compiled by Rashi (Born in 1040: the most famous commentator on the Torah and Talmud). I have added Abraham’s age from information provided elsewhere. For each of the following “tests” please comment on whether the test was physical, or spiritual, and if spiritual, what was the lesson learned, and whether you can apply that lesson to your life.

1.Abraham hid underground (from birth, with his mother and a nurse) for thirteen years
from King Nimrod, who wanted to kill him.
2.Nimrod flung Abraham, at age 50, into a burning furnace.
3.Abraham was commanded at age 55 to leave his family and homeland. Genesis 12:1 In
Genesis 11:31 we read, “ --- when they came as far as Haran, they settled there.” 
4.Almost as soon as he arrived in Canaan, he was forced to leave to escape a famine.
Genesis 12:10  (age 75)
5.Sarah was kidnapped by Pharaoh’s officials. Genesis 12:15
6.The kings capture Lot, and Abraham was forced to go to war to rescue him. Genesis 14
7.G-d told Abraham that his offspring would suffer under four monarchies. Genesis 15:13-16
8.At an advanced age, he was commanded to circumcise himself and his son. (age 99)
Genesis 17:10
9. He was commanded to drive away Ishmael and Hagar. Genesis 21:9-14.
10.He was commanded to sacrifice Isaac. Genesis 22:1-19.


The following are excerpts from “Covenant of Abraham” by Chaim Wizman on AISH.com with questions and comments added (in bold) for B’nai Torah students (Copyright © 1995 - 2011 Aish.com - http://www.aish.com).

What exactly is this covenant of Abraham?
On one level, the covenant refers to material blessing. Abraham's descendants will be numerous, and will inherit a land uniquely suited to facilitate their unique role in human history:
• "I will make of you a great nation ... and make your name great." (Genesis 12:2)
At the conclusion of the story of Noah, 70 nations formed by the descendants of Noah are listed in Genesis Chapter 10. Ten generations pass from Noah to the time of Abraham. G-d is not happy about the Tower of Babel, but the Torah doesn’t comment about the spirituality or ethics of the inhabitants of the 70 nations.

Q. Did this happen? If it did happen, does the promise indicate that the happening would last forever? Or is this something for which we are still waiting?

• "Look toward heaven and count the stars if you are able to number them ... so shall your
descendants be." (Genesis 15:5)
This physical legacy, however, represents only one dimension of the emerging relationship between God and Abraham. "I will establish my covenant between me and you and your descendants after you ... to be God to you and to your descendants after you" (Genesis 17:7) is God's promise to safeguard those descendants and nurture them - with all that His omnipotence implies.
Q. Christians and Moslems claim to have the same matriarchs and patriarchs (Abraham and Sarah in particular) that we had. Do you count them as the descendants that G-d refers to above?
• "Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land which you see I will give to you and to your descendants forever." (Genesis 13:14)
Q. Did this happen? If it did happen, does the promise indicate that the happening would last forever? Or is this something for which we are still waiting?

Father of All Nations
In addition to the relationship between God and Abraham's offspring, the Covenant of Abraham also concerns itself with the relationship between Abraham's offspring and the rest of humanity. "Through you shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" (Genesis 12:3). This exhortation is the origin of the unique and central role that Jews have played on the stage of human history. The "Chosen People," as it were.
Q. What does it mean for a nation to be blessed? G-d says, “through you”  --- how is that supposed to happen? Many of the 70 nations that existed at that time have disappeared. New nations have since formed. We have spoken about Abraham’s ten tests. Weren’t they sufficient? Did G-d make this promise as a “conditional” one? Can this still happen? Israel was conquered and its inhabitants dispersed around the world. Did this dispersion help or impede making the promise come true?


Discussion Topic for 2/13/2011

Last week we discussed whether or not G-d’s Covenant after the Flood was based on “conditions” and we concluded that G-d’s promise never to again destroy all life was unconditional. However, after making His promise, G-d requires:

In Genesis 9:3 “Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you ----"
and 9:4 “But flesh, with its soul its blood you shall not eat.”

And, In Genesis 9:5,6 G-d tells us that our lives do not belong to ourselves; but to Him. Therefore, we have no right to spill our own blood, and murder should not, and would not go unpunished.

Q. Ten generation had passed from creation till Noah. Do you think that, even though the right to eat meat was not granted until Noah left the ark, that everyone was a vegetarian? Why do you think G-d gave us the right to eat meat? What restriction did he place on us?

Q. Do you give any thought to the fact that your life belongs to G-d? Do you think that both your body and your soul belong to G-d? Would you live your life differently if you believed that your life was not your own; but G-ds?

Q. Speaking about our souls. When our bodies die – do you think that is caused by our soul leaving our bodies, or does our soul leave after our body dies?

Let’s get back to Abraham:

There are several versions of what the ten tests were. Not all the tests are specifically mentioned in the written Torah. Some are from the Oral Torah, and others are from Midrash (stories told by our rabbis).

The following list was compiled by Rashi (Born in 1040: the most famous commentator on the Torah and Talmud). I have added Abraham’s age from information provided elsewhere.

  1.Abraham hid underground (from birth, with his mother and a nurse) for thirteen years
from King Nimrod, who wanted to kill him.
  2.Nimrod flung Abraham, at age 50, into a burning furnace.
  3.Abraham was commanded at age 55 to leave his family and homeland. Genesis 12:1 In
Genesis 11:31 we read, “ --- when they came as far as Haran, they settled there.” 
  4.Almost as soon as he arrived in Canaan, he was forced to leave to escape a famine.
Genesis 12:10  (age 75)
  5.Sarah was kidnapped by Pharaoh’s officials. Genesis 12:15
  6.The kings capture Lot, and Abraham was forced to go to war to rescue him. Genesis 14
  7.G-d told Abraham that his offspring would suffer under four monarchies.
  8.At an advanced age, he was commanded to circumcise himself and his son. (age 99)
  9.He was commanded to drive away Ishmael and Hagar. Genesis 21:9-14.
10.He was commanded to sacrifice Isaac. Genesis 22:1-19.

In Judaism, in addition to the Bible, we have the Mishna (the oral Torah), the Gemara, the Jerusalem Talmud, the Babylonian Talmud, Prayer books (siddurim), Rashi’s Commentaries, the Kusari, the writing of Maimonides (the Rambam), the Zohar, the Shulchan Aruch,  and much more …….
Four levels of Torah study have been listed:
•Peshat, the plain (simple) or literal reading;
•Remez, a literary, dramatic, or pictorial description of the simple reading  (allegorical).
•Derash, an educational interpretation, sometimes the sermon by a rabbi to teach a lesson.
Much of what we call  midrash is this level of interpretaion (metaphorical).
•Sod, the hidden, secret, or mystical meaning of the text (Kabbalah).
PaRDeS, is an acronym formed from the initials of the above four levels of study.
Pardes means “orchard.”
Q. How are the four levels of Torah study like an orchard.

February 6, 2011 Adult Education

We are going to study Abraham, including the Ten Trials of Abraham. The trial that we are all familiar with is the commandment to sacrifice Isaac.

Q. What are your thoughts about G-d’s knowledge of the choices we will make, before we make them? In other words, does He know all future events, and how each of us will respond to choices we have to make?

Q. If G-d knew the outcome of the trials where Abraham had to make a choice --- what was the reason G-d imposed those trials on him?

One rabbi offered the explanation that the trials were meant to demonstrate to all humankind the importance of obedience to G-d. Another rabbi explained that G-d tests only righteous people who will do His will, not the wicked who will disobey.

Q. Which explanation do you prefer? Do you have a different thought about G-d testing someone?

Q. Were Adam and Eve tested? Was the snake tested? Were Cain and Abel tested? Was Noah tested? How does the outcome of each of these events influence the conclusions you came to above?

A “covenant” is a contract. It can take the form of a promise. After the Flood, G-d made a promise to Noah.

Q. What was this promise? Did G-d make His promise contingent on any act by Noah and his descendants? That is, would G-d only keep His promise if Noah and his descendants agreed to do certain things?

During our studies about Abraham, we will also find that G-d makes some promises to Abraham, and then to Abraham’s grandson, Jacob. Not only do we discover that there is ONE G-d, we learn that our G-d is willing to make promises and establish agreements with us.

We will also find, as we study Abraham, that Abraham calls upon G-d to abide by His agreements.

Q. Is this the same as our saying, “G-d, if you do this for me, I will do this for you”? If it is different, how is it different? Does Abraham’s relationship with G-d influence our relationship with G-d?

We opened this class with a discussion about how G-d knows the outcome of all future events. We saw that during the ten generations from creation to Noah, and the ten generations from Noah to Abraham, humankind chose evil ways.

Q. In your opinion, did G-d make His promises based on what had taken place to the time of His promises, or did G-d make His promises based on His knowledge of the future?

There are several versions of what the ten tests were. Not all the tests are specifically mentioned in the written Torah. Some are from the Oral Torah, and others are from Midrash (stories told by our rabbis).

The following list was compiled by Rashi (Born in 1040: the most famous commentator on the Torah and Talmud). I have added Abraham’s age from information provided elsewhere. We will continue with Abraham next week.

  1.     Abraham hid underground for thirteen years from King Nimrod, who wanted to kill him.
(from birth, with his mother and a nurse).
  2.     Nimrod flung Abraham into a burning furnace. (age 50).
  3.     Abraham was commanded to leave his family and homeland. Genesis 12:1 (age 55). In
Genesis 11:31 we read, “ --- when they came as far as Haran, they settled there.” 
  4.      Almost as soon as he arrived in Canaan, Abraham was forced to leave, to escape a
famine. Genesis 12:10  (age 75)
  5.      Sarah was kidnapped by Pharaoh’s officials. Genesis 12:15
  6.      The kings capture Lot, and Abraham was forced to go to war to rescue him. Genesis 14
  7.      G-d told Abraham that his offspring would suffer under four monarchies.
  8.      At an advanced age, he was commanded to circumcise himself and his son. (age 99)
  9.      He was commanded to drive away Ishmael and Hagar. Genesis 21:9-14.
10.      He was commanded to sacrifice Isaac. Genesis 22:1-19.

Discussion Top  January 16, 2011
Confirmation and Adult Discussion Class

From the story of Noah and the Flood that destroyed all life outside the ark, except the fishes, we learn that G-d is our Judge. After Noah and his family and all the animals leave the ark, Noah builds an alter and thanks G-d (Genesis 8:20).

G-d acknowledges that human beings will have weaknesses. In Genesis 8:20-22 we read:

“Never again will I doom the earth because of man, since the devising of man’s mind are evil from his youth; ---.” Jewish Publication Society, “The Jewish Study Bible.”

“I will not continue to curse again the ground because of man, since the imagery of man’s heart is evil from his youth; ---.” The Stone Edition, Chumash.”

And, in Genesis 9:8-17 G-d promises that there will never again be a flood that destroys all life, and G-d has a rainbow appear as a symbol of His promise.

Q. What do you conclude from this? Will G-d no longer be our Judge?

Q. When will G-d’s final judgment take place?

In Genesis 9:1-4 G-d authorizes humans to use all animals for food as long as the blood is drained from the animal.

Q. This commandment was the origin of which Jewish practice that many Jews still follow today?

After He authorizes humans to use all animals for food, in Genesis 9:5 we read, “But for your own life-blood I will require a reckoning”

Q. What does this mean? The Talmud interprets this to mean that taking one’s own life (suicide) is prohibited. Do you see that meaning in the words?

In Genesis 9:6 we read, “Whoever sheds the blood of man, By man shall his blood be shed, ---.”

Q. How do you interpret this?

The story of Noah ends with Noah planting a vineyard; drinking wine; becoming drunk; being naked while he is drunk; being seen naked by his son Ham, and being covered by his sons Shem and Japheth, while they avoid looking at him.

Noah wakes up from his drunken sleep and curses Canaan the son of Ham.

Q. Our Rabbis have discussed this curse by Noah and have reached many different conclusions. The one I like is that Noah foresaw that the descendants of Canaan would always be wicked, so he separated them from the descendants of his other sons who would become the future nation of Israel.

Discussion Topic December 19, 2010

The Torah tells us that there were 10 generations from Adam to Noah. Genesis 5:1-32.

Q. How many years do you think went by from the creation of Adam until the birth of Noah?

I will provide a chart on Sunday, “The Ten Generations From Adam to Noah”

In Genesis 6:6 we read, “And Hashem reconsidered having made Man on earth, and He had heartfelt sadness.” (From The Chumash – Stone Edition).

Q. Is G-d surprised at the evil that is taking place, and that everyone (except Noah and his family) is evil?

In Genesis 6:3 we read, “And Hashem said, “My spirit shall not contend evermore concerning Man since he is but flesh; his days shall be a hundred and twenty years.”

Some rabbis tell us this means that our life would decrease to a maximum of 120 years. Other rabbis tell us that this passage means that G-d will wait 120 years before he destroys everyone (except Noah and his family).

Q. Which interpretation do you think is the right one? Why?

Genesis 6:4 states, “The Nephilim were on the earth in those days ---.”

Homework assignment: Google “Nephilim.”

In Genesis 9:11 we read, “And I will confirm My covenant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.’

Q. Was G-d sorry about the flood? Does this mean that He made a mistake?

Chapter 10 of Genesis describes the descendants of Shem, Ham, and Japhet as settling in different nations “each with its language” (verse 5). Chapter 11 opens with the statement, “Everyone on earth had the same language ---.”

Q. What questions does this raise in your mind?

Discussion Topic 11/21/2010
Last week we saw how what we have been doing during our discussion classes is developing “Commentary” about episodes in the Torah. This week we will see that we can also develop Midrash.

Let’s start today’s class with a little impromptu play acting. I will set the scene. Mom and pop have just told you about the good old days when they were in the Garden of Eden, and how G-d kicked them out because of what they did. Mom and pop leave. What do you have to say to each other about what you were just told?

Q. Since both brothers brought an offering (the first in the Bible) doesn’t it seem as if they would have coordinated with each other?

So, let’s make up another script with Cain and Abel as the main characters. This time, let’s hear your discussion about your crops, your flocks, your thoughts about G-d, and your decision to bring a gift to G-d. Present your thoughts about which brother might have come up with the idea of a gift for G-d. (This is Midrash that you are creating).
Last week we concluded:

•That G-d did not compare the offering brought by Cain to the offering brought by Abel. We read, “---Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering to the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the first of his flocks and of their choicest ones ---”
(Genesis, 4:3-5).

Q. Who made the first offering? 

Q. Did G-d judge the offerings by which one was the more costly or valuable? Does the Torah tell us which one was the more valuable gift?
The bottom line is: Abel brought the best he could; Cain didn't. G-d is not comparing each brother to the other. 

Q. How is G-d judging each brother?
We understand a little about heredity, environment, and free will.

Q. To what extent do you believe our heredity influences our free will? To what extent does our environment influence our free will? Are there other factors that influence our free will?

Q. If Cain and Abel were in a different environment (The Garden of Eden) do you think the same story (the offerings and the murder) would have taken place?
When Adam eats the Forbidden Fruit, G-d calls out to him, "Where are you?" (Genesis 3:9). And when Cain murders Abel, G-d calls out to him, "Where is Abel, your brother?" (Genesis 4:9).

Q. Does this tell us anything about heredity, environment, and free will?

NOTE: There is no class next week – Thanksgiving weekend.
And, on December 5th we will start at B’nai Torah at 9 AM and leave for the Brodsky Jewish Library which opens at 10 AM to purchase books for our B’nai Torah Student Library, at their annual used book sale. Each student will be given funds to make purchases for his/her age group from the Bohm Grant we received from the St. Louis Jewish Federation.

Discussion Topic 11/14/2010
Cain is the first born child after the creation of Adam and Eve, and Abel is the next to be born. When they grow up, Abel becomes a “keeper of sheep” and his older brother Cain a “tiller of soil.” They each bring an offering to the Lord. “---Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering to the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the first of his flocks and of their choicest ones.---” (Genesis, 4:3-5).

The Almighty expresses pleasure with the offering brought by Abel, “but to Cain and his offering He paid no heed” (Genesis 4:5). Cain becomes very upset. Shortly afterwards, he kills his brother Abel.

Q. Is G-d comparing what Cain brought to what Abel brought, or is G-d judging each brother as to whether he did the best he could?

Q. Is G-d showing favoritism toward one person over another? Should we even be questioning any decisions that G-d made? We acknowledge that G-d is The Creator and that He created everything from nothing. Is it right for us to question our Creator?

When G-d sees that Cain is upset, in Genesis 4:6 we read,

“Why are you distressed,
And why is your face fallen?
Surely, if you do right
There is uplift.
But if you do not do right
Sin couches at the door;
Its urge is toward you,
Yet you can be its master.”

Q. Is G-d giving Cain a chance to bring another gift? Is G-d giving a chance to Cain to present the gift in an appropriate manner? Is there another meaning you see in the above phrase?

Q. Did G-d show favoritism toward Abel when G-d rejected Cain’s gift and accepted Abel’s?

Q. The Torah does not say why G-d accepted Abel’s offering, but not Cain’s. What reasons, if any, can you suggest why this happened?



Discussion Topic 10/31/2010

The Ice Age started about 700,000 years ago. Many animals that were stronger and larger than humans did not survive.

Q. If you were living back then, what would you do to survive? Why do you think humans survived?

Long before humans learned how to MAKE fire, they learned how to USE fire.

Q. Where did they get the fire they used? How did they use the fire?

Graves have been found that date back 80,000 years ago. There is evidence that food, jewelry, and weapons were left with the bodies.

Q. What do you conclude from the above about the beliefs that humans had about death as far back as 80,000 years ago?

Q. Do you think that those who died back then had families? Children? Husbands and wives?

Q. While the graves that have been found can be dated 80,000 years ago, do you think that these practices, and beliefs of the people who lived long before us go back even further? 100,000 years? 500,000 years? etc.?

Q. What are some of the natural events that humans witnessed 10,000 years ago (and more) that made them think about some higher force, or unseen power?

Paintings have been found on the walls of caves in France, Spain, Germany, and Italy. Archeologists have dated these paintings from 10,000 BCE. Humans are capable of individual expression – the ability to paint, write, play musical instruments (and make musical instruments), sing, teach, act, dance, invent, and be creative.

Q. What stories in the Torah tell us that G-d gave humans these abilities?

Scientists have measured the size of the brains of humans who lived 250,000 years ago (Homo Sapiens which means THINKING HUMANS), and the size of gorillas that lived in those times.

Q. What do you think the results showed?

Q. Do you think our brain size is the same today as it was 250,000 years ago? Does this strengthen your belief in G-d, or make you question that we were created by G-d?


Discussion Topics 10/17/2010 and 10/24/2010

One Thousand eight hundred years (1,800) after Judaism became a religion, a new religion arose. Those who joined this religion had major differences in their beliefs than the beliefs held by the Jews.

At the time this new religion was formed there were no churches. The name of the new religion, “Christianity” was not used until 15 years after the death of Jesus. The new religion was formed by his followers, who were Jewish, as he was. There was no New Testament at the time he died.

Q. If Jesus were to come back, where would he go to pray? In which language would he pray? Would he call our Bible the Old Testament?

Jesus said, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-19 (New International Version)

Q. What “law” was he referring to? Which Prophets was he referring to? He refers to letters and pen strokes – what is he referring to?

Over 2 Billion people now follow Christianity. They say that they believe in one G-d, the same G-d that Jews believe in. However, those who believe in Christianity believe that there are three parts to God: The Son, The Father, and The Holy Spirit. They believe that these three parts are really ONE.

Q. Is this Christian concept of G-d different than the belief we express when we say The Shema?

Christians believe that Jesus was the Son of G-d, that Jesus is G-d in the flesh, that Jesus saves our souls, and that he was the Messiah. Jews believe that Jesus was human, that we are all the children of G-d, that only G-d can save souls if we repent, say prayers, and do good deeds, and that the Messiah has not yet come, because when the Messiah comes, it will be the beginning of eternal peace and the end to all illness and death.

Q. While the above may show substantial differences between Judaism and Christianity, please list the similarities that we share with the Christian religion and with individual Christians you know.

Christians believe that the sin of Adam and Eve is passed to all future generations, and that consequently we are all born as sinners, and the only way to remove this Original Sin is through Baptism (immersion and prayers). We believe that we are born with an evil and a good inclination, and that we are given the Will (Free Will) to choose which inclination to follow.

Q. How are we guided to choose the good inclination? Once the Original Sin is removed from Christians, does that mean that they will be good forever afterwards? How are Christians guided to perform good acts?

We teach that all people are the children of G-d, that all people are equal before G-d, that it is not necessary to be born Jewish, or convert to Judaism to be blessed by G-d. We believe that Salvation (the eternal life of our soul) will be given to all those who follow the Golden Rule and the Ten Commandments.

Q. Have you met anyone who told you that you will spend eternity in hell if you don’t convert to their religion? While this is nonsense because it is completely contrary to what G-d wants, how did you respond to that person?

In translation into English, provided by Jewish publishing houses, Genesis (1:2) refers to the spirit of G-d. Christian bibles change this to the Spirit of G-d.

Q. How is the meaning of the above changed by capitalizing the word “spirit”?


October 3, 2010 Sunday School Discussion

“Love your neighbor as yourself” was written in the Torah in Leviticus,
Chapter 19, Verse 18 in 1,230 BCE. Over 1,200 years later, the Golden Rule was written (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you).

Q. What do we learn from each message? Do we learn the same thing from both messages?

About 32 BCE, a question was posed to Rabbi Hillel, one of the great sages in Jewish History. He was asked to state what the Torah is all about while he was standing on one foot. He replied, "That which is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary. Go and study it.”

Q. Do you agree that this is “the whole Torah”? Can you recall any stories you have read in the Torah that support what Rabbi Hillel stated?

Christians refer to our Bible as the Old Testament, and to their Bible that tells the story of Jesus, Paul, and the early years of Christianity as the New Testament.

Q. Why do Jews prefer to call our Bible, the Hebrew Bible, or just the Bible, rather than the Old Testament?

The Hebrew Bible is made up of three sections. These are the Torah which contains the first five books. The next section is known as the Prophets, and the thirds section is the Writings. TaNaKh is an acronym for Torah, Nevi’im (Prophets) and Ketuvim (Writings). More and more Christians refer to our Bible as the TaNaKh rather than the Old Testament.

We will spend the remainder of today’s class memorizing, the names Torah, Nevi’im, Ketuvim and TaNaKh, as well as the Hebrew names of the first five books:

Genesis   Brei’sheet
Exodus   Sh’mot
Leviticus Va-Yikra
Numbers Bamidbar
Deuteronomy Devarim


September 19, 2010 Sunday School Discussion

Last week we discussed how G-d created human beings in His image. He gave each of us a soul. We each “look” different. In fact, we are each unique (which is another reason to believe that G-d is The Creator).

Q. Do you think our souls are unique, or do we all get a soul that is identical to everyone else’s?

Q. Do our souls remain the same throughout our lives, or does the way we live influence the form our souls take?

Q. Is the Yiddishe Neshama different than the soul in non-Jews?

Q. Do you think our soul influences our thoughts? Do our thoughts originate in our soul? If so, how do you explain “bad” thoughts?

Q. Where do you think your soul resides?

a)In your heart
b)In your brain
c)Somewhere inside of you
d)Other


September 12, 2010 Sunday School Discussion

On day 5, G-d created fish, insects, and birds. On day 6, G-d created the animal kingdom and human beings.

Q. Do you think that each form of life that was created was more advanced than the one that came before it? If so, since Eve was created after Adam are women more advanced than men?

Q. If life just happened, as claimed by those who believe that G-d was not The Creator, how would they explain that there are males and females?

There are 613 commandments in the Bible. The first one is “Be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28). Jewish Law rules that this obligation for married people to have children is the responsibility of the male.

Q. Why do you think this decision was made by the rabbis who wrote this law?

Adam and Eve were  created, “in G-d’s image.”

Q. What does this mean.

Q. Do animals understand the difference between good and evil? When we say, “good dog” do we mean the dog is “good” or “obedient”?

Q. Are human beings only Godlike or do they have some of the same urges that animals have? How does being created in G-d’s image affect the way we eat, compared to the way animals eat?

Q. Does having the knowledge of what is “right” and “wrong” make us Gods or Goddesses?