The Chumash (Five Books of Moses)
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Why were the animals punished in The Flood?
I have some questions about the Flood. In Genesis 6:12 we read “God saw the earth…it had gone to ruin, for all flesh had ruined its way…” The usual interpretation is that humankind was to be punished for its iniquities.…
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Noah on the Ark for a Year
The rain lasted for 40 days. Why then did Noah remain with the animals for nearly a year? Answer: Very interesting question! I’ll give you my thoughts. The purpose of the flood was to give mankind a fresh start, to…
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Animals Banished from the Garden of Eden
Were the animals also banished from the Garden of Eden? If yes, why? For what sin? Answer: Man contains within him the sum total of all of creation. As man goes, the rest of creation goes. Thus, when man was…
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Difference Between Murder and Killing
The death penalty does not fit under the commandment “You shall not murder.” I have understood that murder and killing are two different words in Hebrew, with the word “murder” being used in instances such as Cain and Abel, and…
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Two Creation Narratives
The verse states in Genesis (1:27), “And G-d created Man in His image, in the image of G-d He created him; male and female He created them.” Then in chapter 2, verses 21-23, G-d creates woman with the rib of…
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Why didn’t Joseph tell his father Jacob that he was alive?
Joseph was first consul to Pharoh for many years. Why did he not search to find his father or at least send others to see if his father and siblings were still alive? Thank you. Answer: Hi! Excellent question. Joseph…
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Jacob’s Relationship with Menashe and Ephraim
After Jacob lives in Egypt for 17 years and is near death we read that Joseph brings Menashe and Efraim to him. Why did Joseph wait until then to bring then to meet their grandfather? There is no other mention…
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Jacob’s Weakened Prophecy
Why does it say that Jacob both saw and heard of the corn in Egypt (Genesis 42:1-2)? Why are the 2 senses of sight and hearing mentioned? Answer: The verse first states that Jacob saw, which as the commentary of…
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Rachel and the Teraphim
Why did Rachel take her father’s Teraphim, his idols? Answer: According to the Midrash, Rachel took them because she objected to her father’s use of them for idolatrous purposes. Laban wasn’t a Jew; the Jews are descended from Abraham, whereas…