DOCSLIB.ORG

Chayei Sarah Vra Hhj “Life of Sarah”

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Chayei Sarah Vra Hhj “Life of Sarah” W A L K T H R O U G H T H E W O R D Chayei Sarah vra hhj “Life of Sarah” Torah: Genesis 23:1-25:18 Haftarah: 1 Kings 1:1-31 B’rit Chadashah: Matthew 1:1-17 Sunday (Rishon) Genesis 23:1-16 Sarah’s Death in the Land (Sheni) Genesis 23:17-24:9 Sarah’s Burial & Her Son’s Need for a Bride When Sarah dies (23:1-2) a grieving husband begins negotiating for the legal rights to bury his wife (vv.3- 7). While God promised him the entire land, Abraham eyes a small patch of land with a cave on it to become the first installment of this promise (vv.8-12). This small patch of land is in the heart of Judea, misguidedly referred to today as the “West Bank” or “occupied territories.” Abraham closes the deal by paying a huge sum of money to ensure his undisputed legal ownership (vv.13-16). & After receiving legal rights to this “firstfruits” of land, the patriarch-in-mourning buries his wife (vv.17-20). Next, Abraham entreats his most trusted servant (cf.15:2) to promise that he would fetch a bride for his beloved son (24:1- 4). According to Ex.34:16 and Deut.7:3-4, what is one danger of Isaac marrying a local Canaanite woman? (Isaac repeats this matchmaking plan for his own son Jacob in 28:1-2. Unlike his father who acted through a servant, however, Isaac instructs his son directly.) After negotiating the details and exact terms of the promise (vv.5-8) the servant promises to do as Abraham has asked (v.9; the “hand under the thigh” promise was an ancient near eastern custom that we might liken to a modern day “hand on the bible” promise to tell the truth in court, cf. v.2). Consider the implications of this publicly recognized land purchase that is a “firstfruits” of God’s fulfilling His land promise. God promised the Jewish people this much disputed strip of land (a tiny island set apart amidst a sea of other nations and peoples) as an eternal inheritance. God divinely designated “stewardship” authority & responsibility to the physical descendants of Abraham through the line of promise. Let’s publicly support the Jewish people’s legitimate authority and right to exercise this responsibility even as we passionately pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Do you see Jewish sovereignty over the land as an obstacle to Jerusalem’s peace? Or could Israel’s exercising this sovereignty over the land actually be part of God’s means to once and for all accomplish this historically elusive peace? Monday (Shlishi) Genesis 24:10-26 Search for the New Matriarch (R’vi’i) Genesis 24:27-52 Rebekah is God’s Provision Abraham’s servant travels with “camel loads” worth of gifts for a dowry (24:10-11). His prayerfulness reveals both faithfulness to his master and an exercising of his faith in God (vv.12-14). From the servant’s prayer, what can you discern about the character traits he is looking for in a woman? He then carefully watches for God’s confirming lead (vv.15-21) and offers the woman costly gifts even before knowing her identity (vv.22-23)! Upon discovering that God has faithfully led him to the perfect household (vv.24-25), what is his response (v.26; “bowing” is a sign of respect; “worshiping” is a sign of dependence and gratitude)? & Pause to identify with the heart of this servant by meditatively comparing his prayer of praise in v.27 with his original prayer of petition in v.12. How do Abraham’s initial words to this servant at the end of v.7 lay a foundation for the faith that inspired the servant’s prayers? What does this teach you about God and His power over every circumstance? How can you apply this to your own “faith walk” in dependence & gratitude to God? When you read of Laban’s hospitality (vv.28-32) what do the opening words of v.30 teach you about his motives (cf.Mat.6:24)? The servant enters Laban’s family’s household and gives a lengthy report of the facts (vv.33-48) followed by a passionate plea (v.49). Is the servant struggling and striving to get what he wants or is he resting in God and walking in faith? When Laban and his father recognize and submit to God’s hand upon their circumstances (vv.50-51) the servant again “bows” before the LORD (v.52). Tuesday (Chamishi) Genesis 24:53-67 Rebekah’s Dowry & Isaac’s Delight (Shishi) Genesis 25:1-11 Isaac is the Line of Promise Abraham’s servant enters into the final negotiations with Rebekah’s family (24:53-61). Consider the faith it took for Rebekah to leave everything she knew (cf. Abram’s similar challenge). How does the family’s blessing upon Rebekah in v.60 compare with God’s blessing upon Abraham in 22:17? What are the modern day implications of these ancient blessings today? The next section is a dramatic “boy meets girl” story (vv.62-67). Compare v.67 with the name of this portion. Rebecca, the character introduced in the final section of last week’s portion, both comforts the promised son and carries on the matriarchal line. Therefore, there is a sense in which Sarah’s life is carried on through Rebekah. & While Abraham has other sons (25:1-4) his supernaturally promised son is uniquely set apart (vv.5-6). Natural sons receive their inheritance and are sent away while the son of promise receives everything belonging to his father: name, land, possessions and promises. After Abraham dies (vv.7-8) his sons bury him with their mother (vv.9-10; cf. 23:17-20). God blesses Isaac after the death of both his father (v.11) and his mother (24:67). God is not only faithful but also tremendously merciful. Mt.5:4 and Isa.61:2 tell us that God comforts those who mourn. Godly comfort, however, is not necessarily what makes us feel better in the moment but brings us closer to Messiah-like maturity and soul rest in God alone! What kind of “things” do you accumulate as a way to seek personal comfort? What do you try and avoid as a way of pursuing your comfort? How does this comfort differ from the comfort God grants through godliness and faith-filled obedience? What can you do specifically today to put off seeking comfort through circumstantial ease and instead pursue your rest in Him? Read and consider how you can apply Mat.11:28-30 today! Wednesday (Shvi’i) Genesis 25:12-18 Ishmael’s Family Line (Maftir) Genesis vv.16-18 Ishmael’s Family Disunity True to His word, God gives Ishmael twelve sons who grow into what might be considered a national confederation with twelve representative leaders (25:12-16; cf. 17:20). Ishmael’s death is reported in the maftir, or “concluding section” (v.17). With Abraham, Sarah and Ishmael all dying in this portion, Isaac’s preeminence is further highlighted! Also true to His word, Ishmael’s population growth is wrought with tensions and conflict (v.18; cf.16:12). Understanding where we’ve been (recorded in Torah) helps us make sense of where we are (usually misrepresented and misunderstood in news media) and recognize where we are going in future redemptive history (both the scary & the reassuring). What are some of the modern day implications of this ancient corporate family dynamic within the household of Ishmael? Thursday (Haftarah) 1 Kings 1:1-31 King David’s Successor The book(s) of Kings records history from the end of David’s life to the nation’s tragic exile (our English bibles contain 1st & 2nd Kings but it is really one book, broken in two because ancient scrolls were too short to hold all of it). Adonijah is David’s fourth-born son (cf. 2 Sam.3:2-4 or 1 Chr.3:1-2) who declares himself king (1:5). Solomon, son of David through Bathsheba, however, is the one that David appoints as his successor (vv.29-30). Power politics and family squabbles, all stemming from our fallen nature, will not thwart God’s purposes. David’s oath will be fulfilled. God’s purposes of redeeming us from slavery to this fallen nature will also be fulfilled. Are you ensnared in family squabbles? Are you caught up in power politics at work? What can you do to walk in faith and participate in God’s redemption in those relationships? Do you fear the backlash from them more than you crave God’s approval? Abraham in the Torah portion, and David in the Haftarah portion, face the problem of who will be their successor. Successorship is ultimately not about favoritism but destiny. God’s “pre-destined” plan is unfolding and Yeshua will lead us home. What is He calling you to trust Him for today? Friday (B’rit Chadashah) Matthew 1:1-17 David’s Ultimate Successor “David’s dynasty of kings and Abraham’s heir to [household] promises converge in Yeshua haMashiach [Jesus the Messiah]. The sacred text introduces Yeshua as the son of David, the son of Abraham (Mt.1:1). His heritage passes through Isaac, Jacob, Judah among the brothers, and Perez among the twins (Mat.1:2-3). It passes through David and Solomon among the kings (Mt.1:6).
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Vaetchanan 5779
    Vaetchanan Vaetchanan, 16 Av 5779 Speech from Fire Harav Yosef Carmel Our parasha describes for the second time in the Torah the incredible scene as Bnei Yisrael took a huge transformative step, going from a group who were recently slaves (deeply entrenched in the physical world) and turning into the Nation of Israel. The fearsome mountain surrounded by clouds, fire, and loud sounds, and especially the Divine Presence, is described (Devarim 5:5-25). As we have discussed many times in the past, much can be learned from multiple appearances of certain leading words in a section. The Torah is sending us a message through the choice of these words. In this section, the words are aish (fire) and the root davor , which is used in speech, whether the act or the things that are spoken. What is the connection between these two ideas? The revelation at Mount Sinai seems paradoxical. On the one hand, the One giving the Torah is the Creator of the world, who Himself is beyond anything in the physical world. He cannot even be accurately described with words like “present” or “outside,” for it is clear that He is fundamentally out of the physical world. On the other hand, the receivers of the Torah are mortal human beings, who are created from materials that Hashem created. They live in a world that is governed by nature and are affected by its rules. If a person tries to leave the world of nature, that basically means that he ceases to exist in the physical world. But here, in this one-time revelation, Bnei Yisrael received devarim (words, speech) from within fire, with fire representing the destruction of physical matter.
    [Show full text]
  • Torah Stories the Mamas and the Papas Torah Family Tree
    Bet (2nd Grade) Torah Stories The Mamas and the Papas Torah Family Tree Activity #1: To review from last year, read the 3 attached Bible stories about the mamas (matriarchs) and papas (patriarchs) of the Jewish people and/or read the character descriptions below. Using the Matriarch & Patriarch Family Tree Pictures page, cut out one set of character pictures and glue or tape them on the family tree in the correct place. Abraham- Known as the “father” of the Jewish people, Abraham is thought to be the first person to believe in ONE God. Abraham and his wife Sarah left their home to come to the land of Canaan to build a home for his children, grandchildren and future family members. Sarah- As the wife of Abraham, she left her home to help make a home for the Jewish people. Sarah gave birth to Isaac when she was old. Isaac- As son of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac led the Jewish people, after Abraham. Isaac and his wife Rebecca had twin sons, Jacob and Esau. Rebecca- Rebecca showed kindness by helping Isaac’s servant. She had twin sons, Jacob and Esau. Esau was strong and enjoyed hunting. Jacob stayed indoors helping with house chores. Rebecca thought Jacob should be the next leader of the Jewish people, even though it was Esau’s right as the older son. Rebecca helped Jacob trick Isaac. Isaac blessed Jacob instead of Esau and Jacob became the next leader. Jacob- Jacob was the clever, younger son of Isaac and Rebecca. With the help of his mother, Jacob became the next leader of the Jewish people.
    [Show full text]
  • Torah Portions for Shabbat & Haggim 2011
    TORAH PORTIONS FOR SHABBAT & HAGGIM 2011 – 2012 Bet Am Shalom follows the triennial cycle for Torah readings. This is the second year of the cycle; the actual verses to be chanted on each Shabbat and on certain holidays are listed below. October – 2011 Saturday 10/01 Shuvah Deuteronomy 32:1 – 52 Saturday 10/08 Yom Kippur Morning Leviticus 16:1 – 34 Numbers 29:7 – 11 Afternoon Leviticus 19:1 – 18 Thursday 10/13 Sukkot Day 1 Leviticus 23:22 – 44 Numbers 29:12 – 16 Saturday 10/15 Chol Ha-Mo’ed Exodus 33:12 – 34:26 Sukkot Numbers 29:17 – 25 Thursday 10/20 Shemini Atzeret Deuteronomy 33:1 – 34:12 Simchat Torah Genesis 1:1 – 2:3 Numbers 29:35 – 30:1 Saturday 10/22 Beresheet Genesis 2:4 – 4:26 Saturday 10/29 Noach / Rosh Chodesh Genesis 8:15 – 10:32 Numbers 28:9 – 15 November Saturday 11/05 Lech Lecha Genesis 14:1 – 15:21 Saturday 11/12 Vayeira Genesis 19:1 – 20:18 Saturday 11/19 Chayei Sarah Genesis 24:10 – 52 Saturday 11/26 Toldot Genesis 26:23 – 27:27 December Saturday 12/03 Vayetze Genesis 30:14 – 31:16 Saturday 12/10 Vayishlach Genesis 34:1 – 35:15 Saturday 12/17 Vayeishev Genesis 38:1 – 30 Saturday 12/24 Miketz / Chanukah Genesis 41:53 – 43:15 Numbers 7: 42 - 47 Saturday 12/31 Vayigash Genesis 45:28 – 46:27 January – 2012 Saturday 01/07 Vayechi Genesis 49:1 – 26 50:23 – 26 Saturday 01/14 Shemot Exodus 3:1 – 4:17 Saturday 01/21 Va-ayrah Exodus 7:8 – 8:15 Saturday 01/28 Bo Exodus 11:4 – 12:28 February Saturday 02/04 Beshelach / Shirah Exodus 14:15 – 16:10 Saturday 02/11 Yitro Exodus 19:1 – 20:23 Saturday 02/18 Mishpatim / Shekalim Exodus
    [Show full text]
  • PARSHAT CHAYEI SARAH Some Photographs While He Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Who Get Begrimed and Was Flying Over (He Was a Man We Have Jewish and Jacob and Leah
    בס״ד Torah Life Is a Double- first plot of land in the Holy the tzaddikim (perfectly Land to become the righteous), who take the Decker Cave Two people Weekly legal possession of the Jewish helicopter ride over the went exploring and reached a people. Machpelah means swamp of life. They do much November 8-14, 2020 swamp. The first was a man “doubled” in Hebrew, and good, enriching our 21-27 Cheshvan, 5781 of means; he radioed for a two reasons are given for this knowledge and inspiring us helicopter, and five minutes Torah reading: name. One reason is that four with their bird’s-eye view of Chayei Sarah: Genesis 23:1 - 25:18 later was on the other side, the prestigious couples are buried reality. Haftarah: Kings I 1:1-31 crease in the pants of his there: Adam and Eve, Then there are the sorry slobs safari suit intact. He even took Abraham and who get stuck, who get lost, PARSHAT CHAYEI SARAH some photographs while he Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, who get begrimed and was flying over (he was a man We have Jewish and Jacob and Leah. The beslimed in their journey with an avid interest in the Calendars. If you second reason given by the through the swamp. These are would like one, sciences), which made a commentaries is that it had the baalei teshuvah (masters please send us a modest but significant two chambers one above the of return), who emerge from contribution to the field of letter and we will other, “like a house with a loft their decades of wandering swamp study.
    [Show full text]
  • And This Is the Blessing)
    V'Zot HaBerachah (and this is the blessing) Moses views the Promised Land before he dies את־ And this is the blessing, in which blessed Moses, the man of Elohim ְ ו ז ֹאת Deuteronomy 33:1 Children of Israel before his death. C-MATS Question: What were the final words of Moses? These final words of Moses are a combination of blessing and prophecy, in which he blesses each tribe according to its national responsibilities and individual greatness. Moses' blessings were a continuation of Jacob's, as if to say that the tribes were blessed at the beginning of their national existence and again as they were about to begin life in Israel. Moses directed his blessings to each of the tribes individually, since the welfare of each tribe depended upon that of the others, and the collective welfare of the nation depended upon the success of them all (Pesikta). came from Sinai and from Seir He dawned on them; He shined forth from יהוה ,And he (Moses) said 2 Mount Paran and He came with ten thousands of holy ones: from His right hand went a fiery commandment for them. came to Israel from Seir and יהוה ?present the Torah to the Israelites יהוה Question: How did had offered the Torah to the descendants of יהוה Paran, which, as the Midrash records, recalls that Esau, who dwelled in Seir, and to the Ishmaelites, who dwelled in Paran, both of whom refused to accept the Torah because it prohibited their predilections to kill and steal. Then, accompanied by came and offered His fiery Torah to the Israelites, who יהוה ,some of His myriads of holy angels submitted themselves to His sovereignty and accepted His Torah without question or qualification.
    [Show full text]
  • Stories of the Prophets
    Stories of the Prophets Written by Al-Imam ibn Kathir Translated by Muhammad Mustapha Geme’ah, Al-Azhar Stories of the Prophets Al-Imam ibn Kathir Contents 1. Prophet Adam 2. Prophet Idris (Enoch) 3. Prophet Nuh (Noah) 4. Prophet Hud 5. Prophet Salih 6. Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) 7. Prophet Isma'il (Ishmael) 8. Prophet Ishaq (Isaac) 9. Prophet Yaqub (Jacob) 10. Prophet Lot (Lot) 11. Prophet Shuaib 12. Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) 13. Prophet Ayoub (Job) 14 . Prophet Dhul-Kifl 15. Prophet Yunus (Jonah) 16. Prophet Musa (Moses) & Harun (Aaron) 17. Prophet Hizqeel (Ezekiel) 18. Prophet Elyas (Elisha) 19. Prophet Shammil (Samuel) 20. Prophet Dawud (David) 21. Prophet Sulaiman (Soloman) 22. Prophet Shia (Isaiah) 23. Prophet Aramaya (Jeremiah) 24. Prophet Daniel 25. Prophet Uzair (Ezra) 26. Prophet Zakariyah (Zechariah) 27. Prophet Yahya (John) 28. Prophet Isa (Jesus) 29. Prophet Muhammad Prophet Adam Informing the Angels About Adam Allah the Almighty revealed: "Remember when your Lord said to the angels: 'Verily, I am going to place mankind generations after generations on earth.' They said: 'Will You place therein those who will make mischief therein and shed blood, while we glorify You with praises and thanks (exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners) and sanctify You.' Allah said: 'I know that which you do not know.' Allah taught Adam all the names of everything, then He showed them to the angels and said: "Tell Me the names of these if you are truthful." They (angels) said: "Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what You have taught us.
    [Show full text]
  • Shabbat Vayetze November 27-28 Vayetze a Teaching from Rabbi
    Shabbat Vayetze November 27-28 Candle Lighting: 4:13 PM / Shabbat Ends: 5:16 PM Torah Reading: Genesis 28:10 - 32:3 Haftarah: Hosea 12:13 - 14:10 Vayetze A Teaching from Rabbi Weintraub--Your Whole Self As we completed last week’s Torah Portion, Toldot, Jacob was vulnerable, on the run, fleeing the wrath of his brother Esau to seek refuge with his Uncle Laban in Charan. In Parshat Vayetze, now in Charan, Laban becomes Jacob’s father-in-law and employer, and shamelessly deceives and exploits his nephew. Despite the abuse, Jacob makes it. He takes two wives and two concubines, fathers eleven children, and through relentless, backbreaking work,”grew exceedingly prosperous and came to own large flocks, maidservants and menservants, camels and asses” (Genesis 30:43). Then, suddenly, at this height of success, Jacob becomes uncomfortable and decides to flee. “Jacob also saw the countenance of Laban, and behold, it was not with him as in earlier days” (Genesis 31:2). What does it mean that Laban was “not with him as in earlier days”? Wasn’t Laban, always a crook, still a crook? Now, however, Jacob sees with new clarity his dependence on Laban. The dependence is not hard to understand. Jacob’s father, Isaac, had favored his brother Esau because Esau was able to hunt and provide: “Isaac loved Esau, because the hunt was in his mouth” (Genesis 25:28). So, displaced from his home but still longing for his father, Jacob struggles and establishes prosperous estates for his uncle, father-in-law, and substitute father, Laban.
    [Show full text]
  • Chayei Sarah (Sarah’S Lifetime)
    An Introduction to the Parashat HaShavuah (Weekly Torah Portion) Understanding the Torah From a Thematic Perspective Chayei Sarah (Sarah’s Lifetime) By Tony Robinson Copyright © 2003 (5764) by Tony Robinson, Restoration of Torah Ministries. All rights reserved. —The Family House of Study— Examining the Parashat HaShavuah by Thematic Analysis Welcome to Mishpachah Beit Midrash, the Family House of Study. Each Shabbat1 we gather in our home and study the Scriptures, specifically the Torah.2 It’s a fun time of receiving revelation from the Ruach HaKodesh3. Everyone joins in—adults and children—as we follow the Parashat HaShavuah4 schedule. We devote ourselves to studying the Torah because the Torah is the foundation for all of Scripture. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the Torah will help us more fully understand the rest of the Tanakh5 and the Brit Chadasha.6 Furthermore, as Yeshua stated Himself, the Torah teaches about Him. So we study the Torah in order to be drawn closer to Yeshua, the goal of the Torah. As believers in the Messiah we have discovered the richness of the wisdom of the sages of Israel. These men, who devoted themselves to the study of the Torah, have left us a rich heritage. Part of that heritage is a unique method of learning and interpreting the Scriptures. It’s called thematic analysis. In thematic analysis we search for the underlying theme/topic of each passage of Scripture. By studying Scriptures related by a common theme, line upon line and precept upon precept, the Scriptures open up to us in a unique manner that is clearly inspired by the Ruach HaKodesh.
    [Show full text]
  • Family of Abraham
    Family of Abraham Terah ? Haran Nahor Sarai - - - - - ABRAM - - - - - Hagar Lot Milcah Bethuel Ishmael (1) ISAAC (2) Daughter 1 Daughter 2 Ishmaelites (12 tribes / Arabs) Laban Rebekah Moabites Ammonites JACOB (2) Esau (1) Leah Rachel Edomites (+Zilpah) (+Bilhah) ISRAELITES Key: blue = men; red = women; (12 tribes / Jews) dashes = spouses; arrows = children Terah: from Ur of the Chaldeans; has 3 sons; wife not named (Gen 11:26-32; cf. Luke 3:34). Haran: dies in Ur before his father dies; wife not named; son Lot, daughters Milcah & Iscah (11:27-28). Nahor: marries Milcah, daughter of his brother Haran (11:29); have 8 sons, incl. Bethuel (22:20-24). Abram: main character of Gen 12–25; recipient of God’s promises; name changed to ABRAHAM (17:5); sons Ishmael (by Hagar) and Isaac (by Sarah); after Sarah’s death, takes another wife, Keturah, who has 6 sons (25:1-4), including Midian, ancestor of the Midianites (37:28-36). Lot: son of Haran, thus nephew of Abram, who takes care of him (11:27–14:16; 18:17–19:29); wife and two daughters never named; widowed daughters sleep with their father and bear sons, who become ancestors of the Moabites and Ammonites (19:30-38). Sarai: Abram’s wife, thus Terah’s daughter-in-law (11:29-31); Abram also calls her his “sister,” which seems deceptive in one story (12:10-20); but in another story Abram insists she really is his half- sister (his father’s daughter by another wife; 20:1-18); originally childless, but in old age has a son, Isaac (16:1–21:7); name changed to SARAH (17:15); dies and is buried in Hebron (23:1-20).
    [Show full text]
  • Chayei Sarah 5781
    Rabbi Sacks z’’l had prepared a full year of Covenant & Conversation for 5781, based on his book Lessons in Leadership. Te Office of Rabbi Sacks will carry on distributing these essays each week, so that people around the world can continue to learn and be inspired by his Torah. SHARE YOUR MEMORIES OF RBBI SACKS Z’'L Unfortunately the family are unable to see people in person in the usual way during the Shiva period. We would therefore encourage anyone who wishes to share messages of comfort, stories, video refections, or photographs to do so by sending them to: [email protected] Beginning the Journey Chayei Sarah 5781 A while back, a British newspaper, Te Times, interviewed a prominent member of the Jewish community and a member of the House of Lords – let’s call him Lord X – on his 92nd birthday. Te interviewer said, “Most people, when they reach their 92nd birthday, start thinking about slowing down. You seem to be speeding up. Why is that?” Lord X’s reply was this: “When you get to 92, you see the door starting to close, and I have so much to do before the door closes that the older I get, the harder I have to work.” We get a similar impression of Abraham in this week’s parsha. Sarah, his constant companion throughout their journeys, has died. He is 137 years old. We see him mourn Sarah’s death, and then he moves into action. He engages in an elaborate negotiation to buy a Beginning the Journey 1 Chayei Sarah 5781 plot of land in which to bury her.
    [Show full text]
  • Inbreeding and the Origin of Races
    JOURNAL OF CREATION 27(3) 2013 || PERSPECTIVES time, they would eventually come to population at that time, it should be Inbreeding and the same ancestor or set of ancestors clear that there couldn’t be a separate the origin of in both the mother and father’s side of ancestor in each place. And at 40 the family. This can be shown using generations (AD 810) you would have races simple mathematics. over 1 trillion ancestors, which is Simply count up the number of impossible since that is more people ancestors you have in preceding than have ever lived in the history of Robert W. Carter generations: 2 parents, 4 grand- the world. Almost all of your ances- parents, 8 great-grandparents, 16 tors that far back are your ancestors frequent question asked of great-great-grandparents, etc., and thousands of times over (or more) Acreationists is, “Where did the factor in that the average generation due to a process I call ‘genealogical different human races come from?” time for modern humans is about 30 recursion’. There are various ways to answer this years.4 Thus, 10 generations ago was Indeed, it does not take many gen- within the biblical (‘young-earth’) about AD 1710, and you had 1,024 erations to have more ancestral places paradigm and many articles and ancestors in that ‘generation’ (Of in your family tree than the popula- books have already been written course, not all of your ancestors lived tion of the world. The problem is made 1 on the subject. However, I recently at exactly the same time, but this is worse when you consider that many thought of a new way to illustrate a good estimate.) By 20 generations people do not leave any descendants.
    [Show full text]
  • Parshat Chayei Sarah Lesson Guide
    Parshat Chayei Sarah Lesson Guide Bereshit (Genesis) 23:1-25:18 This curriculum was created and written by Emma Jaszczak, a Jewish arts educator. ​ For more teacher resources: www.BimBam.com Hello Educators! In an ancient Jewish custom, new students of Torah receive a slate covered with Hebrew words and spread with honey. Teachers encouraged these children to lick the honey from each letter and experiencing the Torah’s sweetness. BimBam is digital honey. We keep the Torah central in our vision and create these videos to get students engaged. We’ve created a short guide for each episode of Bereshit, and each follows the same format. We offer an overall impact statement for each episode a set of learning objectives, a summary of the parsha upon which the cartoon is based, comprehension questions, prompts for discussion, and active learning ideas. While each activity includes a recommended minimum age, all of our learning ideas can be modified for slightly younger or older learners. Each learning idea also incorporates higher-order thinking skills, and includes elements from all levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy. For added creativity, be sure to look for the color wheel next to lessons that are particularly arts-based! Tips for Success It’s easy to show a BimBam video and start talking Torah, but we recommend a few steps to make it really work in your classroom. Get Prepared 1) Familiarize yourself with the general content of the parsha (Torah portion) you plan to teach. ​ ​ There is too much in a parsha to cover in less than four minutes, so our episodes are usually not fully comprehensive.
    [Show full text]