Parshat Shmini - Questions for Self Study
Parshat Shmini - Questions for Self Study
Questions for the Shabbat Table
Questions for Shiur Preparation
Questions on Parshanut
Part I - Questions for the 'Shabbat Table'
1.
On Yom HaShmini, the day of the Mishkan's dedication, we find
in chapter 9 a set of korbanot (see 9:1-4,7-21) that lead to a
certain climax.
What is this climax (relate to 9:5-6,22-24), and
how do these korbanot relate to it?
In what manner are these events similar to events that took
place at Har Sinai?
Be sure to relate to Shmot 24:1-17,
especially 24.
How and why is this parallel significant?
[As usual, relate your answer to the first Ramban on
Parshat Terumah (Shmot 25:1)].
2.
In the aftermath of Chet Ha'Egel, Moshe moves his tent to
outside the camp [read Shmot 33:7 carefully in its context in
33:1-12].
In that pasuk, how does the Torah refer to Moshe's
tent? Why?
Does Moshe's tent ever return to inside the camp?
If so, when?
How does this relate to your answer to question #1?
[Relate to Shmot 25:8.]
In relation to the Mishkan, do we find a similar term?
If so, how is it related?
[Note the translation of Unkelos for "Ohel Mo'ed" in
Shmot 33:7 and 40:1,34,35, etc. Is it the same or
different? Can you explain why?]
What is the "shoresh" of the word "mo'ed?"
Relate to the
Hebrew word "vaad" or "va'adah" ("committee" in modern Hebrew).
Relate also to Shmot 25:22 and 29:42-43!
(Who is 'meeting' whom? How does "mo'ed" later come to mean
'yom-tov?' Relate to Vayikra 23 and Shmot 23:17!)
Part II - Questions for Preparation (for weekly shiur)
1.
Based on 9:1-4, make a chart of all of the special korbanot
which were to be offered on Yom HaShmini.
Organize your chart according to the groupings of:
2.
Based on 9:4-6 and 9:23-24, can you find a parallel between the
events on this day and Ma'amad Har Sinai?
Relate to Shmot 24:9-11, 24:15-17 and 40:34-38.
[See also Question #1 for 'shabbos table' above.]
Does this day (Yom HaShmini) coincide with Shmot 40:1-2,38?
3. Based on your answers to 1 and 2, can you suggest a thematic connection between the korbanot on Yom HaShmini and:
Part III - Parshanut
1.
On what day did Yom HaShmini take place?
Consider the following sources:
This is a very complicated sugya, and the source for a major
contraversy among the commentators.
Be sure to see:
2.
Chazal offer several reasons for the death of Nadav and Avihu.
(See Rashi 10:2, Ramban and Sforno 10:1.)
Try to find textual
support for each reason by reviewing the parshiot that surround
this story (in other words, scan from 9:23-10:20).