Guiding Questions: Genesis 28

Exploring Judaism

This is part of the Tanakh Yomi Project.

Is there any reference to the “blessing”, to Esau’s reaction, etc. in Genesis 28:1–5 or is it simply the fear that Jacob, too, may marry Hittites?
What is Esau’s action when he learns of his parents’ aversion to Canaanite wives for their children – and does the text indicate whether they had told him before?
Are Genesis 28:12–15 an appearance of the Divine (vide: Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Rivkah, Isaac) or a dream?
As a detail, in this narrative of the ladder, are “angels” (God’s messengers) winged?
In Genesis 28:13, is God standing on the ladder or next to Jacob, or both?
Do Genesis 28:13–14 differ in content from earlier messages to Abraham and Isaac?
In Genesis 28:15, is the Divine geographically limited (i.e. “wherever you go”)?
What is “God’s house” and what is the “gate of heaven” (Genesis 28:17)? And what role does Beth El play in Jewish history?
In Genesis 28:20–22, is Jacob’s pledge (an acknowledgement of who would be “his God”) unconditional or quid pro quo?

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Exploring Judaism

Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. Our goal is to create content based on three core framing: Meaning-Making (Why?), Practical Living (How?), and Explainers (What?).
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Perek Yomi materials originally produced by the USCJ and Dr. Morton K. Siegel.
We are grateful to be able to share this material.

Author

Exploring Judaism

Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. Our goal is to create content based on three core framing: Meaning-Making (Why?), Practical Living (How?), and Explainers (What?).

Post categories: Parashat Toldot, Parashat Toldot Study Guide, Parashat Vayetzei, Parashat Vayetzei Study Guide, Sefer Bereshit / Book of Genesis, Tanakh Yomi, Torah

Post tags: Genesis 28, Perek Yomi (USCJ)

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Exploring Judaism is a home for the TorahRefers to the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, the Tanakh, also called the Five Books of Moses, Pentateuch or the Hebrew equivalent, Humash. This is also called the Written Torah. The term may also refer to teachings that expound on Jewish tradition. of Conservative Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. There is always something to learn and explore.