Guiding Questions: Genesis 29

This is part of the Tanakh Yomi Project.

  1. What point(s) does the text wish to make re: Jacob in Genesis 29:1–10?
  2. How do Genesis 29:11–13 compare to the story of Abraham’s servant, Rivkah et al?
  3. What did Jacob (presumably) tell Lavan (Genesis 29:13)?
  4. From Genesis 29:14–18, the reader learns that Jacob will (a) marry whom and (b) stay with Lavan at least how many years?
  5. From Genesis 29:20, what can one learn of the author’s view towards affection and time?
  6. From Genesis 29:21–26, what might be concluded as to (a) poetic justice and (b) Lavan’s possible awareness of Jacob’s relationship with Esau and Isaac?
  7. In “those days”, in addition to having multiple wives, could one marry sisters?
  8. In this entire story (after Jacob arrives at Lavan’s), has God been mentioned until now (Genesis 29:31) and to what end?
  9. What expectation does Leah have as a result of bearing four male children to Jacob – and does text indicate that it was realized?
  10. Who, in each instance, names the child?

Author

  • favicon of exploring judaism logo

    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?).

    View all posts

Perek Yomi materials originally produced by the USCJ and Dr. Morton K. Siegel.
We are grateful to be able to share this material.

Author

  • favicon of exploring judaism logo

    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?).

Share This Post

Exploring Judaism Recent Posts

Find meaning in your inbox.

Subscribe to receive our latest content by email.

We won’t send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.
Got questions?