Guiding Questions: Genesis 34

Exploring Judaism

This is part of the Tanakh Yomi Project.

Why might text identify Dinah as “daughter of Leah”, but not as daughter of Jacob?
What reason is given for Jacob’s not acting, following the report of Dinah’s encounter with
Shekhem?
In Genesis 34:7, what is the text’s value judgement of Dinah’s treatment by Shekhem?
Why do Shekhem and Hamor propose to set the matter right?
Why does text describe the response of the brothers as “deceit” or “treacherous”?
Why does Jacob say nothing—and how does this denote the relationship between brother and sister in ancient days (vide: Lavan and Rebekah)?
Following the adherence of all the male Shekhemites to the “terms”, what action is taken by two of the brothers?
Why no mention of the other brothers (maternal of Dinah) in the killing?
What is Jacob’s reaction—approval or dismay and fear—and why?
What is the reply of Simeon and Levi (Genesis 34:31) and how is this remembered by Jacob in his death bed statement (Genesis 49:5-7)?

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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 Vayishlach, Parashat Vayishlach Study Guide, Sefer Bereshit / Book of Genesis, Tanakh Yomi, Torah

Post tags: Genesis 34, Perek Yomi (USCJ)

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