Torah Study Questions
Behar - On the Mount
Vayikra (Leviticus) 25:1 - 26:2
Mark R.  Ensign, Adot Adonai, Amarillo, Texas


Introductory questions -- Brief answers, not for extended discussion:

1. At what point in history does this parsha unfold?

2. Where does this parsha take place geographically?  What are the setting and environment?

3. Who are the primary actors in the parsha and what role or roles does each play?  What is the significance of each role?  Who are the secondary actors and what roles do they play?  What is the significance of their roles?

4. What is the overall theme of this parsha?  What are the subdivisions, if any?


Parsha Specific Questions -- for extended discussion:

Chapter 25

What did YHVH ordain for Eretz Yisrael once Bnei Yisrael occupied it?  What were Bnei Yisrael not to do during this time?  What could the people eat during this year?  How did this year impact other commerce throughout Eretz Yisrael?  What faith lesson was intended for Bnei Yisrael by the observance of this year?  How was the observance of this year like the manna in the wilderness?  How long did Bnei Yisrael observe this instruction of YHVH after entering Eretz Yisrael?

What was to be observed after seven cycles of these Sh'mita/Shabbat years?  On what day and month did this begin?  What was sounded and proclaimed throughout the land?  What two types of returns occurred in this year?  What faith lesson was intended for Bnei Yisrael by the observance of this year?  What impact upon the sale of land did the observance of this year have; how and why?  What prohibition and what affirmative action did YHVH state in this regard?  What would be the result?  How did YHVH say that he would make up for the loss of the crops?

Why was the land not to be sold in perpetuity?  What was the status of the people if not land owners?  Who owned Eretz Yisrael and how do you know that?  In what position is one who denies the ownership of Eretz Yisrael by YHVH and the leasehold he granted to Bnei Yisrael?  Who today is in that position and what are they doing in violation of the Torah of YHVH?

Describe what YHVH instructed regarding the redemption of the land?  What was different about the sale of a home in a walled city?  What about homes in open towns without a surrounding wall?  What about the homes of the Levi'im?  What about the open land around the cities of the Levi'im?  What do the Sages say was the purpose and intent of these instructions regarding redemption of the land?  How does this relate to the original divinely-ordained destiny?

How was an Yisraelite who became impoverished to be treated?  What was not to be charged to him?  What was the reason for this instruction of YHVH?  How was a member of Bnei Yisrael to be treated if he became so impoverished that he was sold to another member of Bnei Yisrael?  At what point was this relationship terminated?  Why did YHVH distinguish them from a slave?  From what people's were Bnei Yisrael able to acquire slaves?  For how long were they to be retained and what was to be done with them?  Who was not to be subjected to hard labor?

What was to be done for an Yisraelite who became impoverished and was sold as a slave to a non-Israelite?  How was he to repay his redemption price?  What restriction was placed upon his new Yisraelite owner?  When was this relationship terminated?

What were the final instructions of YHVH in this parsha and on what authority were they given?  How has Christianity deviated from these instructions?  What Christian festival arises directly from pagan celebrations?  What direct impact has Islam, the religion of HaSatan, had upon modern Eretz Yisrael?  How do these final instructions and the violations thereof impact us?  How are we to respond?


Closing Questions: For Personal Introspection

Why do you believe our loving Father provided us with this particular portion of his words?  What was his purpose and objective in preserving this portion of the Scriptures to this day?  What benefit do they have for Torah observant believers today?

What other insights has the Ruach HaKodesh given you in your study of this portion that you would like to share with the group?

What questions from this portion have you had that have not been answered by the study?

What impact do you think the study of the words from your Father in this portion will have on your life?  How do you plan to implement his instructions in this parsha in your life?

Silently pray for the Ruach HaKodesh to implant his words like seeds, to nurture their growth in your heart, and to enable you to respond fully as they do.