Torah Study Questions
Parsha B'reshit -- B'reshit (Genesis) 1:1 - 6:8
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 is the setting
and environment?

3. Who are the primary actors in the parsha?  What roles do they play?
What is the significance of each?  Identify any secondary actors.  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?

5. Why do you believe G-d provided us with this particular portion of his
words, chapter by chapter?  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?


Parsha Specific Questions -- for extended discussion:

1. V. 1.  What is the significance of the use of the Hebrew word Elohim (a
plural form) for G-d in this verse?  What impact does this verse have on the
foundational claim of the Bible to speak into our lives?

2. V.  1.  What is the significance of the use of the Hebrew word
aleph-tav that is not translated into English?  Relate this to Revelation
22:13 and Yesha'yahu 44:6.  Discuss other Scriptures found in the Brit
Chadashah that amplify this understanding, particularly Yochanan 1:1-18.
What insights do you gain from the Jewish New Testament Commentary on this
passage?

3. V.  2.  Was the Ruach HaKodesh also present?  If so, did he play a role
in the creation story?  If so, what?  In light of questions 1 and 2 above,
what is the significance of his presence in the unfolding of the creation?

4. Vs. 1-31.  Considering these verses as a whole, what impressions do you
have from them regarding the nature of Elohim and his creation?  What did
Elohim think about his handiwork?  What does the Biblical concept of
creation add to your understanding of the sovereignty of Elohim?  How is
your faith affected by this understanding of the nature of Elohim and his
creation of the heavens and the earth and all that they contain?

5. Vs. 2:1-3.  What is the significance of these three vs. in relationship
to all of chapter 1?  How do these affect your understanding of the nature
of Elohim?  How does this understanding affect your faith in practice?

6. Vs. 1:26-31 and 2:4-7.  Why did Elohim create "adam" and give him
dominion and control over his creation?  Discuss the significance of the
word "adam" in light of the Hebrew words that are associated with it.  What
further understanding do you gain from the commentary by Rav Sha'ul in 1
Corinthians 15:20-27, 45-49?  How does this enhance your understanding of
Elohim and his relationship to his human creation?

7. Vs. 2:21-25.  Based upon the Hebrew words in this passage, in what
manner did Elohim create the woman?  What is the significance of this
regarding their relationship to one another?  Their relationship to Elohim?
How does this understanding impact the marital relationship between husband
and wife?

8. Vs. 2:8-20.  Where do you think that the Gan Eden (Garden of Eden) was
located and why?  What were the primary physical features therein and what
responsibilities and restrictions, if any, were placed upon the resident(s)?

9. Chapters 1-2.  What does the recording and preservation of the story of
Elohim's creation have to do with the Torah?  How does this information
affect your relationship with your Creator and Y'shua HaMashiach?  What are
your personal response and responsibility?

10. Chapter 3.  List and describe the relationships and interactions
between the four primary actors: their respective responsibilities; their
successes or their failures; and the consequences to each one.  V. 15 is
often described as the first reference to the Messiah in the Torah.  Is it?
What other creation of Elohim is listed in the last verse and what is its
significance as revealed in the Tabernacle?

11. Chapters 4-5.  What generated the animosity between the sons of Adam
and Chavah, Kayin and Hevel?  Was it the nature of the items brought as
offerings to Adonai or their quality?  Was the offering of Hevel the first
animal sacrifice?  If not, what was?  What were the consequences of this
animosity, immediate and long-term?  How long did Kayin live and what were
his fruits?  Who was the third son of Adam and Chavah?  Who were his most
significant descendants and why?

12. Chapter 6.  What did Adonai see that troubled him so?  What was his
emotional response and what decision did he make?  What was the exception?

Closing Questions:

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 group 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 t