Torah Study Questions

Kedoshim - Holiness

Vayikra (Leviticus) 19:1-20:27

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 19

To whom were the instructions of YHVH in this parsha to be proclaimed? What is the very simple yet profound instruction from which all of the instructions of this parsha are derived? What is the authority for this statement? What is the famous climax to this series of instructions?

Are these instructions still in place for people today? If so, how do we know that? If the Torah is a means to an end, what is the end to which we strive by being obedient to the instructions of YHVH?

How does one revere their father and mother? How does this relate to the observance of Shabbat? What was the underlying purpose for the instructions in verses 9 and 10? What observance does YHVH consider pure and faultless? What is the ultimate result of violating the instructions given in verses 11 and 12? What is the motivation that keeps one from violating the instructions in verses 13 and 14? What system is intended to be protected by the instructions of verse 15? What is the essence of the instructions in verses 16 through 18? What did Y'shua teach about this essential instruction?

What instruction did YHVH give in relation to planting new trees and eating their fruit and what was the purpose of this instruction? Why were an older person and a sage to be honored? Who else was to be honored in Eretz Yisrael and why? What does this teach us about relationships among Torah observant believers and messianic congregational members, whether Jewish or Israelite or others? What does Ya'acov, the brother of Y'shua, teach us on this point? Why are we to observe and perform the loving instructions (Torah) of our Abba? What did YHVH say about this in Sh'mot (Exodus) and Yehoshua (Joshua)? What did Y'shua instruct his disciples regarding the Torah, the instructions of YHVH?

Chapter 20

Summarize the essence and purpose of this chapter. What was the punishment for one who gave his child to Molech and how was it executed? What would YHVH do if Bnei Yisrael did not follow his instructions and carry out the punishment? What did YHVH declare as the objective of his instructions and punishments?

What was the penalty for one who cursed his father and mother? What was the usual punishment for those who committed sexual sin? If the death penalty was not imposed, what other consequences were indicated as coming upon those who violated the instructions of YHVH? What did YHVH say would happen to Bnei Yisrael if they did not observe and perform his instructions? What were they not to follow and why? What did YHVH promise to them conditioned on their obedience? What had YHVH done for Bnei Yisrael in relation to the other nations? What overriding principal and instruction did he give them and what was it based upon? What is to be our response as Torah observant believers to the loving instructions of our Abba?

Closing Questions:

What were G-d's purposes and objectives in preserving this portion of the Scriptures to this day? What benefit do these Scriptures 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 group study?

For personal introspection -- 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 ask the Ruach HaKodesh to implant these words of our Father like seeds, to nurture their growth in your heart, and to enable you to respond fully as they do.