Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Primary education

Joshua's Conquest of Canaan: Campaigns and Tribal Inheritance

Understanding Nefesh and Neshama in Context

The concepts of Nefesh and Neshama are often discussed in relation to the nature of life and soul, particularly in the context of the commands given during the conquest:

• Nefesh: Associated with animals; refers to the basic life force. In the context of conquest, it implies the killing of those who stood in the way.
• Neshama: Associated with humans; refers to the higher soul or spirit. In the context of conquest, it implies the command to eliminate all human inhabitants of Canaan.

Joshua's Campaigns and the Conquest of Canaan

The Book of Joshua details the Israelite conquest of the land of Canaan, led by Joshua, fulfilling the divine commands given... Continue reading "Joshua's Conquest of Canaan and Israel's Tribal Inheritance" »

Hashem Causes Chaos Among the Kings

Hashem caused chaos and stress for the kings. Hashem brought a huge מכה in Givon.

Rocks and Hail from the Sky

As they were trying to run away through a very narrow path, large rocks came from the sky.

1. Rocks were from space.
2. Hail with rocks.

Many people were killed first by stones and then by swords.

Yehoshua Prays; Sun and Moon Stop

אז — something positive: Yehoshua began speaking to Hashem. The sun stopped in Givon and the ירח stopped in עמקאילהאן.

Hashem stopped the sun twice.

1. At noon for 24 hours.
2. When the sun was setting, He stopped it for 24 hours.

(The moon was also shining at the same time.) A total of 48 hours of daylight.

There was never a day like this before, and never will be, because Hashem... Continue reading "Yehoshua's Miracles: Sun, Stones, and Conquests" »

Yehoshua and the Gibeonites

All the kings in Israel, all of what Hashem did for Bnei Yisrael.

Seven Nations: Hitti, Emori, Canaani, Perizi, and Gergashi. The Gergashi moved to North Africa.

The nations had a choice. Yehoshua sent a letter stating that they could either leave, stay and fight, or make peace. The Gergashi left; everyone else fought.

All nations united to fight against Bnei Yisrael.

The Hivi (Gibeonites) heard all of what Yehoshua did to Yericho and Ai. They were scared.

Be'arma (with trickery), the Gibeonites dressed up as foreigners. Their shoes were torn and ripped, their bread was dry and moldy, and their clothing was patchy. Vayashu Gam Hema.

The Gibeonite people came to Yehoshua, dressed up, and Yehoshua asked them to make a treaty... Continue reading "Yehoshua and the Gibeonites: A Pact Forged" »

A Deep Dive into the Talmud Yerushalmi

History and Compilation

When was the Talmud Yerushalmi compiled?

According to the Rambam, it was compiled 300 years after the destruction of the Second Temple.

Does the Ravad agree with the Rambam's timeline?

No, the Ravad's calculation is that it was compiled 200 years after the destruction.

Who was Rabbi Yochanan, and how is he referred to in the Yerushalmi?

Rabbi Yochanan, also known as Bar Nafcha (son of the blacksmith) or Ben Hanefach in the Yerushalmi, was a key figure in its redaction. He was the brother-in-law of Reish Lakish.

Who else did Rabbi Yochanan learn from?

He studied under Rabbi Hoshea, Rabbi Abba, Rabbi Yannai, and Rabbi Chanina in Caesarea.

What does it mean that Rabbi Yochanan"compose" the Yerushalmi

The definition of נזיקין, is

-Damages

Which following tractate is NOT included in סדר זרעים?

-Tahara -Shabbat

Which following tractate is NOT included in סדר מועד?

-Demai -Maasrot

Seder קדשים included the following three tractates?

-Zavachim, Menachot, Chullin.

The words משנה למלך mean

-Deputy to a King

Why are these tractates referred to as משנה?

-It is similar to the words משנה למלך, since the written Torah is the king and the Mishnah is subordinate to it.

The sages of the Gemara are called

-אמוראים

1. בית שמאי lived during the time of the- תנאים
   
2. בית הלל lived during the times of the -תנאים
   
3. חנניה was an -תנא

The meaning of תנא is

-Teacher

The definition of an אמורא is

-

1. The Written and Oral Torah

Which part of the Torah was always in a written form?

The Written Torah, תורה שבכתב

Which part of the Torah was not committed for public broadcast?

תורה שבעל פה - The Oral Torah

2. Pre-Mishnaic Transmission

What would the leading Torah authority write during each generation prior to the Mishna being organized?

He would make personal notes of the teachings he received from his master, which he then would teach orally to people.

3. Rebi and the Mishna

Who was “Rebi”?

רבי יהודה הנשיא - Rabbi Judah the Prince

What did “Rebi” collect and compose?

All the decisions, laws, interpretations, and explanations that had been heard from Moshe, or that the Sanhedrin innovated. From this material,... Continue reading "The Oral and Written Torah: A Comprehensive Guide" »

Work Motivation & Job Design

Chapter 3: Understanding Scrooge's Transformation

Question Word Review

This chapter tests your understanding of key events. Can you answer these questions?

1. Where did the Ghost of Christmas Present first take Scrooge? Outside, into the cold, snowy streets.
2. Why did the spirit hold his torch over people’s heads? To inspire kindness and stop arguments.
3. Who held a special place in Bob Cratchit’s heart? Tiny Tim, his son.
4. Why was Mrs. Cratchit reluctant to toast Scrooge? She resented his meager wages and considered him a hateful man.
5. Who played a YES/NO game? Scrooge’s nephew, his family, and friends.
6. Who were the figures beneath the ghost’s robe? Two children, representing Want and Ignorance.

Character Analysis: Ebenezer Scrooge

Ebenezer Scrooge,... Continue reading "A Christmas Carol: Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis" »

Essential Macroeconomics and Market Terms

Types of Unemployment and Labor Concepts

• Cyclical - fired because of economic cycles (laid off during downturns).
• Structural / Seasonal - structural: changes in the economy that make skills obsolete; seasonal: employment that changes by season.
• Frictional - moving from one job to another.
• Discouraged - people who give up looking for a job.
• Marginally - when you have a good job.

Current Economic Condition and Policy Options

It is a contractionary economy because of lower GDP and inflation, and unemployment is on the rise. Fiscally, we can decrease taxes and raise government spending. The Federal Reserve should buy bonds in open market operations (putting money into circulation).

Tax Systems

• Proportional - everybody