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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What happens after Judah ben Baba ordains the new rabbi at their secret meeting?

2. What has Elisha based his entire life and course of studies on?

3. What task has Rabbi Judah ben Baba been chosen for during the meeting in the attic?

4. What does Charicles finally say about mathematics and science?

5. What fate does Elisha accept?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did the people of Bethar choose to do rather than face Roman slavery and torture?

2. What is symbolic about Meir choosing to not walk with Elisha past the boundary where Jews are not allowed to cross on the Sabbath?

3. Why did Charicles not want to speak with Elisha at first?

4. Elisha's life was controversial and devastating as he searched for truth. Was Elisha's search for truth in vain?

5. Where does Elisha go during the blizzard, and why?

6. Why does Akiba refuse to speak to Elisha when they see each other on the road?

7. What happened to Elisha after he was forced to watch the rabbis be executed?

8. Was it wise for Elisha to pursue truth regardless of the consequences?

9. While in jail, Akiba makes a prediction. What does Akiba predict?

10. Why does Demonax refuse to take on Elisha as a student, and what consolation does he offer to Elisha?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why do you think Manto is so casual about picking another human slave? Why is Elisha so disturbed by the process of human trade? Compare Manto's behavior with a similar behavior in American history. Draw conclusions about the nature of subjugating another human being and how this affects the human race.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Shraga and Elisha's characters. In what ways are they similar? How do they react to the Jewish tradition? Make sure to describe their mutual relationship and how this can illustrate their distinct similarities and differences.

Essay Topic 3

Elisha sees a young boy climbing a tree for bird eggs. What happens to the little boy and how does it affect Elisha? Why does Elisha turn to the Jewish tradition for answers and why does it make him even more angry? Should faith account for all the evil and suffering in the world? Can bad things be explained away by faith or reason?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 975 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample