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

2. What does Rufus do when he realizes Elisha has tried to deceive him?

3. How can Elisha's life be described?

4. Why does Demonax refuse Elisha's request?

5. Who does Rufus say will sit with Elisha during the upcoming trials?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Rufus presents a life or death question to Pappas and Elisha. How does Elisha respond?

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

4. Why do the rabbis have to meet in secret in the attic?

5. How do the Jews of Palestine react when they discover Judah was martyred?

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

7. Why does Elisha decide not to reveal the names of the new rabbis to Rufus?

8. Why does Elisha's discussion with Charicles deeply disturb Elisha?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

After the ex-communication, Akiba randomly meets Elisha on the road. However, Akiba does not speak to Elisha because he is honoring the orders of the ex-communication. Is Akiba's behavior too drastic? Should the bonds of friendship be more important than the bonds of law? Cite three examples from the book when friendship and rules are at odds.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the contrast between the decision of the people of Bethar and the decision of Elisha when faced with Roman persecution. Why did the people of Bethar choose to commit mass suicide? Who made the wiser choice, the people of Bethar or Elisha? Define wisdom according to the principles of Elisha and the town of Bethar.

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 1,000 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample