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

2. How does Elisha feel about the Greek literature he has learned in his first three years in Antioch?

3. As Meir is weeping at Elisha's grave, how does Meir remember Elisha?

4. How do the great sages go to their deaths?

5. What does Rufus want Elisha and Pappas to do?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What did Manto make Elisha vow to do, as she lay dying in his arms?

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

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

8. Describe the symbolism behind Rufus making Elisha sit beside a harlot during the executions.

9. As Elisha and Pappas travel back to Jerusalem, how does their hometown look?

10. What does Elisha tell Meir about faith and reason?

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

The Jewish community is generally mistrustful of the Romans. When Shraga and Elisha are working on the court case for the merchant, what does the merchant decide to do, and why? Why did the merchant's business suffer when he took his case to the Roman court? Describe the relationship between the Jewish community and the individual. What pressures and responsibilities do the Jewish members have to their community?

Essay Topic 3

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.

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This section contains 1,009 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample