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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 causes Charicles to change his mind about Elisha?

2. What do the rabbis talk about during their meeting, other than keeping the faith alive and ordaining new rabbis?

3. What feeling does Elisha experiences after his conversation with Charicles?

4. Where does Elisha go to begin his work for the Romans?

5. What happens when Meir and Elisha part ways?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Elisha not happy about his relationship with Manto?

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

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

4. Why does the bloody spectacle not humor the Romans?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Within the various communities of As a Driven Leaf, knowledge seems to be a precious commodity held in high regard. Is it possible that there are universal truths, or is truth subjective to culture? Explain by using three examples that relate to the teachings of the Jewish tradition and the Sanhedrin, as well as the lessons and literature of the Greeks.

Essay Topic 2

The grand thematic struggle is between faith and reason and mostly exemplified by Elisha's character. Can faith and reason work together or are they fundamentally different principles? Discuss how Elisha is affected by the struggle between choosing faith and reason. Provide two examples of the conflict between faith and reason found in the book.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 955 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample