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

2. What does Elisha realize about the peddlers as they sing their wares?

3. What happens to the new rabbis after Judah ben Baba ordains them?

4. Why does Demonax refuse Elisha's request?

5. Why does Elisha return to Antioch?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Why do Elisha and Manto hide their mutual love from Rufus, Manto's benefactor?

6. Why does Charicles say that mathematics and science could also be myths?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

The Jews as a community are facing persecution by the Romans but also must deal with divisions within their own community. Is it important for the Jewish members to speak and act as one, or should multiple voices and opinions be heard? Should the Sanhedrin operate by unanimous decision or by majority rule? Can every voice be heard equally?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,063 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample