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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Of the four members of Rabbi Eliezer's family, which ones survive and find refuge?
(a) The rabbi and his daughter.
(b) Rabbi Eliezer and his wife Leah.
(c) The rabbi and his son.
(d) Only Rabbi Eliezer.

2. Who opposes the plans Isidore Gottesman and other Jews are making for Safed?
(a) Netanel Hacohen.
(b) Rabbi Itzik.
(c) Ilan Eliav.
(d) Vered Bar-El.

3. At the end of the book, Tabari explains that he has never left the area because _____.
(a) The land is special to both Arabs and Jews.
(b) His dead wife is buried on the hilltop, and he wants to be near her.
(c) The food here is the best anywhere.
(d) An ancient curse prevents him from leaving.

4. Shmuel Hacohen seeks help from the leader of Tubariyeh to do what?
(a) Acquire land where incoming Jews can settle.
(b) Collect enough money to sail to Italy.
(c) Bring the rest of his family to Tubariyeh.
(d) Ask the Sultan to send a delegation to Spain.

5. In the last chapter, Cullinane is surprised to discover that Ilan Eliav has been offered what?
(a) A cabinet post.
(b) A job at another dig.
(c) A teaching position at Harvard.
(d) A job on a cruise ship.

Short Answer Questions

1. Even though the fifteenth century is the Renaissance era, the Jews continue to be what?

2. By the time Islam arrives at Makor, there is a great deal of bickering between several Christian factions, particularly the Egyptians and Byzantines and what other two Christian groups?

3. When Faraj ibn Ahmed Tabari meets with his superior to talk about the constitution, what does he say about reformers?

4. Why can't Volkmar accept the terms presented by the Mameluke leaders upon their arrival to Makor?

5. Safed is a booming manufacturing city and major trading center by the time Rabbis Zaki and Eliezer and Dr. Abulafia arrive. These men help turn Safed into what else?

Short Essay Questions

1. While Europe is destroying itself during the Inquisition, what is happening in Safed?

2. What happens when the Jews defend Safed in 1948?

3. Who is Muzaffar, and how is he associated with Count Volkmar the Eighth?

4. Both Ilan Eliav and John Cullinane want to marry Dr. Vered Bar-El. Is either man successful in his personal quest?

5. Why does the shoemaker Rabbi Zaki feel that he, his wife, and their family must leave their city of Podi, Italy?

6. Why does Hacohen purchase Jewish books from Tabari?

7. In 1948, what does Isidore Gottesmann plan to do after the British leave Palestine?

8. Describe Abd Umar and his background.

9. Who is Shmuel Hacohen, and what does he want from Tabari?

10. In Safed, why does Rabbi Itzik of Vodzh decline to join the Jews who are singing in preparation for battle prior to the city being turned over to Arab rule?

(see the answer keys)

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