Parsha Beshallach Discussion Questions

As we read from the Book of Shmot, every week we will be posting discussion questions that we hope families will use to discuss the Torah portion over Shabbat.

This week’s discussion questions were developed by this past summer’s Machon campers, when they were in Shoafim.   We encourage you to post any of your family’s answers to the questions in the comments section below.

Parsha Beshallach Discussion Questions

Developed by Dana Minkler, Ayelet Meridy, and Adam Hirsch

• God hardened Pharaoh’s heart one last time after the Israelites had already left Egypt.  What type of message did this send to the Israelites after the had already been freed?
• Why do you think God didn’t get angry with the Israelites for complaining so much after God had brought them out from a horrible life of slavery?
• After God brought them Israelites out of slavery, why do you think they feared that God wouldn’t provide them with sustenance?
• Why do you think Moses had to hold up his hands while they were fighting Amalek if God could’ve just killed them?  What do you think this says about the way in which we need to work with God?
• How do you feel about God asking the Israelites to fight a perpetual battle against Amalek?  Do you think it is right to hold a grudge against an entire nation?