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EUGENE KOHN
EUGENE KOHN
Rabbi of Congregation Chizzuk Emunah Baltimore, Md. ———— NEW YORK THE UNITED SYNAGOGUE OF AMERICA 5677—1917 Copyright, 1917 BY THE UNITED SYNAGOGUE OF AMERICA To the memory of SOLOMON SCHECHTER ז״צ״ל this book is reverently inscribed...
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The author cannot permit this book to go to press without acknowledging his indebtedness to the Education Committee of the United Synagogue for their encouragement and assistance. He is especially grateful to Dr. Julius H. Greenstone for his many helpful suggestions and his careful reading of the text, both in manuscript and in proof. To Dr. Cyrus Adler and Professor Mordecai M. Kaplan his thanks are also due in large measure for their aid in removing crudities and improving the form and content
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INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Purpose of Manual. In recent years some attention has been given to the improvement of Jewish educational method so far as instruction in the Hebrew language is concerned, but the teaching of Biblical history, although it holds an important place in the curricula of our religious schools, has received relatively little attention from our educators, at least from those of orthodox and conservative tendencies. From the reform point of view some recent publications, though exhibiting the faults whi
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CREATION Genesis 1.1 to 2.3
CREATION Genesis 1.1 to 2.3
Note.—The lessons in this book are necessarily divided somewhat arbitrarily, that is without exact reference to the amount that can be taught at a single session of the school. This is unavoidable at present as periods vary in length in different schools, and classes vary in age and in the mental development of their pupils. The division therefore has been purely on the basis of the subject-matter and not of the time to be spent in instruction. Some lessons may require two or even three hours fo
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ADAM AND EVE Genesis 2.4 to 3.24
ADAM AND EVE Genesis 2.4 to 3.24
Interpretation. This is one of the narratives of the Bible whose real meaning in its entirety it is impossible to teach the child. To understand it, would require an experience that in the very nature of the case the child cannot have had. A partial understanding of its moral can, however, be imparted to him and the significant facts of the story be so impressed on his mind that he will remember them and, in later years, perceive their deeper meaning in the light of acquired experience. The stor
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CAIN AND ABEL Genesis 4.1 to 15
CAIN AND ABEL Genesis 4.1 to 15
Interpretation. The story of Cain and Abel is a study of sin, remorse and repentance. There is a suggestion in verse 7, of evil passions existing in Cain's heart even before the murder of his brother, and, though the verse is obscure, it may be interpreted as giving a reason for God's not accepting Cain's offering. Not until after the deed is done is Cain made fully to realize the significance of his act and then he is stirred by remorse and fear until God reassures him of his protection. The si
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NOAH Genesis 6.5 to 9.1
NOAH Genesis 6.5 to 9.1
Interpretation. The story of Noah is so simple as scarcely to need interpretation. The world had become corrupt, and, as God cannot abide moral corruption, it seemed better to destroy what he had created. Out of the universal destruction, however, God's providence singled out Noah, because of his moral superiority, to be saved and to start human life on a higher plane. He therefore bids Noah take with him into the ark his family and enough of the animals to assure the preservation of the differe
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THE TOWER OF BABEL Genesis 11.1 to 9
THE TOWER OF BABEL Genesis 11.1 to 9
Interpretation. These verses tell how the descendants of Noah in the pride of a new civilization and the acquisition of the new art of building with bricks endeavor to defeat the divine purpose of scattering them over the world and are frustrated in their plans through God's confusing their language. Its moral is the vanity of any attempt on the part of man to defeat God's purpose. Aim. This lesson is not one that yields a moral which the child is able to apply immediately in his own life. Its m
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THE CHOICE OF ABRAM AND THE CHOICE OF CANAAN Genesis 12.1 to 10 and 13.1 to 18
THE CHOICE OF ABRAM AND THE CHOICE OF CANAAN Genesis 12.1 to 10 and 13.1 to 18
Interpretation. With this lesson the history of our people begins. The Bible wishes us to see in the separation of Abram and his clan from the parent tribe, and their migration to Canaan, not a fortuitous circumstance, but the fulfilment of a divine plan according to which God was to make of the descendants of Abram the chosen people and of the land of Canaan the chosen land. Why Abram was selected of all people is not clearly stated, but one trait of his character is made very conspicuous here
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BEGINNING OF ABRAM'S GREATNESS Genesis 14
BEGINNING OF ABRAM'S GREATNESS Genesis 14
Interpretation. Abram's blessing begins to become manifest through his military success in the campaign to rescue Lot and his family. He is accorded recognition by Melchizedek, king of Salem (to be identified with Jerusalem), and "priest of God the Most High", who gives him bread and wine and to whom he gives a tithe of the booty. The king of Sodom also recognizes his greatness and the value of his services, which he wishes to reward, but Abram rejects the proffered reward in order to be able to
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HAGAR AND THE BIRTH OF ISHMAEL Genesis 15.16.17
HAGAR AND THE BIRTH OF ISHMAEL Genesis 15.16.17
Interpretation. In chapter 15 the faith of Abram is once more given emphasis. God promises Abram great reward, but, being childless, he is indifferent to a reward which must ultimately pass to strangers, the descendants of Eliezer, but God explains to him that he is to have a child of his own to whom the reward is to descend, and he has faith in God's promise though for many years it remains unfulfilled. The vision of Abram, recorded in verses 12 to 16 is significant as showing the providential
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ABRAHAM ENTERTAINS THE ANGELS Genesis 18.1 to 16
ABRAHAM ENTERTAINS THE ANGELS Genesis 18.1 to 16
Interpretation. These verses have given no little difficulty to the ancient Hebrew commentators. The first verse contains a statement of God's appearing to Abraham but does not give any content to this revelation, and then the three angels are introduced into the narrative as if another revelation were here intended. Moreover the number of angels that appeared to Abraham when one might have served the purpose as well also presented its difficulty, since Christian theologians, connecting this ver
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THE DESTRUCTION OF SODOM AND GOMORRAH Genesis 18.7 to 19.29
THE DESTRUCTION OF SODOM AND GOMORRAH Genesis 18.7 to 19.29
Interpretation. The incident of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, like that of the destruction of the generation of the deluge, is meant as an assertion of God's justice. The insistence on the justice of God is made the more emphatic by the recognition of the fact that His dispensations are such as may lead us at times to call His justice into question. When, therefore, Abraham exclaims, "Shall not the judge of all the world do justice?" he is not rebuked for his presumption, but, on the co
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THE DIVORCE OF HAGAR Genesis 20 and 21
THE DIVORCE OF HAGAR Genesis 20 and 21
Interpretation. The incident recorded in Chapter 20 is intended to show the care exercised by God in preserving the purity of the chosen seed, but it cannot be taught to children because of their ignorance of the facts of sex. Chapter 21 verses 21 to the end of the chapter may be omitted since they offer nothing of interest to the child. For the interpretation of the main theme of this chapter see introduction pages 19-20 and Chapter VIII. It is to be noted that God's choice of Isaac does not me
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THE SACRIFICE OF ISAAC Genesis 22.1 to 19
THE SACRIFICE OF ISAAC Genesis 22.1 to 19
Interpretation. The story of the 'Akedah , that is the intended sacrifice of Isaac, represents the supreme test to which Abraham's faith was put. After Ishmael has been sent away and Isaac has been definitely declared to be the son of promise, Abraham is commanded by God to sacrifice Isaac. The test to Abraham's faith is not merely of the willingness to sacrifice sentiment and affection in obedience to God, but this latest command is a direct contradiction of God's previous words to him and yet
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DEATH OF SARAH AND THE MARRIAGE OF ISAAC AND REBEKAH Genesis 23 and 24
DEATH OF SARAH AND THE MARRIAGE OF ISAAC AND REBEKAH Genesis 23 and 24
Interpretation. The incident of the purchase of the Cave of Machpelah need be mentioned only casually in connection with the death of Sarah as the political questions involved in the dialogue between the Bene Heth and Abraham are beyond the child's comprehension. [5] The care exercised in the selection of a wife for Isaac from his own kindred rather than from the daughters of Canaan emphasizes again the interest of Providence in selecting the stock out of which the Chosen People was to come. Abr
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THE SALE OF THE BIRTHRIGHT Genesis 25.1 to 34
THE SALE OF THE BIRTHRIGHT Genesis 25.1 to 34
Interpretation. (Chapter 25. 1 to 10 may be omitted as containing nothing of interest to children, except that Abraham's death and burial should be mentioned.) The story of Jacob and Esau in their contention for the birthright and the blessing is one that is frequently misunderstood. The tendency to idealize the forefathers of the race has lead many teachers to attempt to justify the conduct of Jacob in his efforts to secure the birthright and the blessing, totally ignoring the fact that all the
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JACOB SECURES THE BLESSING Genesis 26.1 to 28.9
JACOB SECURES THE BLESSING Genesis 26.1 to 28.9
Interpretation. In the first part of this lesson which deals with the life of Isaac, Genesis 26.3 is significant as emphasizing the idea of Palestine as a chosen land, an idea which is the more significant because it suggests that Jacob's flight from the land implied that he had somehow forfeited God's favor and that his flight was in reality a form of exile imposed on him as a punishment and discipline. Verses 7 to 12 must necessarily be omitted. Their general significance is the same as that o
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JACOB'S DREAM Genesis 28.10-22
JACOB'S DREAM Genesis 28.10-22
Interpretation. The story of Jacob's dream, in order to be clearly understood, should be considered in connection with the rest of Jacob's life. His life may be divided into three periods. During the first period, spent in his father's home, he endeavors by his own efforts, partly through unscrupulous means, to secure the birthright and blessing, with the result that instead of having the preeminence over Esau he must flee before him, instead of inheriting the Promised Land he is an exile from i
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JACOB IN ARAMEA Genesis 29.1 to 31.54
JACOB IN ARAMEA Genesis 29.1 to 31.54
Interpretation. The general significance of this period in Jacob's life has already been discussed. Note that when, after completing his term of service for Leah and Rachel, he thinks of returning to his home, the suggestion of a new contract with Laban satisfies him and he remains, so remote is now the thought of the birthright to him. And yet through persistent, persevering labor he does attain to a certain measure of power and influence and to patriarchal dignity. It is interesting to note th
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JACOB RETURNS TO CANAAN Genesis 32 to 35
JACOB RETURNS TO CANAAN Genesis 32 to 35
Interpretation. Note the significant contrast between Jacob's leaving Canaan and his return. When he left, he was nominally and in his own esteem the possessor of the birthright and the blessing, which he had secured through his own effort and which he thought entitled him to possession of Canaan and the preeminence over Esau. Actually, however, he had gained nothing, and was a fugitive before Esau and an exile from the land. On his return, he makes no demands whatever, acknowledges Esau as sove
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JOSEPH SOLD INTO SLAVERY Genesis 37
JOSEPH SOLD INTO SLAVERY Genesis 37
Interpretation. In the narratives dealing with the history of the patriarchs, we have constantly emphasized that the point of view of the Biblical author regarded their lives as significant not so much as personal history, but rather as a preparation for Israel's national existence. In the story of Joseph this point of view is still discernible, though the chief interest has been transferred to the personal history of Joseph. It is discernible in that Joseph's being sold into Egypt and the settl
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FROM SLAVE TO VICEROY Genesis 39.1 to 41.46
FROM SLAVE TO VICEROY Genesis 39.1 to 41.46
Interpretation. There are no surer tests of character than transplantation to a strange country without hope of return and degradation to a lower social stratum without hope of rising. For a great part of our moral strength comes from the consciousness that the eyes of others interested in our life are on us, that we dare not disappoint their expectations of us, and that our acts affect their happiness and honor. The person who finds himself alone in a strange land from which he does not expect
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JOSEPH MEETS HIS BROTHERS Genesis 41.47 to 42.38
JOSEPH MEETS HIS BROTHERS Genesis 41.47 to 42.38
Interpretation. In this chapter of the Joseph narrative we find that Providence has put Joseph's brothers completely in his hand; their physical sustenance is dependent on his providing them with corn, they are strangers in Egypt while he is the prime minister of Pharaoh's court, and, moreover, by reason of his Egyptian dress and speech and the change which the twenty years have made in his appearance—he was but seventeen when he was sold—they cannot recognize him and are therefore thrown altoge
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JOSEPH REVEALS HIMSELF TO HIS BROTHERS Genesis 43.1 to 45.28
JOSEPH REVEALS HIMSELF TO HIS BROTHERS Genesis 43.1 to 45.28
Interpretation. Little need be said in interpretation of this story. Its lesson of the beauty of forgiveness and reconciliation is brought out so clearly as to need no further comment. In the attitude of his brothers to Benjamin, Joseph is able to put to the test any possible change of heart toward himself. The favor which he shows Benjamin at the meal that he had prepared for them may be considered as a test of whether the spirit of envy is still rife among them, and, inasmuch as they do not se
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THE DEATH OF JACOB AND OF JOSEPH Genesis 46.1 to 50.26
THE DEATH OF JACOB AND OF JOSEPH Genesis 46.1 to 50.26
Interpretation. In these chapters the center of interest once more shifts from personal biography to the destiny of Israel as a people. One is conscious throughout that his attention is being called to the close of one period and the beginning of another. The patriarchal period now draws to an end and the period of national existence commences. God's purpose is no more to be shown in the choice of individuals, but in his dealings with the people as a whole. It is not accident that Israel's natio
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THE BIRTH OF MOSES Exodus 1.1 to 2.10
THE BIRTH OF MOSES Exodus 1.1 to 2.10
Interpretation. The children of Israel, settled in the rich pasture land of Goshen, had become a numerous people. At first they prospered, but then there came a change with the accession to the throne of the "Pharaoh who knew not Joseph." This Pharaoh was, in all probability, not only of a different dynasty, but also of a different race from the Pharaoh of Joseph's day. The Pharaoh of Joseph's day was probably a descendant of the Hyksos invaders of Egypt, a Semitic tribe of shepherds like the Is
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MOSES, THE FRIEND OF THE WEAK AND OPPRESSED Exodus 2.11 to 23
MOSES, THE FRIEND OF THE WEAK AND OPPRESSED Exodus 2.11 to 23
Interpretation. The chief interest in the narrative contained in these verses lies in the light they cast on the character of Moses and the traits that made him the ideal emancipator, leader and legislator of his people. The first of these is his sympathy with their suffering and his sense of kinship with them, which leads him, though a prince of Egypt by rank and education, to go out among his brethren and look upon their burdens. The second, is his indignation at anything in the nature of inju
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GOD SENDS MOSES TO SAVE HIS PEOPLE Exodus 3.1-4.31
GOD SENDS MOSES TO SAVE HIS PEOPLE Exodus 3.1-4.31
Interpretation. The time now being ripe for God's fulfilling His covenant to redeem Israel from the bondage of Egypt, He makes His purpose known to Moses and entrusts him with the mission of announcing the redemption to the elders of Israel and demanding it of Pharaoh. But Moses hesitates. He doubts his qualifications for the task, asking, "Who am I that I should go unto Pharaoh and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?" And God's answer is, "Certainly I will be with the
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MOSES' FIRST APPEARANCE BEFORE PHARAOH Exodus 4.29 to 6.8
MOSES' FIRST APPEARANCE BEFORE PHARAOH Exodus 4.29 to 6.8
Interpretation. The first step that Moses takes seems to contain a promise of success. He and Aaron succeed in interesting the elders of Israel in the prospect of deliverance, but the hope which this initial success raised in the heart of Moses was soon destined to be disappointed, for Pharaoh not only refuses the moderate request of a three days' journey into the wilderness, but also imposes new and impossible burdens upon the Israelites. This has the immediate effect of discrediting Moses and
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THE PLAGUES Exodus 6.9 to 10.29
THE PLAGUES Exodus 6.9 to 10.29
Interpretation. The meaning of these chapters is plain. They contain the narrative of that contest between Pharaoh and his court with all their magic devices on the one hand and Moses, armed with the name of God, on the other. The reader should not fail to note the dramatic portrayal of the impotence of blind, tyrannical rage which vacillates between half-hearted concessions that cannot satisfy opposition and blind fury that merely invites opposition. With the second plague Pharaoh is ready to s
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THE EXODUS Exodus 11.1 to 13.16
THE EXODUS Exodus 11.1 to 13.16
Interpretation. These chapters relate the climax toward which the narrative from the birth of Moses until this point has been leading, the exodus from Egypt. They also contain the laws associated with the commemoration of this event. The narrative begins by telling of God's promise that the next plague would be the last, and His command to the people to prepare for the exodus. Before they were permitted to leave, some expression of their faith in God's deliverance and their readiness to follow H
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ISRAEL AT THE RED SEA Exodus 13.17 to 15.21
ISRAEL AT THE RED SEA Exodus 13.17 to 15.21
Interpretation. With this chapter a new period in Jewish history begins, the formative period, during which the unorganized horde of refugees from Egyptian bondage is given the character of a great nation through the providential circumstances of its history and the inspired genius of its leader. The period is one that is replete with miracles. Modern rationalism may attempt to explain them away, and it is quite possible that events which, had we experienced them, we might have ascribed to the o
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FROM THE RED SEA TO SINAI Exodus 15.22 to 18.27
FROM THE RED SEA TO SINAI Exodus 15.22 to 18.27
Interpretation. The significance of the events which took place at Marah, in the wilderness of Sin, and at Rephidim is the same as of those recorded in the preceding chapter. The antagonism felt towards Amalek, which made him the arch-type of all Israel's historic foes, is to be explained by the fact that he was the first to go out of his way to oppose Israel, attacking it where it was weak at a time and in a manner which, because of the lack of any obvious provocation, impressed the Israelites
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THE REVELATION Exodus 19.1 to 20.18
THE REVELATION Exodus 19.1 to 20.18
Interpretation. The event which is the subject of this lesson is without exception the most important event in Jewish history, and from the point of view of Judaism, in the history of the world. All previous Jewish history leads up to it; all subsequent Jewish history harks back to it. In the story of the Patriarchs, the central theme is the choice of the material out of which that nation is to spring, which will accept the Torah, and commit itself to live for and by it. The central theme of the
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THE GOLDEN CALF Exodus 32.1 to 34.35
THE GOLDEN CALF Exodus 32.1 to 34.35
Interpretation. The people of Israel could not at once rise to the height of that conception of God, which had been revealed to them at Sinai. So long as Moses was with them to tell them the word of the Lord, they found it possible to believe in God, though they did not see Him, for He spoke to them daily through the mouth of His appointed servant, Moses. But Moses had vanished into the thick darkness, and days and weeks had passed without his return. This made it increasingly difficult for them
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THE TABERNACLE AND ITS SERVICE Exodus 25.1 to 31.11 and 35.4 to 40.33
THE TABERNACLE AND ITS SERVICE Exodus 25.1 to 31.11 and 35.4 to 40.33
Interpretation. The Biblical passages dealing with the construction of the Tabernacle and the nature of its appointments and the services conducted therein are scattered through a number of chapters of our Bible, but for pedagogic purposes it is best to consider them together. Before discussing any details we must realize the significance of the Tabernacle in general. We are to see in it the parent of the temple and the synagogue and understand its significance in the light of the importance of
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TRIALS OF MOSES AND ISRAEL IN THE WILDERNESS Leviticus 10.1-7. Numbers 9.15-23, also 11.1 to 12.16
TRIALS OF MOSES AND ISRAEL IN THE WILDERNESS Leviticus 10.1-7. Numbers 9.15-23, also 11.1 to 12.16
Interpretation. We have grouped in this chapter a number of episodes in the wandering of the children of Israel, because any one of them is too small to occupy a single lesson and because all deal with the same general theme, though with significant variations—rebellion and its punishment. With regard to the episode of the death of Nadab and Abihu, recorded in Leviticus 10. 1 to 3, the Bible describes their offense as the bringing of "strange fire" into the sanctuary. This offense in itself seem
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THE SPIES Numbers 13.1 to 14.45. Deuteronomy 1.20-46
THE SPIES Numbers 13.1 to 14.45. Deuteronomy 1.20-46
Interpretation. Little need be said by way of interpretation of this episode, as the Biblical narrative makes its point very clear. It shows us the consequences of a lack of faith and of a lack of that courage which faith inspires. As a substitute for this courage born of faith, not even the fury of despair can avail. This is illustrated by the disastrous defeat of the Israelites when, spurred on by their fear of facing the punishment for their previous cowardice, they finally do rush to the att
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MORE TRIALS OF MOSES Numbers 16.1 to 17.26, also 20.1 to 13 and 21.5 to 9
MORE TRIALS OF MOSES Numbers 16.1 to 17.26, also 20.1 to 13 and 21.5 to 9
Interpretation. The central idea that runs through all the important episodes of these chapters is the immensity of the problem of leadership that confronted Moses, and the contrast between the selfish and fickle passions of the people, passions that were constantly menacing the very existence of Israel, and the sublime patience and constancy of Moses, although on one occasion his sorely tried patience can stand the strain no longer and he commits the sin by which he forfeits his right to enter
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ISRAEL ARRIVES AT THE BORDER OF THE PROMISED LAND Numbers 21.1 to 3 and 21 to 35, also 22.1 to 24.25, also 31.1 to 54 and 32.1 to 42
ISRAEL ARRIVES AT THE BORDER OF THE PROMISED LAND Numbers 21.1 to 3 and 21 to 35, also 22.1 to 24.25, also 31.1 to 54 and 32.1 to 42
Interpretation. The wandering through the wilderness, which in this chapter draws to a close, has had its desired effect in producing a race capable of giving battle. Its powers are put to the test by the necessity of pushing its conquests through the territory of Sihon, King of the Amorites, and of Og, King of Bashan. The command to conquer these nations and the Promised Land itself may present religious difficulties to some. Indeed, such wars of conquest are responsible for the charge frequent
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THE DEATH OF MOSES Numbers 27.12 to 23. Deuteronomy 31.14 to 34.12
THE DEATH OF MOSES Numbers 27.12 to 23. Deuteronomy 31.14 to 34.12
Interpretation. The Biblical account of the death of Moses in its impressive simplicity scarcely needs comment. It brings to a fitting end the story of the life-struggle of the greatest of the prophets. There is an infinite pathos in the thought of his never having set foot on the soil toward which he had been leading his people for forty years in the face of ingratitude, calumny and rebellion. But there is also a peculiar fitness in this fate for it lifts all his efforts in behalf of his people
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