Deuteronomy 11:13-21
Suggested Discussion Questions
1. What is the reward for serving God? Why?
2. What is the punishment for worshiping other gods? Why is withholding rain a key punishment in the Torah?
3. How can we understand this text in the world today? Because of whose sins do some suffer from lack of water?
Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Sukkah, 53a
Suggested Discussion Questions
1. The “rejoicing at the place of the water drawing” (Simchat Beit Hashoeva)ceremony is portrayed as the height of happiness and celebration. Sukkot is known as the holiday for “Simcha” (joy). What do you think was the source of the happiness in this celebration?
2. How did Rabban Simeon ben Gamaliel reflect his joy? Do you consider this an appropriate expression of joy for a great rabbi?
3. How can we bring joy into our appreciation of natural resources such as water?