#120 Biblical Times I (The Patriarchs and the Matriarchs)

#120 Biblical Times (The Patriarchs and the Matriarchs)

In this lesson you will learn about some of the first Jewish people in the Torah and their important history: Abraham, Rebecca, and Jacob.

#1 MEET ABRAHAM 

Abraham was the first Jew. You may have heard about characters like Adam and Eve, or Noah, and they were older than Abraham by 100’s of years, but Abraham and his wife Sarah were the first Jews. How does somebody “become” Jewish when their parents are not Jewish? Good question. The Torah teaches that one day, Abram and Sarai were outside in their garden working. A voice came to Abram and said, “you should leave your home and go to a new land that I will show you. There, I will make your name great and you will be the father and mother to many generations.” They had to think hard on this call from the God and eventually they made the decision to “lech lecha,” go forth. They did this with great courage, bravery, and faith, and as a result, their names got an additional “h” letter symbolizing God’s presence in their lives, and became Abraham and Sarah.

 

 #2 MEET REBECCA
Rebecca was one of the most famous female characters in the Torah and she was known for being kind, clever, and a determined. She and her husband Isaac had two sons, Jacob and Esau. In this video, you will learn about the episode when Rebecca meets Isaac and you will learn about the biblical way that many men and women would meet each other – at the well.

 

#3. MEET JACOB

Jacob was one of Abraham’s many grandchildren and the brother of Esau. Jacob was a very clever young man who grew up loving adventures. He was also the favorite son of his mother Rebecca and so he had an exciting life. Jacob (Ya’kov in Hebrew) had a dream one night about a “person” who comes to wrestle him. During this incredible all night match (probably a dream really, and not a real physical wrestling), Jacob wins and as a reward, his name changes to Israel which in Hebrew means, “wrestling with God.”

 

#4 Respond – 

1. Who was the First Jew?
2. What was Abraham and Sarah”s names at birth and why did they change?
3. What is Rebecca best personal quality?
4. What did Jacob’s name become after the wrestling match?
5. What does “Israel” mean?
6. Why do you think so many of the biblical character’s had their names changed?

Need some help? We’re here for you. At any time, if you have any questions, please contact one of our teachers so we can help you. Also, at the end of the session, remember to review your responses in your Tamid Workbook so you can get credit for this lesson. Behatzlacha (Hebrew for good luck)! You can reach us at (646)360-0689 or connect@tamidnyc.org