Torah Teasers: Parshas Bereshis

Parshas Bereshis

Tantalizing questions and challenging riddles from the weekly parsha by Rabbi Moshe Erlbaum.

1. Which person in the book of Genesis (Breishit) is actually referred to as "Reishit"?
2. Aside from the first day of creation, where else in the book of Genesis is the phrase "Yom Echad" – “one day” used? (2 answers)
3. The sun and the moon are not called by their names with regard to their creation, but are referred to as “luminaries” (Me’orot). Where in the book of Genesis are the words sun and moon found in the same verse?
4. The “great sea-creatures” (Taninin), were created on the fifth day (1:21). Where else in the Torah is a “Tanin” mentioned?
5. Which is the only letter of the alphabet that does not appear in the account of creation of the first chapter?
6. The snake tricked Eve (Chava) into eating from the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. Where else in the Torah does a snake appear? (4 answers)
7. Which adjective is used to describe Adam and Eve as well as the snake?
8. Although fruit is mentioned several times in this Parsha, which is the only fruit mentioned by name?
9. What was found in the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle, and also placed near the Garden of Eden?
10. Which four women are mentioned in this Parsha?
11. Which grandfather and grandson from this Parsha appear in the text of the weekday Amidah?
12. In this Parsha, who named a city after someone? Who else in the Torah named a city after a person? (4 answers)