questions from quiz

Question 1

1)	Which of the following is considered a paytan of the classical era?
A.	Elazar HaKallir
B.	King David
C.	Yehudah HaLevi
D.	Rabbeinu Gershom

Answer 1

A. Elazar HaKallir

Question 2

2)	Which of the following is most associated with the transition from the Golden Age of Hispano-Hebrew poetry to its next era?
A.	Shlomo ibn Gabirol
B.	Yehudah HaLevi
C.	Avraham ibn Ezra
D.	Elazar HaKalir

Answer 2

C. Avraham ibn Ezra

Question 3

3) “I betrayed my husband for another, on account of which I am divorced.”
This line from a kinah by Avraham ibn Ezra is an evident example of the usage of:
A. Figurative language
B. Paronomasia
C. Dialogue
D. Estriota

Answer 3

A. Figurative language

Question 4

4) The introduction of the reshus to many parts of the prayer services reflects:
A. A determination to limit the length of the service
B. An attitude of fear and trepidation towards the responsibility of praying before the congregation
C. A greater focus on the Purim prayer service in Andalusian Spain
D. A rejection of the classical piyut style

Answer 4

B. An attitude of fear and trepidation towards the responsibility of praying before the congregation

Question 5

5) “Ask, ‘Where are the princes and where are the mighty men?”
This line by Yehudah HaLevi is most likely part of a(n):
A. Elegy- pesicha
B. Selichah
C. Mukadimah
D. Techinah

Answer 5

A. Elegy- pesicha

Question 6

6) “They were arrogant in their lifetime, unconcerned with the grave;
Yet even there is the presence of the Lord.”
Which statement is most accurate about these lines from an elegy-pesichah by Yehudah HaLevi:
A. He is disparaging the Almohad conquerers
B. He is disparaging his former patron
C. It is meant to cause introspection before Rosh Hashanah
D. They reinforce belief in judgment after death

Answer 6

D. They reinforce belief in judgment after death

Question 7

7) “Oh my soul, return to G-d and be saved
From Time’s snare. How long must you crave foolishness?”
These lines from a piyut by Avraham ibn Ezra are most likely an introduction to which prayer?
A. Krias shema
B. Nishmas kal chai
C. Tachanun
D. Selichos

Answer 7

B. Nishmas kal chai

Question 8

8)	A piyut is called a pizmon if:
A.	It has a congregational response
B.	It is written for Purim
C.	It is written for dance
D.	It refers to the soul’s journey

Answer 8

A. It has a congregational response

Question 9

9) “They would sprinkle on him purifying waters to cleanse him,
he would sprinkle [the blood] and burn [the incense] and prepare [the menorah] to accustom himself in this service.
As is written in the Your Torah: as he did on this day,
G-d has commanded to do to atone for you…
He approached and leaned his hands on its [the bull’s] head,
He confessed his sins and kept nothing hidden in his heart…”
It is evident that this piyut is from which genre?
A. Slichah
B. Avodah
C. Yotzer
D. Kinah

Answer 9

B. Avodah

Question 10

10) A poet could express his creativity with a charged shibbutz by:
A. Using Biblical verses in a surprising or ironic fashion
B. Telling a Biblical story with a new ending
C. Inventing new Hebrew root words
D. Inventing new Hebrew conjugations

Answer 10

B. Telling a Biblical story with a new ending

Question 11

11) In Shmuel HaNagid’s poem (“Father Jacob”) celebrating his victory over ibn Abbas he invokes the Patriarchs for the following purpose:
A. to compare his military victories to those of the Patriarchs
B. to compare his political authority to that of the Patriarchs
C. to explain how he sought the Patriarchs to pray for him during the battle
D. to explain how he imagines the Patriarchs celebrating with him

Answer 11

C. to explain how he sought the Patriarchs to pray for him during the battle

Question 12

12)	The work of ibn Gabirol which has been addressed  by the most rabbinic commentators is:
A.	Keser Malchus
B.	Azharos 
C.	Shachar Avakshecha
D.	Shivah Sh’chakim

Answer 12

B. Azharos

Question 13

13) In “If Only I Could Be,” Yehudah HaLevi expresses concern over all of the following except:
A. Reaching old age still encumbered by sin
B. Knowing the right way to serve G-d
C. Being a good Jew and still part of secular society
D. Coming closer to G-d

Answer 13

C. Being a good Jew and still part of secular society

Question 14

14)	Which of the following spent the most time outside the various kingdoms of Spain?
A.	Shlomo Ibn Gabirol
B.	Moshe ibn Ezra
C.	Avraham ibn Ezra
D.	Shmuel HaNagid

Answer 14

C. Avraham ibn Ezra

Question 15

15) The main idea of Avraham ibn Ezra’s “I Bow Down” is best described as:
A. Questioning strict religious practice
B. Questioning G-d’s strict judgment
C. A desire for complete self-nullification to G-d
D. A description of the great things man can achieve

Answer 15

C. A desire for complete self-nullification to G-d