Study Questions for Thursday's reading in The Fathers According to Rabbi Nathan (Chapters 23-31)

1. The death of Rabbi Eleazar as described in Chapter 25 is an exemplary rabbinic death, although it is not a martyr's death such as Rabbi Akiva will die. What qualities are revealed in his death? What powers are ascribed to the rabbi? What is the source of his power?

2. Analyze the argument of Chapter 30. How is the commentary related to the words at the head of the chapter in capital letters (how is what follows a commentary on those words)? What forms of argument are used? What kind of evidence is advanced?