Which 2 nations of the world can never fully join the Jewish people and marry a regular Jew, because they were kafoi tov (demonstrated a lack of gratitude) to the Jewish people? 

Question 2:

How did these nations demonstrate a lack of gratitude – what specifically did they do (or not do)? (See Devarim 23:4-5)

Question 3:

Instead of hurting the Jews, these nations should have helped the Jewish people because they were obligated to repay a favor that was done to them by a Jew long ago. What favor were they supposed to repay? (See Ramban on Devarim 23:5)

Question 4:

There is a different nation whom we, the Jewish people, are supposed to feel appreciation for, since they allowed us to dwell in their land. The descendants of this nation are allowed to enter the Jewish people after 3 generations. Which nation is it? (See Devarim 23:8) 

Question 5:

Where in Parshas Haazinu are Bnai Yisrael called an “ungrateful nation”? (See Devarim 32)

Question 6:

The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 31:8) says that when the Jewish people left Egypt, the dogs were silent and did not bark. To demonstrate our appreciation for the dogs’ silence, Jews are forever required to give something to dogs. What do we give them?

Question 7:

Which person in Tanach kept a “gratitude journal” to record all the good deeds that were done to him?

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The answers to these questions will be provided in next week's email iyH.

Question 1

What are some side benefits we get from thanking other people (other than doing the right thing)? 

Question 2

Can you think of a time when someone thanked you? How did it make you feel? What insights can you learn about how to thank people (or how not to thank people) from that experience?

Question 3

A few weeks ago, we explained that the Jewish People and Bikkurim are both called “Raishis.” In fact, Amalek is also called Raishis (Bamidbar 24:20). Why is Amalek called Raishis, and what does this have to do with hakaras hatov?‭ ‬

Question 4

What is the difference between Hallel and Hoda’ah?

Question 5

If you want to repay someone for a kindness they did to help you, should you pay them back equally? The Vilna Gaon (Mishlei 14:22) says you actually have to repay them with more than they gave you! Why?

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