Aaron and the Wrath of God

 

Aaron and the Wrath of God gives teachers an opportunity to explore the parallels between guiding children as a parent and guiding them as a teacher. It is also is an exploration of three different (highly interrelated yet distinct) goals for our teaching about God. The story can stand on its own as a Rudyard Kipling like “just so story.” It also can be an occasion for digging more deeply into our own assumptions about good teaching about God as suggested in the analysis that follows the story.

Aaron and the Wrath of God by Tuvya Ben Shlomo (Philadelphia Jewish Exponent, July 31, 1984)

Analysis of Aaron and the Wrath of God by Dr. Jeffrey Schein 

 

Questions to Explore the High Holiday Themes in this Story

1. The father is working very hard to understand what Aaron really means?  Why is that so hard?  When do we not seem to understand even the people we love?
2. In your own words, what is bothering Aaron about God? 
3. Do you agree with Aaron that God is too big and strong to be doing so much punishing?
4. If you could argue with God what would you argue about?
5. Could God have convinced Aaron that he was right to have judged the Israelites so harshly?
6. Can you think of a time when your actions were judged through justice?   Mercy?
7. Why is is hard to know when to judge with mercy and justice?
8. Would it be okay if god never punished?
9. Any suggestions for God about when she moves between the two chairs?   iit