SUCCINCT SUMMARY
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One of Rashis 5 main goals is to describe STYLE. We have
introduced the idea that The GENERAL-DETAIL style is a
PARAGRAPH style; the GENERAL THEME is stated at the
beginning and then it is DEVELOPED with DETAILS. According
to the Rabbi Ishmael STYLE rules, the GENERAL THEME
meaning is EXHAUSTED and COMPLETELY EXPLAINED by the
DETAILS presented.
EXAMPLE 1: Lv21-01d
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The biblical text at Lv21-01d states
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GENERAL THEME: Speak to the PRIESTS
DETAIL: The SONS of AARON
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Note the THEME-DETAIL structure. Hence the Rashi
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The laws mentioned in Lv21-01d only apply to the
MALE PRIESTS (SONS of Priests) not to the female
priests
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To clarify: The phrase SONS OF AARON by itself would NOT
limit the law to the male priests since the phrase
SONS OF PRIESTS could be interpreted broadly to include
females. Rather, it is the GENERAL-DETAIL structure which
limits the law to only the male priests.
LIST490h below summarizes this argument
EXAMPLE 2: Lv19-29a
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The Biblical text at Lv19-29a states
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GENERAL THEME: Dont DESCECRATE your daughter
DETAIL: towards PROSTITUTION
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Notice the THEME-DETAIL structure. Hence the Rashi
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The DESCECRATION mentioned in the verse refers to
SEXUAL DESCECRATION, for example,
letting people use your daughter sexually
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In passing I believe this THEME-DETAIL approach explains
the Rambams position that
- premarital sex is ALWAYS classified as prostitution
and hence prohibited (Marriage-Chapter 1 Law 1)
- EVEN if the couple is permanant
- EVEN if the act happens once
- EVEN if the act happens without money.
This law appears strange (Why call a one-time fling
PROSTITUTION; why call a couple living together
PROSTITUTION). However I would argue that Rambam was
not changing the meaning of PROSTITUTION but rather
echoing the concerns of Lv19-29a which prohibit
DESCECRATION TOWARDS PROSTITUTION--hence
- ANY descecration-even one act
- even not for money
- even if they live together.
LIST490g below summarizes this argument
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