SUCCINCT SUMMARY
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One of Rashis 5 main goals is to indicate paragraph
structure. One method of paragraph structure is to
use the THEME-DETAIL-THEME style. According to the
THEME-DETAIL-THEME method, the DETAIL is perceived as
a DEVELOPMENT of the general paragraph theme and is
interpreted in that manner. We call this the Rashi
method of RABBI ISHMAEL STYLE with the Rashi submethod
of GENERAL-DETAIL-GENERAL.
EXAMPLE Nu33-53a
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The Biblical text at Nu33-53 has
the following content/structure
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GENERAL: You will CONQUER the land
DETAIL: --------------------------- and DWELL in it
GENERAL: For I give you the land to CONQUER
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Rashi comments
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The GENERAL-DETAIL-GENERAL structure indicates
- CONQUER
- ------- DWELL
- CONQUER
This unit forms a single paragraph and idea: In other
words: The purpose of the conquest is to enable DWELLING
(We are not conquering the Canaanites eg because they
are evil or because God designates us to punish them).
This theme that JEWISH DWELLING requires elimination
of the CANAANITES is consistent with the numerous
Biblical passages (E.g. Ex34-11:17) that worn against
making treaties and intermarrying. In other words
if we didnt kill the Canaanites we would end up
having affairs with their women, making treaties,
and joining their civilization.
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LIST460s belows summarizes this argument.
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