LIST975c
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-03
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PART 2 of a 3 part series on SYMBOLS
VERSE: Nu08-07b
RASHIS COVERED: Nu08-07b Nu08-09a Lv24-14b
VERY BRIEF SUMMARY
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One of the great beauties of the Bible is the
consistent use of symbolic communication. Such symbols
enrich the experience of Biblical reading with added
beauty.
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, on the basic of several
centuries of symbolic interpretation laid down the
definitive methodology on symbolism.
For a complete study of the symbolic method see our
essay http://www.Rashiyomi.com/gen-1.htm which presents
in a compact form Rav Hirschs symbolism.
This list approach towards symbolism was developed by
him in his commentary.
In todays posting we review the symbols of
-- THE SACRIFICIAL SUPPORT PROCEDURE
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This procedure indicates VESTMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY
- The offerer agrees to IDENTIFY with the animal
Therefore Every procedure done to the animal
is by agreemtn symbolic advice to the offerer
- The stoners of the blasphemer (Death penalty)
place their hands on the blasphemer indicating
that he (not them) are responsible for his death
- The Jews agree that the Levites are their
designated representatives in the temple
- PRAISE BE HIM WHO CHOSE THEM AND THEIR LEARNING -
We present below the 3-4 places that the SUPPORT procedure is
used. In all 3 it seems to indicate vestment/transfer
of responsibility
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VERSE
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WHO SUPPORTS
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ON WHOM
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SUPPORT SYMBOLIZES
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Nu27-18
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Moses
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Joshua Moses
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Moses transfers LEADERSHIP to Joshua
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Lv24-14b
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Executioners
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blasphemer
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He is RESPONSIBLE for his death
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Nu08-09a
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Jews
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Levites*1
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Levites given RESPONSIBILITY for temple
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Lv01-04
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Person
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Sacrifice
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Sacrifice symbolizes what person NEEDS
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COMMENTS
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*10 Rashi
- DOES give the explanation we give on Lv24-14b
- DOES not give the explanation we give on Nu08-09a
Instead Rashi on Nu08-09a compares SUPPORT of the Jews
on the Levites to the Support in a SACRIFICE (In other
words just as the animal GOES UP TO GOD so too the
Levites GO UP TOO GOD and just as the Jews learn from
the sacrifice procedure what their responsibilities are
so too the Jews learn from their LEVITE sacrifice
what their responsibilities are)
Howeer on deeper examination our straightforward explanation
of RESPONSIBILITY and the Rashi metaphor of SACRIFICE all
boil down to the same idea--namely the Jews vested their
responsibilities in the Levites who were to teach them.
I think this the proper approach to Rashi
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