#######################################################
#       12 YEAR Ayelet DAILY-RASHI-YOMI CYCLE         #
#                    Jan 24, 2009                     #
#                    YEAR 10 of 12                     #
#                                                     #
#           VISIT THE RASHI YOMI ARCHIVES             #
#           -----------------------------             #
#         HOME   http://www.RashiYomi.Com             #
# WEEKLY RASHI   http://www.RashiYomi.Com/rule.htm    #
#  DAILY RASHI   http://www.RashiYomi.Com/calendar.htm#
#                                                     #
#  Reprinted with permission from WEEKLY RASHI,       #
#  (c) 1999-2009, RashiYomi Inc., Dr Hendel President #
#   Permission to reprint with this header PROVIDED   #
#          it is not printed for profit               #
#                                                     #
#######################################################


#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc. 2009, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#
    9. RASHI METHOD: SPREADSHEETS
    BRIEF EXPLANATION: The common denominator of the 3 submethods of the Spreadsheet method is that inferences are made from non textual material. The 3 submethods are as follows:
    • Spreadsheet: Rashi makes inferences of a numerical nature that can be summarized in a traditional spreadsheet
    • Geometric: Rashi clarifies a Biblical text using descriptions of geometric diagrams
    • Fill-ins: Rashi supplies either real-world background material or indicates real-world inferences from a verse. The emphasis here is on the real-world, non-textual nature of the material.
    This example applies to Rashis Nu32-17b
    URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/w34n3.htm
    Brief Summary: Gad volunteered to fight in the front lines BECAUSE he was lion-like and fought well.

Verse Nu32-17 speaking about the deal Moses made with Gad - to go in the front lines when fighting for Israel in exchange for which Gad received the TransJordan as an inheritance - states but we [the Gaddites] ourselves will be ready armed to go before the Jews, until we have brought them unto their place; and our little ones shall dwell in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

Rashi explains why the Gaddites volunteered to go in the front lines: The Gaddites were good fighters. Good fighters are preferred in the front line because it is the thick of battle. Hence the Gaddites volunteered to go on the front line.

Rashi additionally supports his comment using the reference method citing a verse from Dt33-20, which clarifies this volunteer to go in the front lines and states: And of Gad he said, Blessed be he who enlarges Gad; he lives as a lion, and tears the arm with the crown of the head. In other words Gad volunteered to go in the front lines because he is a good lion-like warrior.

Although an other verse is referenced here we have classified this Rashi comment as a NonVerse method. Indeed the focus of Rashi's comment is an explanation of why Gad volunteered to go in the front line. To answer this question Rashi uses knowledge of the real world: The front line men in a battle must be stronger because the thicket of the battle is there. This deduction is logical and does not involve references to other verses. Hence we classify the Rashi as using the Non Verse method. By coincidence Rashi found a reference supporting this logical connection; but his comment is still is in essence a logical connection. Alternatively, we can simply say that Rashi did use a reference but explained the support of this other verse by using knowledge of the real world such as the reasons for placing certain people on the front lines of a war. 


#*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2009, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#