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    4. RASHI METHOD: ALIGNMENT
    BRIEF EXPLANATION: Aligning two almost identically worded verselets can suggest
    • (4a) 2 cases of the same incident or law
    • (4b) emphasis on the nuances of a case
    • (4c) use of broad vs literal usage of words
    This examples applies to Rashis Ex23-13b,c
    URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/w33n9.htm Brief Summary: a) Do ALL commandments b1) No mention of IDOLATRY b2) No CAUSE of MENTION of idolatry.

The table below presents an aligned extract of verselets in Ex23-13b,c Both verselets discuss the obligation to observe commandments and avoid idolatry The alignments justify the Rashi assertions that (a) The abstention from idolatry is equivalent in moral worth to observing the entire Torah. (b) One should not (b1) mention idolatry casually, e.g. 'We will meet by that statute' nor (b2) cause others to mention idolatry, e.g. bring a person to court and force him to swear by his god.

Verse Text of Verse Rashi comment
Ex23-13 And in all things that I have said unto you take ye heed; Do all the commandments
Ex23-13
  • and make no mention of the name of other gods,
  • neither cause it to be heard by your order.

We can align do all the commandments and avoid idolatry to infer that abstention from idolatry is equivalent in moral impact to observance of the entire Torah.

From the sub-alignment no mention of other gods vs. no cause of mention by your order we infer that one should neither casually mention idolatry as e.g. telling someone 'meet me by that statute' nor should one cause others to mention idolatry as e.g. by suing someone in court and forcing them to swear by their god.

Advanced Rashi: Notice the unusual features of two alignments in the verse. The two verse halves from an alignment - do all commandments, don't associate with idols - and the two halves of the second verse also align suggesting a spectrum of mentioning of idolatry from casual to serious.


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