5. RASHI METHOD: CONTRADICTION BRIEF EXPLANATION:Rashi resolves contradictory verses using 3 methods. (5a) Resolution using two aspects of the same event (5b) Resolution using two stages of the same process (5c) Resolution using broad-literal interpretation. This example applies to Rashis Ex25-03a URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/rule1208.htm Brief Summary: There were two Temple taxes - a voluntary tax and an obligatory tax.

The table below presents two contradictory verses / verselets. Both verses speak about national Temple taxes. The underlined words highlight the contradiction. One verse says taxes are voluntary while the other verse states taxes are obligatory. We see the contradiction---which is it? Are taxes voluntary or obligatory? Rashi simply resolves this contradiction using the 2 aspects method: Two Temple taxes are levied: One was half a dollar and obligatory; the other was completely voluntary.

Summary	Verse / Source	Text of verse / Source
Taxes are voluntary	Ex26-02:03	Speak to the people of Israel, that they bring me an offering; from every man that gives it voluntarily with his heart you shall take my offering. And this is the offering which you shall take from them; gold, and silver, and bronze,
The half-dollar tax is obligatory	Ex30-13:15	This they shall give, every one who passes among those who are counted, half a shekel according to the shekel of the sanctuary; a shekel is twenty gerahs; a half shekel shall be the offering of the Lord. Every one who passes among those who are counted, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering to the Lord. The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering to the Lord, to make an atonement for your souls.
Resolution:	2 Aspects	Two Temple taxes are levied: One was half a dollar and obligatory; the other was completely voluntary.

Note that we have explained this Rashi in both rule #5, Contradiction and rule #8, Database. Both are equally good explanations of this Rashi comment.