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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 Gn32-08a
    URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/w33n5.htm
    Brief Summary: Jacob was AFRAID and DISTRESSED. AFRAID of being KILLED and DISTRESSED that he MIGHT HAVE TO KILL.

The table below presents an aligned extract of verselets in Gn32-08a Both verselets discuss the fear Jacob had. The alignment justifies the Rashi assertion that There were apparently two fears. We have seen in rule #1 above that the word fear refers to fear of being killed, explicitly mentioned with that langauge in Gn32-12. Rashi therefore assumes that distressed refers to a complimentary fear which Rashi suggests is the fear of having to kill.

Verse Text of Verse Rashi comment
Gn32-08 Jacob was afraid Afraid of being killed, as mentioned explicitly in Gn32-12.
Gn32-12 ....and distressed Rashi assumes that the aligned verbs - fear distress - refer to complimentary fears. Since fear refers to fear of being killed Rashi suggests distress as referring to fear of having to kill.

Advanced Rashi: A similar fear - of having to kill - is seen by Abraham who was afraid after a military conquest over an alliance. Since he was afraid after victory we assume he was concerned about the life he took (Rashi: Gn15-01a). However since this fear of his is not explicitly mentioned we sufficed with use of the alignment principle to justify the current Rashi.

Sermonic points: At the synagogue where I lein during the week the Rabbi learns a little bit before leining. The Rabbi cited this Rashi and mentioned Golda Meir's famous quote that We will forgive the Arabs for killing our boys but we will not forgive them for making us kill. The feelings behind such a quote emanate from this Rashi on Jacob.


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