Certain Biblical paragraphs are stated in a example form.
In other words an example of a law is stated rather than the full
general rule. The reader's task is to generalize the example.
The idea that all Biblical laws should be perceived as examples (unless
otherwise indicated) is explicitly stated by Rashi (Pesachim 6.).
This is a rule of style since the rule requires that a text be perceived
as an example rather than interpreted literally. The Rabbi Ishmael style
rules govern the interpretation of style.
Verse
Ex34-25c
discussing
the time limits for consumption of the Pascal lamb
states
...neither shall the sacrifice of the feast of the passover be left unto the morning.
The Rabbi Ishmael example rule requires generalization
of this passage. In this case we simply generalize
from
of the feast of Passover
to
any sacrifice:
...neither shall [any] sacrifice
[such as] the feast of the passover be left unto the morning.
Advanced Rashi: The Rashi Generalization rule is frequently applied to
typical situations. For example the punishment of rape victims is presented as a punishment
of field-rapes since rapes frequently happen in un-manned areas (Rashi, Dt22-25.) Siimilarly
responsibility for animal torts is presented in terms of ox torts since oxen were a frequently
owned animal (Rashi, Ex21-35). So too here: Most sacrifices are consumed by morning. However
the Passover sacrifice is a typical example of a sacrifice that might not be finished till morning
since the Passover sacrifice is consumed by people, not the altar, during a meal with prolonged discussion
and much wine which encourages early sleep. So the correct way to look at this Rashi is that Even the
Passover sacrifice which might typically be left over till morning should not be left over till morning and
certainly other sacrifices where there is no reason to delay altar consumption should not be left
over till morning.
|