6. RASHI METHOD: STYLE Rashi examines how rules of style influences inferences between general and detail statements in paragraphs. Example: Every solo example stated by the Bible must be broadly generalized; Theme-Detail: A general principle followed by an example is interpreted restrictively---the general theme statement only applies in the case of the example; Theme-Detail-Theme: A Theme-Detail-Theme unit is interpreted as a paragraph. Consequently the details of the paragraph are generalized so that they are seen as illustrative of the theme. This examples applies to Rashis Dt31-02b URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/rule1308.htm Brief Summary: ALTHOUGH I am 120 years old today, NEVERTHELESS I can't lead you BECAUSE God prohibited it [But I am otherwise able and healthy]

Certain Biblical paragraphs are stated in a Theme-Development form. In other words a broad general idea is stated first followed by the development of this broad general theme in specific details. The Theme-Detail form creates a unified paragraph and consequently the law only applies to the enumerated details but not to other cases. Today's example illustrates this as shown below.

Verse Dt31-02 discussing Moses' termination of leadership states
• General: [Although] I am 120 years old today,
• [nevertheless] I can't lead you
• Detail: [because] God said "Don't pass over the Jordan." [But I am otherwise able and healthy]

As is our usual custom in this email list we have embedded the Rashi comments in the text by interpolating key connective words. We further clarify this compact summary as follows: The statement I am 120 ...I can't lead you is a general comment which could have many reasons - for example, poor health, other commitments, or a prohibition of leading. This general clause is further delimited and clarified by the detail clause which explicitly states that the reason why Moses can't lead has nothing to do with health or other commitments but rather because God explicitly prohibited him from leading. For this reason we have classified this Rashi comment as illustrative of the Rabbi Ishmael style rules since a general clause is delimited with a detailed explanation.