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    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 Ex37-01a
    URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/ex37-01a.htm

    Note the contradiction in the following verses discussing the construction of the desert temple:
  • Ex36-01:02 states Then, Bezalel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all kinds of work for the service of the sanctuary, did according to all that the Lord had commanded. And Moses called Bezalel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, every one whose heart stirred him up to come to the work to do it;
  • Ex37-01 states And Bezalel made the ark of shittim wood; two cubits and a half was its length, and a cubit and a half its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height;

We see the contradiction. Which is it? Did Besalel make the Temple utensils or did the wise hearted menmake them? Although technically one of these verses speaks about the Ark and one speaks about the general Temple construction nevertheless we could bring in numerous similar verses showing that the construction of all Temple vessels was a group effort with however sporadic verses giving credit to individuals.

    We resolve this contradiction using the method of 2 aspects. There were 2 aspects to constructing the Temple
  • Besalel was the manager of Temple construction
  • The crafstmen were the staff of Temple construction.
Hence the pithy Rashi comment: Managers obtain credit for the entire project since they enabled others to do its work.

Sermonic points: In this particular example Rashi's sermonic point is embe07ed in the Rashi comment itself.

There is a conceptual way to clarify the Rashi comment: Credit is not necessarily based on work but instead may be based on accomplishment. Here, the manager typically does not do all the work of Temple construction; but through his direction the manager accomplishes the entire Temple construction. Hence he can take credit for it.

Generally, throughout Jewish literature we see an emphasis not only on personal deeds but also on the consequences of those deeds. For example, Kayin's murder of Hebel is not perceived as a murder of an individual but rather as the murder of all potential descendants of that individual. The Talmud states: He who takes a life it is as though he had destroyed a planet; and he who saves a life it is as though he had saved a planet.


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