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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 Ex12-48a
      URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/w35n4.htm
      Brief Summary: For a convert to bring a Passover sacrifice they must both a) circumcise and b) bring it on the proper date.

The table below presents two contradictory verses / verselets. Both verses speak about a convert bringing a Passover sacrifice The underlined words highlight the contradiction. One verse says let him circumcise and then he brings his Passover sacrifice while the other verse states he will be like other citizens (who bring their sacrifice on their Passover sacrifice on the 14th.) We see the contradiction---which is it? Does a convert bring a personal Passover offering immediately upon conversion and circumcision or does he only bring Passover offerings on 14 Nissan like other Jewish citizens. Rashi simply resolves this contradiction using the 2 stages method: First the convert must circumcise and second the 14th of Nissan must come so that he may participate with everyone else. However if the 14th came and he did not yet circumcise he may not participate in the passover offering. The convert does not bring a personal Passover offering immediately after circumcision.

Summary Verse / Source Text of verse / Source
Circumcision is the prerequisite for a convert bringing the Passover offering Ex12-48a And when a stranger shall sojourn with you [convert], and will keep the Passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it;
He is like other citizens (Who bring the offering on Nissan 14) Ex12-48 and he shall be like citizens; for no uncircumcised person shall eat of it.
Resolution: 2 Stages First the convert must circumcise and second the 14th of Nissan must come so that he may participate with everyone else. However if the 14th came and he did not yet circumcise he may not participate in the passover offering. The convert does not bring a personal Passover offering immediately after circumcision.

Advanced Rashi: The contradiction here was not very deep. The resolution you need both circumcision and the 14th was sort of obvious. Rashi does have a subtle point - It might be the case that converts bring a personal Passover offering immediately upon conversion supplementing the national Passover offering. This personal offering would make sense since the conversion is an Exodus for the convert. It is also possibly implied by the Biblical text: ...then he shall offer it. Hence the resolution of Rashi that all Passover offerings are communal/national and brought on the 14th. 


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