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    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 Ex20-19a Ex20-19d
    URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/rule1206.htm
    Brief Summary: GENERAL: Don't make for yourselves images of angelic assistants DETAIL: Golden gods (fire gods), silver gods (dream images) GENERAL: Don't make for yourselves images of angelic assistants

Certain Biblical paragraphs are stated in a Theme-Development-Theme form. In other words a broad general idea is stated first followed by the development of this broad general theme in specific details. The paragraph-like unit is then closed with a repetition of the broad theme. The Theme-Detail-Theme form creates a unified paragraph. The detailed section of this paragraph is therefore seen as an extension of the general theme sentences. Today's example illustrates this as shown immediately below.

    Verse Ex20-19 discussing the prohibition of idolatrous worship of angelic beings states
  • General: Don't make [images of those assistants which are] with me
  • Detail:
    • golden gods [e.g. prophetic images of golden-fire]
    • silver gods [e.g. mirror dream images]
  • General: Don't make [such images] for yourselves.

Rashi generalizes the detail clause gold, silver as illustrative of the general clause, make [that which is] with me and states: Don't make for yourselves - e.g. in synagogues - images of heavenly assistants such as images of the Ezeklian fire visions, since fire is golden in color, or images of prophetic dream communications, (dream images being mirror like (silver) in color). We believe this comment evident and consistent with the Rabbi Ishmael style guidelines.

    Advanced Rashi: For a full understanding of this Rashi one has to combine rules 4,6.
  • Rule 4,alignment shows how to combine the two general clauses into one clause: Don't make for yourselves [images of beings] that are with me.
  • Rule 6, style gives detail and scope to the general prohibition. By mentioning gold and silver the Bible alludes to the Ezeklian fire dreams and to prophetic dreams (in mirror like silver color). In other words the Bible is prohibiting making images of images seen in prophetic encounters.

Some may find this interpretation of Rashi strange. Why not interpret gold, silver to refer to the sun (gold) and moon (Silver). But the decalogue already prohibited worship of the sun and moon. Therefore it is proper to interpret the prohibition in our verse as referring to idolatrous worship of angelic entities. Rashi himself gives as an example Don't think because golden Kerubim were in the Temple that you can make similar images in your synagogues. Consequently, I believe the approach we have taken the most natural and consistent with Rashi.


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