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Today we ask the database query:
When is leaning used in Biblical
commandments / procedures?
The query uncovers 3 examples of commandments
with leaning. An examination of these
3 examples shows that leaning symbolically
indicates transfer of responsibility.
- Physically the leaner is now supported
by the object he leans on.
- This symbolically
affirms that the leaner is now
supported morally by the object he leans
on - that is, there has been transfer of
responsibility.
The table below presents the 3 commandments
as well as their symbolic interpretation.
We also include a non-commandment example of
leaning.
It follows that this Rashi combines the
database and symbolism methods.
Commandment
| Verse
| Text Of Verse
| Symbolic meaning of leaning
|
Offerings
|
Lv01-04
|
And he shall
lean with his hands upon the head of the
elevation-offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.
|
The offerer transfers his obligations to
the offered animal. Hence what is done to the
offered animal (e.g. sprinkling the life-force blood
towards the Godly altar fires) is what he
himself should do.
|
Executions
|
Lv24-14b
|
Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp;
and let all that heard him
lean their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him.
| The stoners transfer the responsibility
of stoning to the executed: "You are responsible
for this stoning not us (Rashi)."
|
Levite Induction Ceremony
|
Nu08-09a
|
And thou shalt present the Levites before the tent
of meeting; and thou shalt assemble
the whole congregation of the children of Israel.
And thou shalt present the Levites before HaShem;
and the children of Israel shall
lean their hands upon the Levites.
| The Israelites
transfer their responsibility
of performing correct offering procedures to the Levites
who now minister in the Temple as the representatives
of the Israelite community.
|
Joshua's induction ceremony
|
Nu27-18
|
And HaShem said unto Moses:
'Take thee Joshua the son of Nun,
a man in whom is spirit, and
lean thy hand upon him;
| Moses leans or finds
support thru Joshua who will succeed
Moses and perform his duties of leadership.
|
Sermonic points:
The idea of symbolically affirming a serious
moment such as transfer of responsibility
occurs in many cultures with many diverse symbols.
All cultures recognize the need to symbolically
affirm serious moments and values.
The symbolism here identifes support
in the physical realm with moral support
in the social realm. It is a
symbol based on function.
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#*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2007, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#
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