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    8. RASHI METHOD: DATABASES
    BRIEF EXPLANATION:Rashi makes inferences from Database queries. The precise definition of database query has been identified in modern times with the 8 operations of Sequential Query Language (SQL).
    This example applies to Rashis Lv25-35a
    URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/nu07-14b.htm
    Brief Summary: OPEN = money; LADEN = food, clothing; GIVE = loan; STRENGTHEN = business association.

Today we ask the database query: What words or phrases are used to indicate charity requirements in Hebrew. The database query uncovers the results given in the list below. Given the spectrum of words for charity, Rashi suggests nuances peculiar to each word.

Word for charity Verse Text Of Verse Connotations of word
Open your hand Dt15-08 But you shall open your hand wide to him, Monetary charity
laden Dt15-08 you should laden him with items sufficient for his needs ... Non-monetary charity: food, clothing etc.
Give Dt15-09:10 Beware that there be not a thought in your wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release from loans, is near; and your eye be evil against your poor brother, and you give him nothing; and he cry to the Lord against you, and it be sin to you. You should give him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him; because for this thing the Lord your God shall bless you in all your works, and in all that you put your hand to. Loan
Strengthen Lv25-35 And if your brother has become poor, and his means fail with you; then you shall strengthen him; though he may be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with you. Business association

Sermonic points: Although the above Rashis appears to be a simple exercise they mirror profound halachik requirements. The various terms used, each with its own connotation, - money, food, loans, business association - forms the basis for the Rambam's famous ladder of charitable activities. Thus creating a business association with a poor person is superior to loaning or giving him money since the business association enables self-sufficiency. Traditionally, we think of the Rambam's ladder as deriving from Talmudic sources. But it has its roots in Biblical sources. 


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