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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 Dt01-17b
    URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/dt01-17b.htm
    Brief Summary: Try BIG and SMALL [People] equally implies Try BIG and SMALL [cases] equally.

Stating an abstract principle is not the only way to teach a principle. Some people learn better from examples then from general abstractions. The literary method used is called synechdoche, indicating a general class by a nifty good example. In Talmudic lingo we call this generaliztaion. Every day, during our prayer, we recite the 13 Rabbi Ishmael style rules including the generalization rule.

Verse Dt01-17b discussing judicial equality states Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; ye shall hear the small [person] and the great [person] alike; ye shall not be afraid of the face of any man; for the judgment is G-d's; and the cause that is too hard for you ye shall bring unto me, and I will hear it.' Rashi generalizes this. After all, great people typically have cases involving great amounts, while small people typically have cases involving small amounts. Hence the Rashi comment: Treat cases involving large sums and cases involving small sums alike (With equal attention and detail). 


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