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    4. RASHI METHOD: ALIGNMENT
    BRIEF EXPLANATION: Aligning two almost identically worded verselets can suggest
    • (4a) 2 cases of the same incident or law
    • (4b) emphasis on the nuances of a case
    • (4c) use of broad vs literal usage of words
     This examples applies to Rashis Ex20-19a Ex20-19d
    URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/rule1206.htm
    Brief Summary: a) Don't make (EVEN with belief in Me) gold and silver gods b) Also don't make personal replicas of these gods (e.g. in your synagogue)

The table below presents an aligned extract of verses or verselets in Ex20-19a, Ex20-19d Both verses/verselets discuss the prohibition of idolatry. The alignment justifies the Rashi comment that: The verse has two prohibitions. a) The verse prohibits making gold and silver idolatrous gods. This prohibition applies even if the gods are worshipped while believing in the true one God - for that reason it states Don't make with me gold and silver Gods in other words, even if your belief is still with me. b) The verse also prohibits making gold and silver replicas of god-like creatures (like the Keruvim) for personal use (e.g. in the synagogues).

Verse Text of Verse Rashi comment
Ex20-19a Ex20-19d
  • You shall not make with Me [while still believing in Me], silver gods and gold gods,
  • You shall not make personal replicas [e.g. for synagogues.]
The verse has two prohibitions. a) The verse prohibits making gold and silver idolatrous gods. This prohibition applies even if the gods are worshipped while believing in the true one God - for that reason it states Don't make with me gold and silver Gods in other words, even if your belief is still with me. b) The verse also prohibits making gold and silver replicas of god-like creatures (like the Keruvim) for personal use (e.g. in the synagogues).
Ex20-19a Ex20-19d
  • You shall not make with Me [while still believing in Me], silver gods and gold gods,
  • You shall not make personal replicas [e.g. for synagogues.]

Advanced Rashi: I believe gold and silver gods refer to replicas of fire visions (gold gods) and dream visions (silver gods). According to Rambam the original form of idolatry involved worshiping symbolic replicas of visions of God.

    The verse says don't make with me gold and silver gods. There are two ways to interpret the underlined phrase with me.
    • Don't make replicas of the angels (heavenly beings) that are with me in heaven
    • Don't make idols even while still believing in Me and being with me in belief.
    Rashi literally says Don't make replicas of the heavenly beings serving with me. This appears to agree with the first of the two interpretations. However the second interpretation is also consistent with the Rashi language. Last year I interpreted according to the first interpretation. But I think now that the second interpretation is more correct especially since it is parallel to the second half of the verse as shown in the alignment.

This Rashi is continued from rule #3, Grammar above, which the reader is encouraged to read now.


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