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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 Dt18-03a
    URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/w33n4.htm
    Brief Summary:

Certain Biblical paragraphs are stated in a detail-Theme form. In other words a detailed specific law is stated first followed by a thematic restatement of a broad general nature. Today's example illustrates this as shown below.

    Verse Dt18-03 discussing the obligation to give priestly gifts states And this shall be the priests' due
    • Detail: from the people
    • General: from them that offer a sacrifice
    whether it be ox or sheep, that they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.

The Rabbi Ishmael style rules require interpreting a Detail-General style almost restrictively with a slight generalization. Hence the Rashi comment: From the people but not from the priests [That is, a priest who offers a sacrifice is not obligated to provide priestly gifts since he is not a people but a priest.]

Advanced Rashi: Note: One traditional approach to Rashi is to say Rashi derived his comment from the extra words from the people. These words are extra since the verse reads fine without them. Our approach however is to derive the Rashi comment from the contrastive emphasis of a detail vs. general stage. People is seen as more restrictive then offerers of sacrifice and hence because of this contrast Rashi emphasizes from the people but not from the priests.


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