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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 Ex28-38b Ex28-38c
    URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/w33n9.htm
    GENERAL: Have the Tzitz, the metal plate with HOLY TO GOD written, on forehead DETAIL: Atone for sins with the offerings GENERAL: Have the Tzitz on ones mind continually. RASHI: The thoughts of HOLY TO GOD atone/counteract the ritual impurity sins.

Certain Biblical paragraphs are stated in a Theme-Development-Theme form. In other words a broad general idea is stated first followed by the development of this broad general theme in specific details. The paragraph-like unit is then closed with a repetition of the broad theme. The Theme-Detail-Theme form creates a unified paragraph. The detailed section of this paragraph is therefore seen as an extension of the general theme sentences. Today's example illustrates this as shown immediately below.

    Biblical verses Ex28-38c form a Biblical paragraph with a theme-detail-theme structure. The paragraph discusses the wearning and use of the Tzitz by the High Priest.
    • General: The Tzitz, the metal plate with Holy to God shall be on Aaron's forehead
    • Detail: and he shall atone for the iniquity of the offerings
    • General: And the Tzitz with holy to God will be on his mind continually.

Rashi generalizes the detail clause atone for the iniquity of offerings, as illustrative of the general clause, have holy to God on one's mind continually, and states: The iniquity of the offerings atones by having holy to God on ones mind continuously. But what can holy thoughts atone for? It can only atone for sins which cause impure thoughts - that is, for offering offerings in a state of ritual impurity. Normally the ritual impurity would cause impure thoughts. However, the holy to God thought atones by bringing in holy thoughts and counteracting the tendency to have impure thoughts..

Advanced Rashi: We approached this Rashi in rule #5 above from the point of view of the contradiction rule; this justifies translating the phrase and the Tzitz will be on his mind. We note here that Rashi cites a controversy in Yuma 7a on whether the physical presence of the Tzizt on his forehead is necessary to achieve atonement. However a careful reading of the Talmud shows that having the Tzitz on his mind is a requirement of both sides of the controversy. This makes sense: Ritual impurity attacks holiness; by continually thinking of the phrase, Holy to God, written on the Tzitz, the Priest counteracts the effects of the ritual impurity and achieves atonement. 


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