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VERSE: Gn49-22a

RASHIS COVERED: Gn49-22a Gn49-22b

=========================== Gn49-22a ============================

SUCCINCT SUMMARY
----------------
An advanced Rashi method is the use of symbolism to explain
Biblical chapters. The general guidelines for symbolic
interpretation are compactly presented in my essay GENESIS
ONE SPEAKS ABOUT THE CREATION OF PROPHECY NOT THE CREATION
OF THE WORLD which may be found at URL
http://www.Rashiyomi.com/gen-1.htm We call this the Rashi
method of SYMBOLISM / symbolism.

As pointed out in the above essay, Rav Hirsch emphasized
that one ca15ot whimsically apply symbolic methods. Rather
the Biblical text must demand or require the use of symbolism.

EXAMPLE Gn49-22
---------------------------------------------------------
The Biblical text at Gn49-22 states
----------------------------------------------------
- Joseph is a FRUITFULL SON/VINE
- A FRUITFULL VINE/SON reflected on a LAKE
----------------------------------------------------

This verse uses a technique of DOUBLE SYMBOLISM.
The verse can EQUALLY be interpreted to apply to
- the HUMAN/THOUGHT sphere
- the PLANT/PHYSICAL sphere
The same words refer simultaneously to both spheres
and echo simultaneously dual themes.

Rashi explains that
------------------------------------
Pay Resh Tauv (PORATH) comes from the
word Pay Resh Yud, FRUIT. It can therefore
mean FRUITFUL, PRODUCTIVE (Identification
with function)
------------------------------------

So on the one hand the verse can mean
-------------------------------------
Joseph has FRUITFUL ideas--his dream
interpretations are FRUITFUL
-------------------------------------

On the other hand the second verselet
of this verse states (as interpreted
by Rashi)
----------------------------------------
- A FRUITFUL vine reflected on a LAKE
----------------------------------------
Rashi reminds us that the Hebrew word
Ayin Yud Nun means a ROUND LAKE which
looks like an eye.

Here the emphasis is on FORM vs FUNCTION:
A well known symbol of romance is the
TREE ON THE LAKE since
- the TREE with its UPRIGHT position being
  a male symbol
- the LAKE with its circular form being
  a female symbol
- the WATER with its shimmering quality
  being a symbol of the emotions of love

Hence JOSEPH IS A TREE ON THE LAKE means
Joseph is good looking and virile--capable
of being very FRUITful.


Thus the verse has a dual symbolim for FRUIT
- by FUNCTION: Fruitful interpretation ideas
  for dreams

- by FORM: Virile and fruitful

The one verse simultaneously means both
- Gn39-06 refers to Joseph's good looks
- Gn41-39 refers to Joseph's FRUITFUL
  interpretation of dreams.

LIST975r summarizes this argument and presents other
details
====================================================================
ITEM                     DETAIL
======================== ===========================================
RASHI RULE CLASS:        SYMBOLISM
RASHI SUBRULE CLASS      SYMBOLISM
RASHI WORKBOOK PRINCIPLE #29
SEE BELOW                LIST975r
List of associations of  Gn49-22(FRUITful= GOOD ideas//GOOD Looking)
====================================================================

========================= LIST975r ================================
List of associations of Gn49-22(FRUITful= GOOD ideas//GOOD Looking)
===================================================================
Gn49-22a-by FUNCTION    Gn49-22b-Interpreting FRUIT by FORM
======================= ===========================================
Joseph                  Joseph is
has FRUITFUL ideas      like a VINE TREE(Male symbol)
of dream                reflected in a LAKE(Female symbol)*10
interpretation*1        [of water](emotions of love)*2

NOTES
-----
*1 The Bible emphasizes Joseph's interpretive capacity of
   dreams in Gn41-39

*2 The Bible emphasizes Joseph's good looks (Gn39-06)

----------------------- LONGER FOOTNOTES ---------------------------

*10 It is possible to interpret Rashi literally
    -------------------------------------------------
    Joseph is FRUITFUL on the EYES (Ayin Yud Nun) of the beholder
    -------------------------------------------------

    However Ayin-Yud-Nun can also mean FOUNTAIN, LAKE, SPRING.
    In context I think the interpretation
    ---------------------------------------------------
    Joseph is a FRUITFUL VINE on a LAKE
    ---------------------------------------------------
    is more consistent with themes.
====================================================================
---------------------------------------------------
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Volume 28 Number 15


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