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                  Surfing the Talmudic Seas

               (C) RashiYomi Incorporated, 2001
               Written by Dr Russell Jay Hendel

                     Volume 12 Number 3
                 Produced November 13th, 2001

       WARNING: USE FIX WIDTH FONTS (eg COURIER (NEW) 10)

`          Whats new and hot in this issue?

*1 The results of last weeks experiment were negative. People
   seem to prefer the text version. I will try one more
   experiment later (and ask if any people want HTML)

#*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc. 2001, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#

VERSE: Gn26-12a

RASHIS COVERED: Gn26-12a Gn26-12b Gn26-12c Ex03-11a Ex03-11b
                Ex18-01d Ex18-01e Ex18-10b Ex18-10c Nu04-16a
                Nu04-16b Nu04-16c

BACKGROUND
----------
We have just completed a short but compact essay on
the 6 classes of Rashi rules. One class of Rashi rules
studies the method by which the Bible mimics modern
typing devices such as bold, footnotes, bullets etc.
The Bible will create a bullet effect by repeating
keywords.

REFERENCE:
---------
We warmly recommend reading and/or downloading this
essay. Visit http://www.RashiYomi.Com/rules-01.htm.
A free download in rtf format is also available.

THE TEXT
--------
Gn26-12 states
And Isaac sowed
-- in THAT land
-- in THAT year
and produced a 100-fold over what he normally produces

THE RASHI
---------
Rashi suggests that the repeating CAPPED KEYWORD, THAT,
creates a bullet effect. The bullets emphasize BOTH the
YEAR and LAND. e.g. It was a bad year (perhaps a famine)
and it was an inferior land for production.

THE LIST
--------
The LIST below presents several verses which use the
BULLET rule. The list contains the keyword that was repeated.
It also contains the point of each bullet (BULLET #1, #2).
Finally the longer footnotes display the text in BULLET format
and comment on what I would have inferred if there were no
bullets*10

*10 Note that the traditional Rashi-ists derive meaning from
    extra words. If there are repeated words then we have a
    right to make inferences. Our approach is more modest. We
    believe that the repeated keywords create a bullet effect.
    The Bullet effect in turn implies a distinct emphasis in
    each bullet. The remaining footnotes will clarify this.

*11 Ex03-11a
    And Moses said to God who am I
    - THAT I should go to Pharoh (a tough King)
    - THAT I should redeem the Jews(who arent ready for freedom)

    Without the bullets I would think the verse is saying the
    same theme twice(A common poetic technique). It is the
    bullets that create an atmosphere of distinctness.

*12 Ex18-01
    And Jethro heard all that God did
    - TO Moses (the miracles of the manna and well)
    - TO the Jews (the miracles of the exodus)

    Without the bullets I would think that Jethro was impressed
    by the exodus. The bullets however create an atmosphere of
    distinctness. The exodus was a miracle for the Jewish people
    The other miracles were responses by God to personal attacks
    on Moses. The people complained against Moses (not God) when
    they lacked food and water (See the explicit verses Ex15-24
    and Ex16-02). Thus the Manna and well were miracles FOR Moses

*13 Ex18-10
    And Jethro said Blessed be God that saved the Jews
    - FROM the HAND of Egypt(A tough nation)
    - FROM the HAND of Pharoh(a tough king)

    Without the bullets I would think the verse is repeated the
    same theme twice. The bullets create an emphasis of
    distinctness.

*14 Gn26-12 states
    And Isaac sowed
    -- in THAT land (an inferior land for production)
    -- in THAT year (a bad year--eg a famine year)
    and produced a 100-fold over what he normally produces

*15 Nu04-16
    - The APPOINTMENT of Elazar was
      the candellabrah oil, incense, Minchah, and annointing oil
    - An APPOINTMENT of
      the whole Mishkan, all in it: The Holies & their utensils

    The bullets create a sense of distinctness.Elazar had 2 jobs:
    - He overseed daily offerings (candellabrah, Minchah etc)
    - He overseed the Kahatites in transportation (Theyre job was
      to transport the Holies and utensils: See the explicit
      statement in Nu03-27:32)

RASHI RULE USED: OVERALL STRUCTURE

#*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2001, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#

VERSE: Gn19-08a

RASHIS COVERED: Gn19-08a Gn26-03a

BACKGROUND
----------
The Hebrew word for THESE is HaAYLEH; Hey-Aleph-Lamed-Hey

THE TEXT
--------
8 Biblical verses use the shortened form HaAYL;Hey-ALeph-Lmd

THE RASHI
---------
Rashi explains that HAYL has the same meaning of HAYLEH

INSIGHTS
--------
Rashi only comments on 2 of the 8 verses. This gives insight into
his pedagogical methods.*10 Rashi does NOT suggest differences
in nuances between AYL and AYLEH. He thus misses some cute
midrashim brought by the Rambam. Thus these Rashis belong in our
Golden Rambam Rashi series.*11

THE LIST
--------
We present the 6 Biblical verses with HAAYL.

*10 Of the 8 verses with HaAYL, 4 of them occur in pairs of
    verses in the same chapter. So eg Rashi commented on Gn26-03a
    and thereby covered Gn26-04. Similarly Rashi commented on
    Gn19-08a and thereby commented on Gn19-25.

*11 This is part of the Golden Rashi Rambam series.
    A beautiful but obscure Rambam occurs at the end of Chapter
    7, Last Paragraph, of the Laws of Theft. Rambam contrasts
    Lv18-27 vs Dt25-16. Both verses state the same thing:
    ----------------------------------------------------
    For whoever does THESE sins ...will be punished
    ----------------------------------------------------
    -Lv18 speaks about SEXUAL SINS and uses the short HaAYL form
    -Dt25 speaks about MONETARY SINS & uses the long HaAYLH form
    Rambam points out that MONETARY sins are against more people
    (Sexual sins usually involve only a few people). Since there
    are more people invovled in monetary sins it is harder to
    to repent (for one has to atone to each person). Hence
    the Talmudic conclusion that the MONETARY SINS OF FALSE
    WEIGHTS is MORE SEVERE than SEXUAL SINS corresponding to
    THE FACT THAT the shorter HaAYL form is used by Sexual sins.

    Thus according to Rambam the shorter form, HaAyl is less
    intense. But this is the typical type of comment Rashi
    makes. Thus we have here an example of Rambam behaving
    midrashically like Rashi.

RASHI RULE USED: SPECIAL WORDS

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VERSE: Gn25-27a

RASHIS COVERED: Gn25-27a Gn25-27b Gn25-27c Gn25-28a

BACKGROUND
----------
Gn25-27:28 describes the difference between Esauv and Jacob.

THE TEXT
--------
- Esauv was a HUNTING PERSON, a man of the field
- Jacob was a Simple person, a sitter of tents

COMMENTS
--------
Before discussing Rashi note that IT IS REASONABLE to interpret
the Biblical phrase HUNTING PERSON, A MAN OF THE FIELD as one
unit. Indeed this would appear to be the simple meaning. Any
other interpretation would appear to be homiletic.

THE RASHI
---------
But Rashi has a reason for using a rare meaning of HUNT: Rashi
interprets the phrase HUNTING PERSON as meaning CUNNING PERSON,
in other words, HUNTING WITH HIS MOUTH. An ALIGNMENT of the
verses clearly shows 2 parts for each person: A PERSONALITY
DESCRIPTION and an ENVIRONMENT DESCRIPTION. So Rashi-is-Simple:
HUNTING PERSON must refer to Esauvs personality since it occurs
in the PERSONALITY DESCRIPTION SECTION. We can then further
defend this usage with other verses.

THE LIST
--------
The list below shows the alignment of Gn25-27. There is a
description of each childs PERSONALITY and ENVIRONMENT. It is
this ALIGNMENT which drives the meaning of the words. The
footnotes provide further support for the rare usages from
other verses and the dictionary.

*1 We combine the phrases from Gn25-27 and Gn25-28.
   - Gn25-27 speaks about Esauv being a man of HUNTING
   - Gn25-28 says that Isaac like Esauv because
             HUNT IS IN HIS MOUTH
   So we combined the two phrases.*10 For further Biblical
   metaphors of the MOUTH TAKING & HUNTING see footnote *11

*10 Rashi boldly suggests that HUNT IN HIS MOUTH could mean
    that Esauvs HUNT was in ISAACS mouth (ie Esauv HUNTED
    for Isaac).

    Again: This is the simple meaning of the WORD. it is the
    most frequent dictionary meaning.

    But Rashis determination of meaning was governed by
    the ALIGNMENT. And the ALIGNMENT requires us to refer
    this phrase to Esauvs personality.

    Thus the simple meaning of this phrase IN CONTEXT refers
    to personality. See footnote #11 for further support
    of these usages from other verses.

*11 The Bible in several places uses metaphors of PHYSICAL
    TAKING with regard to the mouth. Here are some common
    metaphors
    ---------------------------------------------------------
    Prv01-05 PRECIOUS WORDS are called a TAKE
    Prv04-02 PRECIOUS WORDS are called a TAKE
    Prv09-09 PRECIOUS WORDS are called a TAKE
    Prv16-23 PRECIOUS WORDS are called a TAKE
    Prv07-21 A Cunning person is said to have a SMOOTH TONGUE
    Prv06-27 Hebrew speaks about HUNTING (SEDUCING) a soul
    Ez13-18  Hebrew speaks about HUNTING (SEDUCING) a soul
    ---------------------------------------------------------
    We conclude that a RARE usage of HUNT would be a metaphoric
    usage of agressive verbal tactics. Although this usage is
    RARE it it the ALIGNMENT that drives the meaning.

RASHI RULE USED: DOUBLE PARSHAS

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#*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2001, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#



          THE 6 RASHI RULE CLASSES(Version 3.2 Dec 15 2001)
                http://www.Rashiyomi.com/rules-01.htm
          Copyright Dec 2001, RashiYomi Inc. Dr Hendel President

========================================================
THE DICTIONARY RULE: Rashi can function as a dictionary.
                     He presents 2-6 meanings of words
         REFERENCE: http://www.RashiYomi.Com/words.htm
========================================================
* EXAMPLE 1: AL means ON. AL can also mean
      - WITH (Eat Passover WITH matzoh Ex12-09e)
      - IN   (Place the Matzoh IN the basket Ex29-03)
      - TO   (The boards shall be even from bottom TO top Ex26-24c)
      - NEAR (His borders will be NEAR Tzison Gn49-13b)
      - AFTER(Offer Peace offerings AFTER the daily Lv03-05a)

* EXAMPLE 2: KI means IF,PERHAPS,RATHER,BECAUSE,WHEN,THAT
   Gn18-15a Gn24-33a

* EXAMPLE 3: YDA means FAMILIAR, not KNOW (eg Dt34-10a)
	   eg Gn04-01 Adam was FAMILIAR with his wife

* EXAMPLE 4: ON THE FACE OF means DURING THE LIFETIME
            Nu03-04a Gn11-28a Ex20-03c Dt05-07a

===========================================================
THE GRAMMAR RULE: Rashi comments on RARE or SIMILAR usages
        REFERENCE:http://www.RashiYomi.Com/grammar.htm
===========================================================

* EXAMPLE 1: BA-ah means CAME;ba-AH means COMING(Gn46-26a)


* EXAMPLE 2:THE SENTENCE: 0.2% of Biblical sentences are 2verses
 -(Dt11-07:08) It was not your fathers who saw this;rather you

* EXAMPLE 3: Hitpael has different rules if 1st root letter is
   Tzade (USE: Ni-Tz-Ta-Dack not Ni-Th-Tza-Dack--Gn44-16a)

================================================================
THE CITATION RULE: Rashi enriches meaning by citing OTHER verses
         REFERENCE:http://www.RashiYomi.Com/other-20.htm
================================================================
* EXAMPLE 1: Dt26-05d We went down to Egypt with A FEW PEOPLE
	    ENRICHED by Gn46-27: We went down with 70 people

* EXAMPLE 2: Lv01-05a Non-priests may SLAUGHTER offerings
	    This law DERIVED from explicit statement in 2Chr30-17

* EXAMPLE 3:Why does Rashi say that Chur is Miriams son(Ex17-10b)
	    DERIVED from possible interpretation of 1-Chr18-19

* EXAMPLE 4: Gn35-22a Reuven Slept with Bilhah(Fathers concubine)
	    Gn49-04  Reuven PLAYED with fathers BEDS
        CONCLUSION: Reuven inteferred with fathers personal
	life(ruffled bedspreads); Bible condemns Reuven by
	exaggeration; he is accused of incest which he didnt do

=================================================================
THE 3 RABBI ISHMAEL RULES: They govern style(broad vs literal)
REFERENCE:http://www.RashiYomi.com/example1.htm thru example9.htm
=================================================================

* EXAMPLE 1: Simple sentences are always GENERALIZED
            ---------------------------------------
	    Dt25-04a Dont MUZZLE an OX while it is THRESHING
	    Rabbi Ishmael: Dont STOP any ANIMAL from eating
			   while DOING ITS WORK
					
* EXAMPLE 2: GENERAL-EXAMPLE style always interpreted LITERALLY
            --------------------------------------------------
 Nu05-12d (GENERAL) If a women DESECRATES her marriage
	   (EXAMPLE) and commits ADULTERY
	   Rabbi Ishmael: Nu05 only applies to ADULTERY.
	   It does not apply to other marriage DESECRATIONS
			
* EXAMPLE 3: GENERAL-EXAMPLE-GENERAL style intepreted SIMILARLY
            --------------------------------------------------
 Lv05-21b (GENERAL) If a man DENIES under oath
	  (EXAMPLE) ..denies a deposit,loan,theft,wages,lost item
	  (GENERAL) or ANY DENIAL which he denies
 RABBI ISHMAEL: These laws apply to any SIMILAR Example
 * The law applies to partnerships, movables and monetary objects
 * The law does not apply to real-estate or slander

=================================================================
THE CLIMAX RULE: The Bible should be interpreted in such a manner
                that it reflects CLIMACTIC development to a goal
             REFERENCE: http://www.RashiYomi.Com/example9.htm
=================================================================
 EXAMPLE 1: Dt19-11a If a man HATES, SPIES, CONFRONTS & KILLS
 RASHI: Bible identifies 4 stages to murder(Capped)

==============================================================
THE FORMATTING PRINCIPLE: Bible had its own method to mimic
                          bold, bullets, footnotes, paragraphs
==============================================================

* BOLD: Bible REPEATS words to obtain BOLD emphasis effect
          http://www.RashiYomi.Com/doubl-14.htm
  --------------------------------------------------------------
  EXAMPLE 1:(Ex12-09c) COOK COOK it in water (So COOKED is bold)
  INFERENCE: Prefered to COOK it in water;
         But COOK It at all costs(Even if you dont have water)

* BULLETS: Bible indicates bullets by REPEATING KEYWORDS
  --------------------------------------------------------
 Who am I
 - THAT I should go to Pharaoh
 - THAT I should take the Jews out of Egypt (Ex03-11a)
 --------------------------------------------------------
 RASHI: Repeated word THAT creates BULLET effect
 - Pharoh was a difficult king (Bullet one)
 - Jews were not yet ready for freedom (Bullet two)

* FOOTNOTES: The Bible indicates FOOTNOTES by ALMOST DUPLICATING
	     verses but making small minor changes
                http://www.RashiYomi.Com/align-58.htm
  ---------------------------------------------------------------
  EXAMPLE: Ex20-03a
  VERSE        PHRASE #1       PHRASE #2       PHRASE #3
  -------      ---------       ---------       ------------------
  Ex20-03      Dont            POSSESS  the gods of others
  Ex20-04      Dont            MAKE     idols

  RASHI: So both POSSESSion & MAKING of idols are prohibited
  ---------------------------------------------------------------

                           End of Rashi is Simple Digest

#*#*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi, 2001 Inc. Dr. Hendel President #*#*#*#*#