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Surfing the Talmudic Seas
(C) RashiYomi Incorporated, 2002
Written by Dr Russell Jay Hendel
Volume 14 Number 5
For the WORD QUALITY HTML VERSION click here
-----------------------------------
http://www.Rashiyomi.com/h14n5.htm
Produced May 27th, 2002
WARNING: USE FIX WIDTH FONTS (eg COURIER (NEW) 10)
OVERVIEW OF HILIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE |
` Whats new and hot in this issue? |
ITEM | WHATS NEW & HOT IN THIS ISSUE |
WORKBOOK | We are embarking on a Rashi Workbook Project*1 |
NEW MEANINGS | We present 8 methods of POETIC MEANING |
| |
COMMENTS |
*1 Over the next year or so we will be writing modules for
the 2-4 dozen basic Rashi skill competencies needed for
learning Rashi. These modules will then be gathered into
a workbook which can be used at home or in schools In
the meantime each of these modules is usable in actual
schools or home-schooling situations.
|
Rashis covered in this issue |
|
VERSE | RULE | BRIEF DESCRIPTION |
======== | =============== | ======================================= |
Nu08-04c | WORD MEANINGS | THIGH refers to the BOTTOM of an object |
Ex25-31d | WORD MEANINGS | THIGH refers to the BOTTOM of an object |
Ex40-22a | WORD MEANINGS | THIGH refers to the BOTTOM of an object |
Ex40-22b | WORD MEANINGS | THIGH refers to the BOTTOM of an object |
Lv01-11a | WORD MEANINGS | THIGH refers to the BOTTOM of an object |
Nu08-04c | WORD MEANINGS | THIGH refers to the BOTTOM of an object |
Ex25-31f | WORD MEANINGS | THIGH refers to the BOTTOM of an object |
Ex25-31g | WORD MEANINGS | THIGH refers to the BOTTOM of an object |
Ex25-31h | WORD MEANINGS | THIGH refers to the BOTTOM of an object |
Lv13-03b | WORD MEANINGS | THIGH refers to the BOTTOM of an object |
Ex28-32a | WORD MEANINGS | THIGH refers to the BOTTOM of an object |
Ex28-33a | WORD MEANINGS | THIGH refers to the BOTTOM of an object |
Ex30-23a | WORD MEANINGS | THIGH refers to the BOTTOM of an object |
Ex25-37a | WORD MEANINGS | THIGH refers to the BOTTOM of an object |
Ex25-38a | WORD MEANINGS | THIGH refers to the BOTTOM of an object |
Ex25-38b | WORD MEANINGS | THIGH refers to the BOTTOM of an object |
Ex01-16b | WORD MEANINGS | THIGH refers to the BOTTOM of an object |
Ex28-32b | WORD MEANINGS | THIGH refers to the BOTTOM of an object |
Nu08-04d | GRAMMAR | ..FROM...TO indicates an entire class |
Nu08-04e | GRAMMAR | ..FROM...TO indicates an entire class |
Nu08-04f | GRAMMAR | ..FROM...TO indicates an entire class |
Nu08-04g | ALIGNMENT | ..Moses was shown the Menorah & Temple |
Ex25-40a | ALIGNMENT | ..Moses was shown the Menorah & Temple |
--------- | ---------------- | --------------------------------------- |
#*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2002, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#
VERSE: Nu08-04c
RASHIS COVERED: Nu08-04c Ex25-31d Ex40-22a Ex40-22b Lv01-11a
Nu08-04c Ex25-31f Ex25-31g Ex25-31h Lv13-03b
Ex28-32a Ex28-33a Ex30-23a Ex25-37a
Ex25-38a Ex25-38b Ex01-16b Ex28-32b
THIGH means BOTTOM |
VERY BRIEF SUMMARY
------------------
The Bible at Nu08-04c refers to the THIGH of the Candellabrah.
Rashi simply tells us that the word THIGH can refer to the
BOTTOM, SIDE or SUPPORT of the Menorah. Similarl Rashis on the
meaning of thigh occur at Ex25-31d, Ex40-22a, Ex40-22b,
Lv01-11a where the Bible describes the THIGH of the
Candellabrah, the THIGH of the Temple and the THIGH of the Altar.
Rashi here uses the principle that WORDS can acquire new meaning
by their FORM or FUNCTION. For example the UNITED NATIONS names
an organization by its PURPOSE while PENTAGON names it by SHAPE
------------------------------------------------------
TODAYS RASHI RULE: WORD MEANINGS
TODAYS RASHI SUBRULE: NEW MEANINGS
------------------------------------------------------
BRIED DESCRIPTION OF RULE and SUBRULE
-------------------------------------
One of Rashis 6 main goals was to function like a dictionary
and present the meanings of words. In presenting the meanings
of words, Rashi, very often had to EXTEND a given meaning to
a new meaning. There are rules and patterns governing such
extensions. We present below 8 methods for EXTENDING MEANING
The STANDARD EXAMPLES (from English, not from Rashi) show
some simple examples of EXTENDING MEANING
STANDARD EXAMPLE
----------------
Consider the English phrases UNITED NATIONS and PENTAGON.
They are both institutions.
-- The UNITED NATIONS names an institution based on its PURPOSE
-- The PENTAGON names an institution based on its SHAPE/FORM
So we see that SHAPE and FORM are two METHODS for extending
meaning.
THE LISTS
---------
We present below 3 lists
-- We list 8 methods by which meanings can be extended
Two of these methods (FUNCTION and FORM) are mentioned above
-- We present below a list of Rashis where words extend meaning
based on function, form etc
-- Finally we present a list of Rashis dealing with
the word THIGH
STANDARD REFERENCES FOR THIS RULE
---------------------------------
http://www.RashiYomi.com/Ex25-31a.htm
(Rashis with extended meaning)
http://www.RashiYomi.com/naming-8.htm
(8 methods for naming objects)
HOW TO USE THESE LISTS FOR SCHOOL PROJECTS
------------------------------------------
You can use the LIST below for school projects.
Here is how: If you are a teacher then you
can present the verses where Rashi extends meaning.
For example Rashi may state that THIGH refers to the SIDE/BOTTOM
You can then ask your students to
-- Find other examples where words name items by their FORM/SHAPE
You can then use these lists to enrich your understanding
of how language extends meaning.
TODAYS EXAMPLE
--------------
We now present the 3 lists mentioned above HEre we present
lists of words where THIGH is used. |
# | VERSE | TEXT OF VERSE | MEANING |
(1) | Ex25-31d | The THIGH of the Menorah | BOTTOM |
(2) | Ex40-22a | On the THIGH of the temple in the north | SIDE |
(3) | Ex40-22b | On the THIGH of the temple in the North | SIDE |
(4) | Lv01-11a | On the THIGH of the Altar | SIDE |
(5) | Nu08-04c | The THIGH of the Menorah | BOTTOM |
8 METHODS FOR EXTENDING MEANING |
Here is the second list |
# | METHOD USED | EXAMPLE |
(1) | The FUNCTION of the object | (eg United nations), |
(2) | The SUBSTANCE of the object | (eg the PLASTER), |
(3) | The CAUSE of the phenomena | (eg Sunset), |
(4) | How the act FEELS | (eg HARDship). |
(5) | The FORM of the object | (eg Pentagon) |
(6) | By EXAGGERATION | (eg SkyScraper) |
(7) | By a GOOD EXAMPLE | (eg HONEY means anything SWEET |
(8) | By ACTIVITY-FORM | (eg SURFing the web) |
RASHIS ON NEW MEANINGS |
Here is a list of Rashis on New meanings |
METHOD | VERSE | EXTENDED MEANING OF WORD IN CAPS |
FORM | Ex25-31d | The THIGH of the Menorah |
FORM | Ex40-22a | On the THIGH of the temple in the north |
FORM | Ex40-22b | On the THIGH of the temple in the North |
FORM | Lv01-11a | On the THIGH of the Altar |
FORM | Nu08-04c | The THIGH of the MENORAH |
FORM | Ex25-31f | A BUD is called an elongated cup |
FORM | Ex25-31g | The FRUIT ornament looks like a fruit |
FORM | Ex25-31h | The FLOWER ornament has the FORM of a FLOWER |
FORM | Lv13-03b | The color WHITE comes from CLOUD (Cloud white) |
FORM | Ex28-32a | The MOUTH-HEAD of a garment is its NECK |
FORM | Ex28-33a | POMEGRANATES means in the SHAPE of POMEGRANATES |
FUNCTION | Ex30-23a | HEAD perfumes means DISTINGUISHED perfumes |
FUNCTION | Ex25-37a | FLAME means WICK |
FUNCTION | Ex25-38a | The TAKERS refer to COAL prongs |
FUNCTION | Ex25-38b, | The CANDELLABRAH CLEANERS are |
SUBSTANCE | Ex01-16b | The STONES were a BIRTHSTOOL made of STONES |
SUBSTANCE | Ex28-32b | A DOUBLED garment means the HEM was folded over |
RASHI RULE USED: NEW MEANINGS
#*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2002, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#
VERSE: Nu08-04d
RASHIS COVERED: Nu08-04d Nu08-04e Nu08-04f
The FROM ...TO Style |
VERY BRIEF SUMMARY
------------------
One of Rashis 6 main tasks is to present the rules of Hebrew
Grammar. In Nu08-04d we have the phrase that the
CANDELABRAH FROM ITS THIGH TO ITS ORNAMENTS WAS SCULPTORED.
The Bible simply means that
ALL PARTS OF THE CANDELLABRAH WERE SCULPTORED
The Bible indicates the concepts of ALL PARTS by using the phrase
FROM ITS THIGH TO ITS ORNAMENTS. This FROM-TO style indicates all
extremes---the thigh was THICK while the ornaments were THIN &
nevertheless, everything, FROM thigh TO ornaments was sculptored.
------------------------------------------------------
TODAYS RASHI RULE: GRAMMAR
TODAYS RASHI SUBRULE: SPECIAL PHRASES
------------------------------------------------------
BRIED DESCRIPTION OF RULE and SUBRULE
-------------------------------------
One of Rashis 6 main goals was to present the rules of Hebrew
grammar. These rules can now conveniently be found in many
books.
STANDARD EXAMPLE
----------------
Rashi will very often explain the conjugation of a verb root
Such conjugations can now be found in many books.
STANDARD REFERENCES FOR THIS RULE
---------------------------------
http://www.RashiYomi.com/grammar.htm
HOW TO USE THESE LISTS FOR SCHOOL PROJECTS
------------------------------------------
Todays example asserts that a phrase FROM...TO includes a
full spectrum of cases. A useful exercise is to ask
students with the aid of a Konkordance or CD ROM to
find other examples where this rule applies.
TODAYS EXAMPLE
--------------
The list below shows several examples of the FROM..TO
style as well as why it indicates the whole spectrum.
Rashi himself gives another example (Ju15-05) which
we omit. |
VERSE | FROM...TO TEXT | WHY FULL SPECTRUM |
Job2-7 | FROM his feet TO his head | Whole body |
1S15-03 | destroy FROM man TO woman | Soldiers(MAN)&Civlians(WOMEN) |
Nu08-08 | FROM thigh TO Ornament | THICK(Thigh)& THIN(ornaments) |
Gn06-07 | destroy FROM man TO beast | SINNERS(Man)& OTHERS(animals) |
1S17-52 | FROM valley TO Ekron gate | MAIN CITIES &uninhabited valley |
RASHI RULE USED: GRAMMAR
#*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2002, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#
VERSE: Nu08-04g
RASHIS COVERED: Nu08-04g Ex25-40a
MOSES WAS SHOWN THE MENORAH |
VERY BRIEF SUMMARY
------------------
Rashi at Nu04-08g simply repeats an inference he learned in
Ex25-40a. Recall that Ex25 describes the construction of
the Temple. About a dozen Temple objects are described like
the table, Candellabrah etc. The description of 3 of these
objects end with the statement IT WAS MADE AS GOD SHOWED MOSES
However the wording of this statement changes:AS GOD SHOWED MOSES
vs AS GOD IS SHOWING MOSES. These slight differences in phrasing
suggest that God showed the construction of all Temple utensils
to Moses. However the more difficult ones God showed a 2nd time
(REFERENCE: http://www.RashiYomi.com/ex25-40a.htm)
----------------------------------------
TODAYS RASHI RULE: ALIGNMENT
TODAYS RASHI SUBRULE: FURTHER NUANCES
----------------------------------------
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF RULE
-------------------------
Many Rashis do NOT focus on an internal analysis of the verse.
There may be nothing bothering Rashi in THAT verse. The words
used may all be normal.
But when the given verse is compared with another verse--that
is, when the two verses are ALIGNED together-- we see blatant
differences.
The ALIGNED verses therefore suggest that these ALIGNED
DIFFERENCES were deliberately placed there to emphasize
certain nuances. The standard example will illustrtae this.
STANDARD EXAMPLE
----------------
Recall that the Moabite King BALAK was apprehensive about
Israel journeying throught its territory. It wanted Israel
banished. It hired a professional curse-man, Bilam who would
curse the Jews. Bilam however describes his job SLIGHTLY
differently. Here are the verses.
-----------------------------------------------
BALAK: Nu22-06 I will banish Jews FROM THE LAND
BILAM: Nu22-11 ...... banish Jews -------------
-----------------------------------------------
EXERCISE
--------
To fully appreciate Rashi perform the following 2 exercises
- What is the minor difference between the aligned verses?
- What NUANCE do YOU think this implies?
RASHIS SOLUTION
---------------
BALAK only wanted Jews away from his land; his goals were
political. By contrast, BILAM wanted them DESTROYED. Hence...
BALAK wanted Jews BANISHED FROM THE LAND. But Bilam wanted
them BANISHED PERIOD (That is destroyed).
STANDARD REFERENCES FOR THIS RULE
---------------------------------
http://www.Rashiyomi.com/align-58.htm
This summary may be a bit too terse. You can browse the
57 postings leading up to by going to
http://www.Rashiyomi.com/align-1.htm
http://www.Rashiyomi.com/align-2.htm etc.
Or you can visit the Rashi Yomi Calendar at
http://www.RashiYomi.com/calendar1.htm
This calendar presents a day by day listing of Rashis.
The ALIGNMENT series occurs between 7-28-01 and 10-10-01.
HOW TO USE THESE LISTS FOR SCHOOL PROJECTS
------------------------------------------
You can use the LISTS referenced above for
school projects. Here is how. If you are a
teacher then you can present the two aligned
verses and ask the students to perform the
following exercises
-- What are the minor differences between the verses
-- What nuances do they imply
The students can then compare their analysis with that
of Rashis. This leads to greater appreciation of Rashi.
TODAYS LIST
-----------
We present below the 3 verses that mention that the Temple
utensils were constructed AS GOD SHOWED MOSES. |
VERSE | PHRASE1 | PHRASE2 | PHRASE3 |
Ex25-40 | See & Make | the menorah in its form | AS IS SHOWN TO YOU |
Ex26-30 | ERECT | the Mishkan by BLUEPRINT | AS HE SHOWED YOU |
Ex27-8 | Make | the altar | AS HE SHOWED YOU |
| *1 | *1 | *2 |
| | | |
COMMENTS |
*1 The erection of the Mishkan by blueprint took place AFTER
production of the utensils. We learn this from the
explicit statement in an OTHER VERSE (cf Ex40-01:16)
*2 The form of the other temple utensils were ALREADY SHOWN
But the form of the Candellabrah WAS BEING SHOWN to Moses
(Moses had difficulty understanding the form and God had
to prophetically instruct him in it in more detail)
|
RASHI RULE USED: ALIGNMENT
#*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2002, 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 #*#*#*#*#