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               (C) RashiYomi Incorporated, 2002
               Written by Dr Russell Jay Hendel

                     Volume 15 Number 10
          For the WORD QUALITY HTML VERSION click here
               -----------------------------------
               http://www.Rashiyomi.com/h15n10.htm

                     Produced Sep 9th,  2002

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

We have completed 1/3 of all Rashis. Occasional feedback
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Responses are requested but optional

(Simply type answers and either
hit REPLY or cut,paste & send back to RJHendel@Juno.com)

Whats new and hot in this issue?

*2 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.


*3 Hi. Instead of writing personally & individually
   to each of my friends, most of which are on Rashi
   is Simple, I am simply wishing you all a very....
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  Russell http://www.RashiYomi.com/
  -------------------------------------------------------------

*4 The single posting today is a peach of a Rashi
   We show how something far fetched is in reality simple
   We show a fundamental underlying fallacy which prevents
   Rashis from being considered simple

#*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2002, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#

VERSE: Dt34-01a

RASHIS COVERED: Dt34-01a Dt34-01b Dt34-01c Dt34-02a Dt34-02b
                Dt34-02c Dt34-02d Dt34-03a Dt34-03b

VERY BRIEF SUMMARY
------------------
In Dt34-01:03 God shows Moses all of Jewish history. 10 deft
phrases and all of Jewish history is painted in pastel/Sombre
hues.In fact the verse says God showed Moses the WHOLE land(We
translate Kaph-Lamed as WHOLE one of the 4 meanings of ALL).
- God showed Moses 4 types of leadership: Leadership that
(a) came from martyrdom (b) that came thru outside help
(c) that came with miracles (d) that came with statehood.
- God showed Moses the 4 exilic terror beasts
- God then showed Moses the fulfillment of the oath to the
Patriarchs to give the Jews Israel and a Messiah.

----------------------------------------------------------
TODAYS RASHI RULE:                           CLIMAX
TODAYS RASHI SUBRULE:                        CLIMAX
----------------------------------------------------------

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF RULE
-------------------------
This is a peach of Rashi which exquisitely illustrates the
Rashi principle of CLIMAX.  The principle of CLIMAX applies
when a verse repeats a theme 3 or more times. The CLIMAX
principle then suggests that
- there is a unifying principle or climax to these verses
- the repeated verse phrases BUILD UP to this climax

Like the sister Rashi goals of DICTIONARY MEANING,GRAMMAR
and CROSS REFERENCE, CLIMAX has INTRINSIC value as a Biblical
explanatory tool. CLIMAX in and of itself has the right to
twist the meaning of a phrase or word. Todays example
amply illustrates this.

STANDARD EXAMPLES FOR THIS RULE
--------------------------------
Dt34-01:03 uses the phrase THE LAST SEA. But the Bible
never elsewhere speaks about the LAST SEA.

We can try explaining this phrase thru other Rashi
methods such as DICTIONARY MEANING, GRAMMAR & CROSS
REFERENCES.

DICTIONARY MEANING does not reveal anything
since the word SEA and LAST are well known (But we
dont know what LAST SEA means).

Similarly GRAMMAR does not reveal anything peculiar.
We cannot infer meaning from GRAMMAR.

We can gain support from CROSS REFERENCES but these do
not prove any points. First note that the phrase LAST
SEA does not occur elsewhere in the Bible.

However several verses (Is02-02, Mic04-01, Dt04-30)
uses the word LAST to refer to the Messianic era.
Similarly Daniel07-02 uses the word SEA to refer to
the Messianic era.

But this does not PROVE anything. It is at best
anecdotal support. In other words it would be wrong
to EXPLAIN Rashi this way.

Why then does Rashi take the words THE LAST SEA
and twist them out of context and interpret them
as THE SEA OF THE LAST OF THE DAYS (The Messianic
Era). ANSWER: Because the climactic context requires
it.

Indeed the other 9 phrases in Dt34-01:03 CLEARLY refer
to the WHOLE OF JEWISH HISTORY--to its great leaders
like Samson, Gidon, Joshua, David--to the Messianic
Promises to the Patriarchs and to the rebuilding of
the temple.

AND it is precisely this context that demands and requires
that any remaining phrases fit into this historical theme

HENCE, and ONLY BECAUSE of this unifying theme, Rashi
interprets the LAST SEA as referring to the MESSIANIC
ERA (The SEA of the LAST OF DAYS).

Thus we see the principle of CLIMAX in its pristine
purity--the unifying theme of a collection of verses
requires that all its phrases be twisted (if necessary)
to fit this unifying theme. It is for this reason that I
have listed CLIMAX as an independent rule like the sister
rules of MEANING, GRAMMAR, and CROSS REFERENCE.

STANDARD REFERENCES FOR THIS RULE
---------------------------------
http://www.Rashiyomi.com/example9.htm

TODAYS LISTS
------------
We present 2 lists.
- 1st we present a list where each phrase in Dt34-01:03 is
linked to some OTHER VERSE, a CROSS REFERENCE, showing some
aspect of Jewish History connected with this phrase. For
example the verse says God showed Moses Dan--and in fact the
Great Judge Samson, came from Dan as is stated in Ju13-02
(See the Dan row below).

- Next we present a list showing the climactic nature
of Dt34-01:03. We show how the verses describe 4 types
of Jewish leadership followed by a description of the 4
exiles and the Messianic redemption.

*1 We have to be careful here about the logic

   The text of the verse, Dt34-02d speaks about
   -----------                   ------------------
   the END SEA               or  THE SEA OF THE END
   -----------                   ------------------

   Dan07-02 speaks about
   -------------------------------------------------------
   The 4 exilic terror beasts that come from the great SEA
   -------------------------------------------------------

   This refers to the 4 types of evil nations that plague
   the Jews throughout Jewish history

   On the other hand Is02-02, Michah04-01, Dt04-30 speak
   about the Messianic era as
   ----------------
   the END of days
   ----------------

   Putting it all together we see that THE SEA OF THE END
   could easily refer to the SEA DEALIING WITH THE END
   OF DAYS, the Messianic era.

   However this defense by OTHER VERSES is far fetched.
   A more solid defense is by the principle of CLIMAX
   which is presented in the next list

In this second list we show how the dozen or so phrases of
Dt34-01:02 paint the entire picture of Jewish history. In
particular we show how each of the tribes mentioned in
the verses DAN NAFTALI EPHRAIM etc refer to types of
leadership (whether those leaders that established states,
or those leaders that achieved victory thru miracles or
sacrifice or other leaders) Special attention is given
to the phrase LAST SEA which because of the climactic
context refers to the messianic era.

*1 See http://www.RashiYomi.com/all-18.htm
   One of the 5 meanings of ALL is the TOTALITY.
   Se we would translate Dt34-01 as WHOLE vs ALL
   -------------------------------------------------
   And God showed Moses THE WHOLE of Jewish History
   -------------------------------------------------

*2 We can now critically review Rashi interpretation of
   THE SEA OF THE END as THE MESSIANIC ERA

   - this interpretation is NOT based on WORD MEANINGS/NUANCES
   - this interpretation is NOT based on GRAMMAR
   - this interpretation is SUPPORTED by OTHER VERSES
     but not BASED on them
   - this interpretation IS based on the overall CLIMACTIC
     structure of the verses which speaks about the TOTALITY
     of Jewish history

   Since the ENTIRE verses speak about Jewish history it
   is therefore justified to interpret this phrase with
   a non-standard meaning so as to refer to Jewish history

   Note that an intrinsic assumption in our defense is that
   Dt34-01:03 should be interpreted POETICALLY instead
   of as PROSE.  (All CLIMAX verses are interpreted
   POETICALLY since in a few brief phrases they describe
   the totality of a situation).  Hence we are justified
   in using poetic license and stretching the meaning
   of phrases.

   I believe this to be the most cogent defense of Rashi
   as simple meaning

RASHI RULE USED: CLIMAX

#*#*#*# (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 #*#*#*#*#