Rashi-Is-Simple Mailing List VISIT the RASHI DATABASE archives AT http://www.RashiYomi.com/ Surfing the Talmudic Seas (C) RashiYomi Incorporated, 2004 Written by Dr Russell Jay Hendel Volume 23 Number 6 For the WORD QUALITY HTML VERSION click here ----------------------------------- http://www.Rashiyomi.com/h23n6.htm ----------------------------------- Produced Sep-2nd, 2004 WARNING: USE FIXED WIDTH FONTS (eg COURIER (NEW) 10) |
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | ||
Whats new and hot in this issue? | ||
ITEM | WHATS NEW & HOT IN THIS ISSUE | |
COMING SOON | The FAQ will be posted on website soon |
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | |||
Lighting summary of Rashis with emphasis on Rashi rules*10 | |||
# | LIST | BRIEF SUMMARY OF RASHI EMPHASIZING USE OF RASHI RULES | |
7 | 802g | The Biblical root XSL refers to STRONG FIELD DEVASTATION | |
7 | 803h | The Biblical root MAR refers to DESTRUCTION | |
7 | 854z | DUST earth = PARCHED land; ASTONISHED heart = APATHY | |
7 | 871d | EPHY BE A BLESSING/CURSE=MAY YOU BE BLESSED/CURSED LIKE EFFY | |
7 | 871i | EPHY BE A BLESSING/CURSE=MAY YOU BE BLESSED/CURSED LIKE EFFY | |
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*10 The explanation of the list should be clear - The first column gives the NUMBER of the RASHI RULE used All Rashi rules may be found with examples at http://wwww.Rashiyomi.com/workbook.htm - The second column gives the LIST ID (eg LIST210z) which contains many examples of a particular Rashi technique and includes the example presented in the third column - The third column gives a lightning summary of the Rashi with particular emphasis on the Rashi rule used. |
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | |||
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VERSE | RULE | BRIEF DESCRIPTION | |
======== | =============== | ===================================== | |
Dt28-38a | WORD MEANINGS | DUST land=PARcHED;ASTONISHED=apathy | |
Dt28-20a | WORD MEANINGS | DUST land=PARcHED;ASTONISHED=apathy | |
Lv13-51a | WORD MEANINGS | DUST land=PARcHED;ASTONISHED=apathy | |
Dt28-25a | NEW MEANINGS | BE A BLESSING/CURSE=BE LIKE SO & SO | |
Dt28-37a | NEW MEANINGS | BE A BLESSING/CURSE=BE LIKE SO & SO | |
Dt27-38b | NEW MEANINGS | BE A BLESSING/CURSE=BE LIKE SO & SO | |
Dt27-38c | NEW MEANINGS | BE A BLESSING/CURSE=BE LIKE SO & SO | |
Gn12-03a | NEW MEANINGS | BE A BLESSING/CURSE=BE LIKE SO & SO | |
Gn48-20a | NEW MEANINGS | BE A BLESSING/CURSE=BE LIKE SO & SO | |
Gn26-04a | NEW MEANINGS | BE A BLESSING/CURSE=BE LIKE SO & SO | |
Dt28-24a | NEW MEANINGS | BE A BLESSING/CURSE=BE LIKE SO & SO | |
Dt28-28a | NEW MEANINGS | BE A BLESSING/CURSE=BE LIKE SO & SO | |
--------- | ---------------- | ------------------------------------- |
*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2004, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#
VERSE: Dt28-38a
RASHIS COVERED: Dt28-38a Dt28-20a Lv13-51a
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | ||
SUCCINCT SUMMARY ---------------- One of Rashis main goals is to explain word meaning the same way a dictionary explains meaning. The Rashi explanation of word meanings can be greatly appreciated by examining half a dozen Biblical verses where this word occurs. Frequently the Rashi translation can be inferred from examining these verses. EXAMPLE XSL - Dt28-38a ---------------------- The verses in the list below clearly show that XSL refers to a type of creature that devastates fields EXAMPLE MAR - Dt28-20a Lv13-51a ------------------------------- The verses in the list below clearly show that RAH refers to something DESTRUCTIVE (Rashi translates it as something DIMINISHING which has a similar connotation) | ||
ITEM | DETAIL | |
RASHI RULE CLASS: | WORD MEANINGS | |
RASHI SUBRULE CLASS | WORD MEANINGS | |
RASHI WORKBOOK PRINCIPLE | #7 | |
SEE BELOW | LIST802g | |
List of verses where | XSL refers to FIELD DEVASTATION | |
----------------------- | -------------------- | |
SEE BELOW | LIST802h | |
List of verses where | MAR refers to DESTRUCTIVE DISEASES | |
SEE BELOW | LIST |
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | ||
List of verses where XSL refers to FIELD DEVASTATION | ||
VERSE | TRANSLATION OF VERSES; XSL seems to mean DEVASTATION | |
Yo01-04 | Anything left over in the field is eaten by the XSL*1 | |
Dt28-38a | You will sow little from your big yield due to XSL*1 | |
Is33-04 | Your possessions shall be taken like the XSL takes*1 | |
------- | ------------------------------------- | |
P078-46 | You gave their field produce to the XSL | |
2C06-28 | When locusts or XSL come...they will pray here | |
1K08-37 | When locusts or XSL destroy...Jews will pray here | |
Yo02-25 | I-ll pay you back for the destruction of XSL-locust | |
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*1 The first 3 verses in this list seem to emphasize that the XSL are a type of locust known especially for their totally destructive nature |
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | ||
List of verses where MAR refers to DESTRUCTIVE DISEASES | ||
VERSE | TRANSLATION OF VERSE WITH meaning of MAR capped | |
Ma02-02 | I will send DESTRUCTION;I will curse your BLESSINGS*1 | |
Lv13-51a | It is a DESTRUCTIVE affliction in the garment | |
Lv13-52 | It is a DESTRUCTIVE affliction in the garment | |
Lv14-44 | It is a DESTRUCTIVE affliction in the house | |
Dt28-20a | If you disobey I will send DESTRUCTION,CONFUSION,... | |
Ez28-24 | Tzidon will no longer be a DESTRUCTIVE thorn | |
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*1 All the verses in this list clearly have a connotation of destruction. However this verse -- identifies MAR with CURSES ON BLESSINGS -- hilights the pun of the three roots MAR-ARH-ARR Since ARH and ARR mean destroy this lends credence to the translation of MAR as DESTRUCTION (an equally good translation would be A REAL CURSE) |
*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2004, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#
VERSE: Dt28-25a
RASHIS COVERED: Dt28-25a Dt28-37a Dt27-38b Dt27-38c Gn12-03a
Gn48-20a Gn26-04a Dt28-24a Dt28-28a
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | ||
SUCCINCT SUMMARY ---------------- One of Rashis 5 main goals is to explain meaning the same way a dictionary explains meaning. Rashi had a variety of vehicles to explain meaning. Rashi frequently explained the new idiomatic meanings of phrases of words. Rashi also frequently explained meaning by metonomy--that is naming items by related properties---for example naming EGYPTIANS by their PLACE of residence, EGYPT. EXAMPLE: NAMING BY METONOMY (RELATED MEANING) Dt28-24a Dt28-28a --------------------------------------------- - DUST earth = PARCHED earth Because when the earth is parched the land looses its cohesion and dust storms arise - ASTONISHED heart = APATHY A STARTLED or ASTONISHED person frequently freezes and temporarily looses his/her capacity to interact with the environment. Hence an ASTONISHED HEART refers to a person whose emotional state is such that he/she cant interact with the environment--that is, it refers to an apathetic person. EXAMPLE: BE A SHOCK, BE A BLESSING, BE AN EXAMPLE (Dt28-25a Dt28-37a Dt27-38a Dt27-38b Dt27-38c Gn12-03a Gn48-20a) ------------------------------------------------- - to eg tell EPHY, BE A BLESSING, means that people eg will say MAY YOU BE BLESSED LIKE EPHY(Gn48-20) - to eg tell EPHY, BE AN EXAMPLE, means that people eg will say MAY YOU BECOME LIKE EPHY - to eg tell EPHY, BE A SHOCK, means that people e.g. will say MAY YOU BE SHOCKED LIKE EPHY | ||
ITEM | DETAIL | |
RASHI RULE CLASS: | WORD MEANINGS | |
RASHI SUBRULE CLASS | 8 METHODS OF NAMING | |
RASHI WORKBOOK PRINCIPLE | #7 | |
SEE BELOW | LIST871d | |
List of idioms using | metonomy(BE A BLESSING=BE LIKE SO&SO | |
----------------------- | ----------------------------------- | |
SEE BELOW | LIST871i | |
List of verses with | BE A BLESSING/CURSE=BE LIKE SO & SO | |
----------------------- | ----------------------------------- | |
RASHI SUBRULE CLASS | NEW MEANINGS | |
SEE BELOW | LIST854z | |
List of 2-3 word | Biblical idioms(DUST land=PARCHED lan |
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | ||||
A List of Biblical idioms..eg FROM DAYS DAYS=YEARLY LIST854z continues LIST854d | ||||
VERSE | BIBLICAL PHRASE | TRANSLATION | NOTES | |
Dt28-24a | DUST earth | PARCHED land | ||
Dt28-28a | ASTONISHED HEART | APATHY | *14 | |
Dt25-14b | STONE-STONE:Big-Small | Dbl standard weights | *13 | |
Dt14-19a | BIRD INSECT | flys | ||
Dt23-02b | CUT POURER | castrated | ||
Lv01-15c | BLOOD BE SQUEEZED | Squash animal on wall | *7 | |
Ex30-27f | BY ITSELF BY ITSELF | Equally for each one | ||
Ex30-04a | SIDE OF SIDES | Corner | *6 | |
Ex14-05b | CHANGE OF HEART | Changed his mind | ||
Gn43-29a | FIND GRACE | Wish(ed) you well | *5 | |
Gn24-57a | ASK HER MOUTH | Discuss/get opinions | *4 | |
Ex12-06d | BETWEEN THE EVES | NOON | *3 | |
Gn37-03a | SON OF OLD AGE | Youngest | *1 | |
Gn37-26b | COVER BLOOD | Conceal murder | *2 | |
Ex21-21a | DAY OR DAYS | 24 hours | ||
Lv13-39a | DULL WHITE | DULL WHITE | ||
Lv16-08a | PLACE A LOT | Have a lottery | *9 | |
Lv13-20a | SHALLOW APPEARANCE | DEEP wound | *8 *11 | |
Lv13-03b | DEEP APPEARANCE | DEEP wound | *8 *11 | |
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*1 Rashi points out 3 equally possible meanings - Youngest son (Son born while father was ELDERLY) - Wisest son (ELDER=WISDOM) - Son who resembles father (despite old age he still looks like son) *2 This is an example of a DOUBLE METONOMY Blood is ASSOCIATED with life and COVER is associated with denial. Hence COVER-BLOOD=conceal-murder *3 NOON is the midpoint between EVE and DAWN. Hence NOON is the BETWEEN THE EVES. *4 The context is the proposed marriage of 15 year old Rivkah to Isaac from another country. The offer had been made by the servant of Abraham to Rivkahs family The Biblical text states: Let us(her parents) ASK HER MOUTH This is the ONLY time in the Bible that this phrase occurs(The verb ASK occurs frequently). Apparently this phrase means - Lets DISCUSS or LETS GET AN OPINION*10 Such an interpretation is appropriate for a marriage decision *5 FIND-GRACE can equally mean I WISH YOU WELL or YOU WERE WISHED WELL. Rashi points out that GRACE by itself has this same connotation (Without the full phrase FIND GRACE). See LIST854g for further details *6 Tzade-Lamed-Ayin means SIDE (and hence can refer to the RIBS). Thus Ex30-04 speaks about the SIDE OF SIDES--that is the CORNER. *7 Actually the idiom consists of two parts - SQUEEZE the blood - use of the passive (Blood is SQUEEZED) Hence the idea that the slaughtered animal is pushed against the altar wall until the blood oozes forth. *8 In other words the WHITE PATCHES on the skin appear to be a DEEP WOUND (rather than a superficial skin discoloring) *11 *9 The Bible uses a variety of phrases to indicate lotteries such as - SHOOT A LOT Jo18-06 - THROW A LOT Jo18-08 - RAISE A LOT Jo18-11 - PLACE A LOT Lv16-08 - CAST A LOT Is34-17 *12 | ||||
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*10 Hence the Rashi on Gn24-57b: The Biblical text states that Rivkah responded: I WILL GO. But Rashi, surprisingly states: I WILL GO WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT. Why did Rashi read such an emphasis into the simple question and answer ------------------------------------------ PARENTS: Rivkah, Will you go with this man RIVKAH: I will go. ------------------------------------------ The answer is that the Bible says ------------------------------------------ PARENTS: We will DISCUSS THE MATTER with her; get her opinion PARENTS: Rivkah, Will you go with this man RIVKAH: I will go. ------------------------------------------ Thus the context shows that Rivkah was not INTERESTED IN A DISCUSSION--she had already made up her mind *11 Rashi appears to say the following --------------------------------------- ALL WHITE appears deep; like the SUNLIT part appears deeper than the SHADE --------------------------------------- But the sunlit part does NOT appear deeper than shade. Hence we interpret this Rashi as follows -------------------------------------------- [The skin whiteness is not speckled but] ALL WHITE; [it appears] deep like a BURN appears deeper than just on SURFACE OF SKIN --------------------------------------------- By comparing the capped words in these two interpretations of Rashi we infer that we interpret - ChaMMaH as meaning BURN vs SUNLIT - SHADE as referring to non-burnt skin (vs shade) We also interpret -- [The skin is] ALL WHITE (not speckled); It appears... vs -- ALL WHITE APPEARS DEEP (This is a change in punctuation) *12 Superficially these phrases seem to be the same However Rashi on Lv16-08 states that PLACE A LOT means CASTING A LOT and PLACING the WINNING/LOSING TICKETS on the winners/losers. *13 Rashis literal langauge is ------------------------------------ Dont have BIG-SMALL stones with one contradicting the other ------------------------------------ I however have translated the Biblical text as meaning ----------------------------------------------- Dont have DOUBLE STANDARD STONES--big small; (and you use them depending on the customer) ----------------------------------------------- I believe these two translations are the same-- - Rashi emphasized the "MECHANICS" of the act - I emphasized the NEW MEANING aspect of the Biblical words You need both aspects to fully understand Rashi *14 An ASTONISHED or STARTLED person temporarily loses their capacity to respond to the environment (The STARTLE reflex). Hence an ASTONISHED HEART refers to an EMOTION (=heart) where one cant respond-- namely APATHY |
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | |||
List of idioms using Metonomy (eg Egypt=Egyptians) | |||
VERSE | TEXT OF VERSE | METONOMY(ITEM means RELATED ITEM) | |
Gn48-20a | Be a BLESSING | people say MAY YOU BE BLESSED LIKE ABE*12 | |
Gn12-03a | Be a BLESSING | people say MAY YOU BE BLESSED LIKE ABE*12 | |
Gn26-04a | Be a BLESSING | people say MAY YOU BE BLESSED LIKE ABE*12 | |
------- | ---------- | ------------------------------------ | |
Dt27-38b | be an EXAMPLE | people say YOU ARE CURSED LIKE SO & SO*12 | |
Dt27-38c | be an ADAGE | people say YOU ARE CURSED LIKE SO & SO*12 | |
Dt28-25a | Be for SHOCKS | people say YOU ARE CURSED LIKE SO & SO*12 | |
Dt28-37a | be for DSOLAT | people say YOU ARE CURSED LIKE SO & SO*12 | |
Dt27-38b | be an EXAMPLE | people say YOU ARE CURSED LIKE SO & SO*12 | |
Dt27-38c | be an ADAGE | people say YOU ARE CURSED LIKE SO & SO*12 | |
------- | ---------- | ------------------------------------ | |
Dt24-21a | Tree BEAUTY | Tree TOP(Most beautiful PART of tree) | |
Nu14-09a | Our BREAD | Our BREAD=Piece of CAKE(easy to comsume) | |
Nu01-51a | LOWER Temple | TAKE IT DOWN (analogy;RAISE it=BUILD it) | |
Nu01-16a | The INVITED | The DISTINGUISHED(you always invite them | |
Gn25-22e | Seek GOD | Seek PROPHETIC ADVICE of God*8 *10 | |
Ex18-15b | Seek GOD | Seek PROPHETIC ADVICE of God*8 *10 | |
Ex18-09a | He SHARPED*11 | Mirth at SHARP word or TWINGED from pain | |
Ex14-24a | MORNING WATCH | Guard Duty at DAWN*7 | |
Ex14-25c | EGYPT-the land | Egyptians-the people*6 | |
Gn49-09c | ABOVE plunder | REMOVED from plundering (Above it)*5 | |
Gn49-05b | VIOLENT TOOLS | Criminal behavior*4 | |
Gn45-18b | FAT of land | BEST of land | |
Gn45-08a | FATHER to Phrh | FRIEND/ADVISOR to Pharoh | |
Gn43-34a | He gave LIFTS | LIFTED THEIR SPIRIT-i.e. gifts | |
Gn41-35b | HAND of Pharoh | DOMAIN of Pharoh*2 | |
Gn24-18a | pitchr on HAND | she lowered pitcher on her ARM | |
Gn37-26b | COVER blood | CONCEAL murder | |
Gn37-26b | cover BLOOD | conceal MURDER | |
Ex30-13c | HOLY coins | Coins used in HOLY TEMPLE matters | |
Dt18-01c | FIRES of God | SACRIFICES offered on temple Fire | |
Dt29-19a | SMOKING anger | Anger that makes person HOT | |
Gn13-02a | Abraham HEAVY | Abraham-s assets NUMEROUS | |
Gn13-02a | ABRAHAM heavy | ABRAHAM-S ASSETS numerous | |
Lv26-10b | *9 | Sign of PLENTY(have to remove old for nu | |
Lv26-04a | *9 | Sign of PLENTY-threshing seasn in HARVST | |
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*1 Many examples in this list come from previous list in the metonomy series (LIST871a, LIST871b, LIST871c) *2 See LIST871e for 6 Rashis mentioning this HAND=DOMAIN theme *3 See LIST871f for verses where NSA means GIFT *4 Rashi citing the Midrash Rabbah states ------------------------------------- Your violence is something you VIOLATED from Esauv (You are killing like Esauv) ------------------------------------- But I see no reason to see this Midrash as the PRIMARY simple meaning of the verse. The PRIMARY meaning of the verse is that Shimon and Levi were criminals The Midrash is simply adding a pun to this observation. *5 See LIST871g for some examples *6 This is a common metonomy that occurs in English (eg America-Americans etc). Rashi is cute here: He EXPLAINS the metonomy ---------------------------------------------- When the soldiers die at sea their loved ones back in Egypt also suffer and in effect are smitten by God ---------------------------------------------- Rashi does not contradict the metonomy--he simply shows why it is convenient to identify the LAND and PEOPLE. *7 The night was traditionally divided into three times of Guard duty. The GUARD DUTY near dawn was called the MORNING WATCH (Cf Ju07-19 for confirmation that there was a BEGINNING WATCH, MIDDLE WATCH and DAWN WATCH) *8 The phrases SEEK GOD, SEEK IN GOD, occur in several verses and denote SEEKING ADVICE OF GOD. Compare for example (1S09-09, 1K22-08 or even 2K01-03 (Seeking advice of idolatrous gods). For alternate meanings see note *10. *9 The exact verse text is -------------------------------------------------- You will have to remove the old grain for the new -------------------------------------------------- This means --------------------- You will have plenty --------------------- In other words removal of the OLD for the NEW is simply something RELATED to PLENTY. The main theme is plenty. Similarly the Biblical text ------------------------------------------------------ The threshing season will bump into the harvest season ------------------------------------------------------ means -------------------- you will have plenty -------------------- Again the fact that we are STILL threshing when the harvest comes is something RELATED to having plenty. The main point is that there is PLENTY. | |||
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*10 On Gn25-22e there is a delightful Ramban Rashi controversy Ramban points out that SEEK GOD can mean PRAYER. Rashi holds it means PROPHETIC ADVICE. I brought about a dozen verses which clearly show that - SEEK GOD can and does refer to PRAYER - SEEK GOD can and does refer to PROPHETIC ADVICE - SEEK GOD can and does refer to BOTH Prayer/Prophecy Hence I regard Ramban not as disagreeing with Rashi but rather as complementing him. For further details see http://www.Rashiyomi.com/gn25-22d.htm *11 Clearly the Hebrew YeeChad comes from the root CHAD which means SHARP. Rashi brings two opinions - It means HE SHARPED (Mirthed at a SHARP WORD) - It means HE TWINGED (Upset at PAINFUL news) But Radack brings STRONG support that CHAD means mirth. Indeed, in other verses, CHAD does mean MIRTH (As in eg Neh08-10 or P021-07). This controversy between Rashi and Radack can be resolved Grammatically. The grammatical form of VaYeeChad (Chirik, Patach) could come from either - INTENSE MODE of 1-2-Hey roots(Cheth-Daleth-Hey) or - PASSIVE MODE of 1-2-2 roots(Cheth-Daleth-Daleth) In the intense mode CHAD means MIRTH(Radack) But in the PASSIVE MODE it would correspond to RECEIVING (PASSIVE!) a SHARP twinge at hearing bad news. Hence the controversy is on the root and mode of the word. This explanation makes both viewpoints respectable since Rashi would concede that CHEDVAH which definitely comes from Cheth-Daleth-Hey means MIRTH; Rashi could still maintain that Yee-Chad means TWINGED since it comes from a different root Rashi also points out that the translation TWINGED would show that despite Jethros happiness he still felt sorry for the Egyptians thus showing the conflict between his past(non-jew) and future (friend of Jews) *12 See LIST871i for a collection of examples where the metonomic idiom BE A BLESSING/CURSE is used Note that the verses ----------------------- Dt27-28b BE AN EXAMPLE ----------------------- ------------------------------------------------------ Gn48-20a MAY JEWS BLESS THRU YOU SAYING MAY GOD MAKE YOU LIKE EPHRAIM AND MENASHEH ------------------------------------------------------ explicitly confirm the idiomatic usage suggested |
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | |
List of idioms using Metonomy (eg Egypt=Egyptians)*1 | |
Gn48-20a Be a BLESSING people say MAY YOU BE BLESSED LIKE ABE | |
Gn26-04a Be a BLESSING people say MAY YOU BE BLESSED LIKE ABE | |
------- ---------- ------------------------------------ | |
Dt27-38b be an EXAMPLE people say YOU ARE CURSED LIKE SO & SO | |
Dt27-38c be an ADAGE people say YOU ARE CURSED LIKE SO & SO | |
Dt28-25a Be for SHOCKS people say YOU ARE CURSED LIKE SO & SO | |
Dt28-37a be for DSOLAT people say YOU ARE CURSED LIKE SO & SO | |
Dt27-38b be an EXAMPLE people say YOU ARE CURSED LIKE SO & SO | |
Dt27-38c be an ADAGE people say YOU ARE CURSED LIKE SO & SO | |
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*1 This list is reproduced from LIST871d Note that the verses ----------------------- Dt27-28b BE AN EXAMPLE ----------------------- ------------------------------------------------------ Gn48-20a MAY JEWS BLESS THRU YOU SAYING MAY GOD MAKE YOU LIKE EPHRAIM AND MENASHEH ------------------------------------------------------ explicitly confirm the idiomatic usage suggested |
*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2004, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#