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 24 Number 8 For the WORD QUALITY HTML VERSION click here ----------------------------------- http://www.Rashiyomi.com/h24n8.htm ----------------------------------- Produced Dec 14 th, 2004 |
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | |||
* USE FIXED WIDTH FONTS (eg COURIER (NEW) 10)*1 * * IF IN A RUSH--ONLY read the SUCCINCT SUMMARY SECTION * IF you have more time--READ THE LISTS OF EXAMPLES * IF YOU HAVE LOTS OF TIME--read all footnotes * * (UN)SUBSCRIBE/CONTACTS: RJHendel@Juno.com | |||
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Maybe 20-30 minutes | BIG FOOTNOTE SECTION | GREEN SECTION | |
Time to do research | SUMMARY OVERVIEWS*2 | Newsletter Bottom | |
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*1 FIXED WIDTH FONTS are needed for the TEXT version For the HTML version you do not need to reset the browser For html or PDF version visit http://www.Rashiyomi.com/ris.htm *2 Each digest has two summary overviews on bottom: - LIGHTNING SUMMARIES (List of lists in this issue) - OVERVIEW (List of Rashis covered in this issue) |
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VERSE: Gn32-03a
RASHIS COVERED: Gn32-03a Gn32-04a Gn47-24a Gn47-24b Gn47-24c
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | ||
SUCCINCT SUMMARY ---------------- Just as Rashi can make inferences from WORD MEANINGS and GRAMMAR so too he can make inferences from OVERALL PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE. We call this the Rashi rule of BULLET/PARAGRAPHS. Sometimes Rashi will simply make an inference from the overall structure of the paragraph. We call this the Rashi rule of PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE. This is identical to the Rabbi Ishmael rule of inference from context. What we have added to the Rabbi Ishmael rule is an explanation of HOW Rashi infers from context...he infers from context by studying PARAGRAPH UNITY. Another method of studying paragraph structure is to study the bulleted lists in a paragraph. The Bible implements bullet structure by repeating keywords. We call this the Rashi subrule of KEYWORDS AS BULLETS. Here too we see the Rabbi Ishmael rule of inference from context. We have added the idea that Rashi infers from context by studying parallel repeating keywords. The examples below clarify these general ideas. EXAMPLE Gn32-02:13 ------------------ Gn32-02:13 is one paragraph which describes how Jacob prepared for his meeting, after 20 years, with his brother Esauv who wanted to kill him. In this paragraph the Hebrew keywords - MALACH (which can mean MESSENGER or ANGEL) - CAMPS are repeated. Here is a summary text --------------------------------------------- Jacob went on his way Jacob met MALACHs of God (ANGELS) Jacob said ...this is a CAMP OF GOD Jacob called the place TWO-CAMPS Jacob then sent MALACHs to Esauv his brother Jacob sent a message of greeting to Esauv But the MALACHs returned to Jacob and told him that Esauv was on his way to meet Jacob Jacob was very frightened Jacob divided his camp into TWO CAMPS Jacob said if Esauv slays one camp then the other will remain Jacob then prayed to God - God you have been kind to me - I went over the river with only my staff - and now I have become TWO CAMPS - Save me from my brother - Please keep your promises of greatness --------------------------------------------- Rashi, on Gn32-03a states ---------------------------------------- TWO-CAMPS refers to the - Camp 1) camp of angels he had just met - Camp 2) the angels (and people) that were already with him during his journey ---------------------------------------- Notice how the word TWO-CAMPS is repeated three times in the paragraph. Clearly, the CONTEXT shows that TWO CAMPS refers to - Jacobs original camp - the Camp of angels that he met (Rashi assumes that when Rebecca sent Jacob to Esauv she sent angels to protect him...this is very reasonable--but Rashis main point is that the TWO-CAMPS refers to the ORIGINAL and NEW CAMP). LIST107c below summarizes the paragraph structure of Gn32-02:13. EXAMPLE: Gn47-24 ---------------- The Biblical text at Gn47-24 states ---------------------------------------- Joseph said: Since Pharoh owns your land I will tax you on produce 20% but let you keep 80% - FOR - field seed - FOR - your personal eating needs - FOR - eating needs of your household - FOR - eating needs of your children ---------------------------------------- Rashi notes the REPEATING KEYWORD, FOR. Rashi treats this REPEATING KEYWORD as a bullet. Each bullet refers to a distinct entity. Rashi states ----------------------------------------- - FOR FIELD SEED means for sowing ones field - FOR PERSONAL NEEDS means food for person and family - FOR HOUSEHOLD NEEDS means food for staff-servants and maids - FOR CHILDREN means food for infants. ----------------------------------------- Rashi, here, in his commentary does two things - he identifies the repeating KEYWORD as a bullet - he sees the 4 bullets as defining 4 broad categories: FIELD, FAMILY, STAFF, INFANTS Perhaps Rashi was using the principle of CLIMAX here. In times of need one must cut back. Rashi indicates how cutbacks are made when resources are scarce: - 1st priority is producing more food (FIELD SEED) - 2nd priority are the family adults - 3rd priority is your staff - 4th priority are little children (In times of need, the children consume but do not produce while the servants and maids consume and produce...such priority lists were witnessed in survivor stories from Nazi Germany) LIST109a below summarizes this bullet structure. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT --------------- The issue of MALACH meaning MESSENGER vs ANGEL was brought up by Jeffrey Zucker in Volume 46 Number 17 of the Email Group, mljewish located at http://mail-jewish.org/ I submitted a synopsis of parts of this posting to Mail Jewish. | ||
ITEM | DETAIL | |
RASHI RULE CLASS: | BULLET/PARAGRAPHS | |
RASHI SUBRULE CLASS | PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE | |
RASHI WORKBOOK PRINCIPLE | #26 | |
SEE BELOW | LIST107c | |
List of clauses in | Gn32-02:13: Jacobs 2 camps:Original & Angels | |
---------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | |
SEE BELOW | LIST109a | |
Lists of bullets in | Gn47-24b:a)field b)family c)staff d)infants |
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | ||
List of clauses in Gn32-02:13: Jacobs 2 camps:Original & Angels | ||
TEXT OF VERSES IN Gn32-02:13*1 | Rashi*2 | |
Jacob went on his way | ||
Jacob met MALACHs of God (ANGELS) | MALACH means ANGELS | |
Jacob said ...this is a CAMP OF GOD | ||
Jacob called the place TWO-CAMPS | 2-CAMPS=mine & angels | |
Jacob then sent MALACHs to Esauv his brother | MALACH means ANGELS*3 | |
Jacob sent a message of greeting to Esauv | ||
But the MALACHs returned to Jacob and told him | MALACH means ANGELS*3 | |
that Esauv was on his way to meet Jacob | ||
Jacob was very frightened | ||
Jacob divided his camp into TWO CAMPS | 2-Camps=mine & angels | |
Jacob said if Esauv slays one camp then | ||
the other will remain | ||
Jacob then prayed to God | ||
- God you have been kind to me | ||
- I went over the river with only my staff | ||
- and now I have become TWO CAMPS | ||
- Save me from my brother | ||
- Please keep your promises of greatness | ||
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*1 Because of the length I have paraphrased and summarized where appropriate. The main point to focus on is the repeating KEYWORDS - MALACH and TWO CAMPS *2 - 2-CAMPS=My original camp AND camp of angels (Rashi Gn02-03a) - MALACH = Angels not messengers (Rashi Gn02-04a) *3 The appropriate question was asked by Jeff Zucker in Mail Jewish ---------------------------------------------------------------- MALACH usually means messenger. So why does Rashi state here that it means ANGEL. ---------------------------------------------------------------- My answer reflects the Rabbi Ismael rule of context --------------------------------------------------------- In this paragraph Gn32-02:13, we are clearly told at the paragraph Beginning that MALACH means ANGEL. Hence we are justified and even forced to interpret MALACH as ANGEL in the rest of the paragraph In other words CONTEXT takes precedence over non-context frequency of meaning --------------------------------------------------------- |
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | ||||
Lists of bullets in Gn47-24b:a)field b)family c)staff d)infants | ||||
PHRASE | TExT OF PHRASE | BULLET | BULLET TEXT | |
INTRO | Joseph said: | |||
INTRO | Pharoh owns your land | |||
INTRO | So, I will tax you 20% | |||
INTRO | But leave you 80% | |||
BULLET | - FOR - | field seed*1 | ||
BULLET | - FOR - | your personal eating needs*2 | ||
BULLET | - FOR - | eating needs of your household*3 | ||
BULLET | - FOR - | eating needs of your children*4 | ||
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*1 Seeding field for producing produce next year (This is first priority when resources are scarce) (Rashi Gn47-24a) *2 Family adults (This is 2nd priority when resources are scarce...children consume but do not produce while adults consume and produce) *3 HOUSEHOLD=staff (Rashi Gn47-24b)*10 *4 CHILDREN=young infants (who consume but do not produce)(Gn47-24c) *11 | ||||
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*10 The BULLET method requires interpreting each separate bullet as - having distinct meaning - as referring to a broad category This is true in all languages. An examination of the phrases suggests that the 4 categories are - field needs, adult family, staff(servants), young children *11 Perhaps Rashi was using the principle of CLIMAX here. In times of need one must cut back. Rashi indicates how cutbacks are made when resources are scarce: - 1st priority is producing more food (FIELD SEED) - 2nd priority are the family adults - 3rd priority is your staff - 4th priority are little children (In times of need, the children consume but do not produce while the servants and maids consume and produce...such priority lists were witnessed in survivor stories from Nazi Germany) |
*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2004, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#
VERSE: Gn45-24a
RASHIS COVERED: Gn45-24a Gn45-18a
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | ||
SUCCINCT SUMMARY ---------------- One of Rashis five main goals is to illuminate verse meaning using cross references to OTHER VERSES. We call this the OTHER VERSE rule. When the OTHER CROSS REFERENCED verse is used to illuminate the original verse with FURTHER DETAILS we speak about the Rashi Subrule of FURTHER DETAILS. EXAMPLE Gn45-24a ---------------- Gn45-24a states -------------------------------------- Joseph sent his brothers..and told them: Dont GET ANGRY on the road -------------------------------------- The enigmatic phrase, GET ANGRY,is illumined by Gn42-21:22 which states ------------------------------------------- The brothers told each other: We are guilty on account of our brother (Joseph)--since we saw the suffering of his soul when he pleaded with us and we didnt listen -- therefore (because of this sin), this tragedy (That Shimon was taken from them) has come upon us Reuven answered them as follows: - But I told you not to sin - against Joseph because he is - a child...and you see that his - blood is being sought --------------------------------------------- Thus Gn42-21:22 illumines Gn45-24a by providing us further details: Joseph asked his brother not to GET ANGRY and ARGUE ON THE ROAD ABOUT WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS BEING SOLD. This interpretation (that Joseph didnt want them arguing on who was responsible) is also echoed in Gn45-05 ---------------------------------------- ...dont be depressed and dont be angry that you sold me here ---------------------------------------- EXAMPLE Gn45-18a ---------------- We read in Gn45-18a that Pharoh told Josephs brothers ------------------------------------ Come to my land and I will give you the BEST OF EGYPT ------------------------------------ The phrase BEST OF EGYPT is illuminated by Gn47-11 ------------------------------------------ And Joseph settled his father and brothers by giving them a plot of land in Egypt in the BEST OF THE LAND, in the county of RAAMSAYTH as PHAROH HAD COMMANDED ------------------------------------------ LIST210y below gives many other verse pairs where one verse illumines another verse. | ||
ITEM | DETAIL | |
RASHI RULE CLASS | OTHER VERSES | |
RASHI SUBRULE CLASS | FURTHER DETAILS | |
RASHI WORKBOOK PRINCIPLE | #1 | |
SEE BELOW | LIST210y | |
List of verses pairs | with one verse illuminating another |
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | ||||
List of verses pairs with one verse illuminating another LIST210y CONTINUES LIST210a LIST210z | ||||
VERSE | TEXT OF VERSE | OTHER VRSE | DETAILS | |
Gn45-24a | Dont get ANGRY ON ROAD*5 | Gn42-21:22 | Fight who did me in | |
Gn45-18a | I-ll give BEST OF LAND | Gn47-11 | BEST OF LAND=Ramsyth | |
Gn35-22b | Reuven slept with Bilhah | Gn49-04*4 | play with Dads beds | |
Gn26-29a | We didnt HARM you | Gn26-16 | we ASKED you to go*1 | |
Gn26-33a | City of SHEVA named for | Gn21-30:31 | OATH=SheVuAh*2 | |
Gn27-27b | FRAGRANT BLESSED FIELD | Lv23-40 | ETHROG=SPLENDOR*3 | |
Gn33-18a | Jacob came WHOLE to city | Gn32-32 | Jacob LIMPED*11 | |
Dt27-12a | Blessings ON Mountain | Jo08-30:35 | ...FACING MOUNTAIN | |
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*1 We ASKED you to go but didnt HARASS you till you went *2 The point being that the city wasnt named for the symbolic use of SEVEN (SHIVAH) lambs to seal the treaty(BUt rather the SEVEN lambs symbolically affirm the OATH=SHEVA for which the city was named) *3 Gn27-27b refers to a BLESSED FRAGRANT FIELD while Lv23-40 refers to a TREE OF SPLENDOR.*10 *4 Reuven did not actually sleep with Bilhah. Rather his fathers favorite bedware was kept on Bilhah's bed since Bilhah, Rachels concubine, reminded him of her after Rachels death. Reuven felt that his father should be living with Leah, since Leah was a bonafide wife. Reuven felt it insulting that Jacob preferred a concubine vs a real wife. Hence he switched the bedware from Bilhahs bed to Leahs bed in order to talk his father out of his behavior For our translation of Gn49-04 see footnote *12 *5 Gn45-05 also supports this. --------------------- LONGER FOOTNOTES --------------------- *10 Rashi uses the languages ------------------------------- this refers to an APPLE orchard ------------------------------- But apple orchards are not known for their fragrance. Rather the reference is probably to an -------------- ETHROG orchard -------------- which has a characteristic hypnotic fragrance. The Hebrew word for ETHROG is GOLDEN APPLE.(The beauty of fragrance of an ETHROG ORCHARD was mentioned by the Rav, Rabbi Soloveitchick). *11 Rashi citing the Talmud states ------------------------------------------------------- Jacob came whole - from LIMP - from Monetary gifts to Esauv(Jacob had all his money) - with all his learning ------------------------------------------------------- But there 3 items all emanate from Gn32-32 where we are told that Jacob fought with an angel and won. Since he won - he did not lose money - he did not lose his Jewishness *12 Gn49-04 is translated by us as ------------------------------------- you played with your fathers beds ------------------------------------- Note the PLURAL BEDS vs BED...this shows that two BEDS (not the one bed of BILHAH) was involved We translate the Hebrew root &LH (to go up) as &LL (To play with). - THere are no other cases where &LH means &LL - but interchanges of 1-2-Hey and 1-2-2 roots does frequently occur in the Bible - Finally the verse wouldnt make sense if &LH was translated as GO UP since the phrase ------------------------- Go Up on your fathers bed ------------------------- couldnt refer to intimacy since intimacy is always referred to as GOING DOWN instead of GOING UP. |
*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2004, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#
(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 | |
1 | 210y | ANGRY on road(Gn45-24a)= Fight over who sold me(Gn42-21:22) | |
1 | 210y | BEST OF LAND(Gn45-18a) = Land of Raamsayth (Gn47-11) | |
26 | 109a | Resource allocation in famine:a)fields b)self c)staff d)infants | |
26 | 107c | Gn32-02:13 forms one paragraph: MALACH=angel;2-CAMPS=mine & angl | |
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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. All lists may be found at http://www.Rashiyomi.com/lists.htm |
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | |||
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VERSE | RULE | BRIEF DESCRIPTION | |
======== | =============== | ===================================== | |
Gn45-24a | OTHER VERSES | ANGRY=fight,who sold me;BestLand=Rmst | |
Gn45-18a | OTHER VERSES | ANGRY=fight,who sold me;BestLand=Rmst | |
Gn32-03a | BULLETS | MALCH=angel;2-Camps=mine & angels | |
Gn32-04a | BULLETS | MALCH=angel;2-Camps=mine & angels | |
Gn47-24a | BULLETS | MALCH=angel;2-Camps=mine & angels | |
Gn47-24b | BULLETS | MALCH=angel;2-Camps=mine & angels | |
Gn47-24c | BULLETS | MALCH=angel;2-Camps=mine & angels | |
--------- | ---------------- | ------------------------------------- |
*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2004, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#