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                  Surfing the Talmudic Seas
               (C) RashiYomi Incorporated, 2005
               Written by Dr Russell Jay Hendel

                     Volume 27 Number 16
          For the WORD QUALITY HTML VERSION click here
               -----------------------------------
               http://www.Rashiyomi.com/h27n16.htm
               -----------------------------------
                     Produced October 8 th, 2005
*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc.2005, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#*#
HELPFUL READING TIPS
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE WHAT SHOULD YOU READ SECTION COLOR
Only 2-3 mintues SUCCINT SUMMARY BROWN
Only 5-8 minutes LISTS BROWN/BEIGE/BLUE
Maybe 20-30 minutes BIG FOOTNOTE SECTION GREEN SECTION
Time to do research SUMMARY OVERVIEWS*2 Newsletter Bottom
COMMENTS
*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)

LONGER FOOTNOTES

*10
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Russell http://www.RashiYomi.com/
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*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2005, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#
VERSE: Dt32-14k
Dt32-14k
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04


SUCCINCT SUMMARY
----------------
A powerful but simple Rashi method is the CITATION or CROSS-
REFERENCING of an OTHER VERSE for the purpose of adding
FURTHER DETAILS to a verse we are studying. We call this
the OTHER VERSE method. There are three submethods to the
OTHER VERSE method.

If the verse actually CITES or refers to an OTHER VERSE we
call this the SUBMETHOD of CITATION.

If the OTHER VERSE explains the meaning of
some term in the first verse we call this the SUBMETHOD
of MEANING.

If the first verse does not cite an other verse and if
no meaning is explained then we call this the SUBMETHOD
of FURTHER DETAILS since the 2nd verse either confirms
the first verse or typically adds FURTHER DETAILS to
the first verse

EXAMPLE: Dt32-14k
------------------------------------------------------
Dt32-14k states
-----------------------------------------------
...when drinking WINE it will be BLOOD OF GRAPES
-----------------------------------------------

It should be clear that the expression
---------------------
BLOOD OF GRAPES
---------------------

means
---------------------
RED WINE
---------------------

Indeed it is common to name colors by objects that
are good examples of them---for example THE ORANGE
COAT refers to the color of the coat, not to the fruit.

Rashi comments
----------------------------------
RED WINE means the BEST WINE
----------------------------------

In other words the entire verse should be translated
---------------------------------------------------
...when drinking WINE it will be THE BEST WINE
---------------------------------------------------

Rashi does not give proof that RED WINE is the BEST WINE
However it is clear that he derived this from the verse
Pr23-31
-------------------------------------------------
...don't see wine when it is red [because it is
...strongest and you will get intoxicated]
-------------------------------------------------

In other words Rashi, here, clarifies the meaning
of this verse with an OTHER VERSE which provides
further details.

LIST210x presents other examples of verse pairs
illuminating each other with further details
ITEM DETAIL
RASHI RULE CLASS OTHER VERSES
RASHI SUBRULE CLASS FURTHER DETAILS
RASHI WORKBOOK PRINCIPLE #1
SEE BELOW LIST210x
List of verses pairs with one verse illuminating another
LIST210x
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04

List of verses pairs     with one verse illuminating another
LIST210x CONTINUES LIST210a LIST210z LIST210y
VERSE TEXT OF VERSE OTHER VRSE DETAILS
Dt32-14k ...RED wine Pr23-31 the BEST wine
Dt18-09a Dont learn idolatry Dt12-30 Dont learn TO DO*4
Dt02-15a God quick to kill siners Nu32-05:08 Bad influence*3
Dt01-31b God like FATHER to Jews Ex14-19 Angel goes in back
Nu27-20a give your SPLENDOR ToHim Ex34-30 HORNS OF LIGHT
Nu21-15b TZUR=Midyan family HEAD Nu31-08 1 of 5 main leaders
Nu21-15c TZUR=MIDYAN FAMILY head Gn25-04 5 main Midyan tribes
Nu21-24a BRAZEN is border of Amon Dt02-19 PROTECTED BY PROPHCY
Nu20-16b God sent ANGEL to redeem Ex23-20 ANGEL=MOSES
Nu14-25a journey away from here Nu14-42:45 Amalyk will defeat u
Nu12-08c See GODS PICTURE Ex33-23 See God-s back
Nu12-12b Don-t make us LIKE DEAD Lv13-45:46 LIKE LEPOR*1
Nu02-02c OPPOSITE the Temple Jo03-04 2000 Cubits
Lv27-10a GOOD:BAD sacrifice Lv22-18:20 BAD=BLEMISHED
Gn45-18a I-ll give BEST OF LAND Gn47-11 BEST OF LAND=Ramsyth
COMMENTS
*1 Unlike other cases of ritual impurity the Lepor is
- ostracized from all his friends
- must declare himself impure and separate himself
Hence he is like someone dead (that is like a dead body
he is REPULSIVE)*10

*2 Verse Ex14-19 states
--------------------------------------------
[The Jews had just exited Egypt; Egypt
regretted letting them free and pursued
them. The following text relates the pursuit]
And the Angel of God, which went in FRONT
of the Jewish camp, journeyed and went in
BACK of them;[Similarly] the pillar of
fire went from in front to the back
--------------------------------------------

Rashi explains with an analogy:
-----------------------------------------
A person and his father were walking in
the forest. Suddenly they hear wild animals
in back of them pursuing them. The father,
who had been leading his son in front now
goes in back so that the wild animals
should bump into him first, not his son
-----------------------------------------

In other words, Rashi sees Ex14-19
as providing a FURTHER DETAIL to the concept
of GOD CARED FOR YOU LIKE A FATHER. God had
fought for the Jews who were helpless like
children.

*3 Rashi does not cite Nu32-05:08 but instead explains
-------------------------------------------
God wanted sinners dead lest they influence
their children into rebelling against God
-------------------------------------------

*4 That is: Don't learn idolatry for purposes of practicing
it. But it is permissable to learn idolatry for purposes
of instructing people on what not to do and on the horrors
of particular idolatries.*11

---------------------  LONGER FOOTNOTES ---------------------
*10 Rashi gives an alternate argument
-----------------------------------------------------
Both the LEPOR and DEAD transmit a status of ritual
impurity to a person who merely walks into the same
room with them
-----------------------------------------------------

However we would summarize this Rashi argument as follows
---------------------------------------------------------
Both the LEPOR and DEAD are considered REPULSIVE. Hence
- merely being in the same room with them confers impurity
- People AVOID both the LEPOR and DEAD BODY
---------------------------------------------------------

Such an approach to Rashi is deeper and more satisfying
and sheds light on the analogy.

*11 Rashi's literal language is
---------------------------------------------------
DON'T LEARN TO DO, but you can LEARN TO TEACH
---------------------------------------------------

This statement is short, punchy and to the point.
Furthermore the literal text of Dt18-09a is
DON'T LEARN TO DO.

Thus it appears that Rashi made his inference
from the EXTRA phrase TO DO (DONT LEARN TO DO
vs DONT LEARN).

However the approach of this list is to explain
Rashi inferences in terms of broad laws such as
OTHER VERSES. In this list we shy away from
inferences from 'extra phrases.' Since Dt12-30
clearly prohibits LEARNING/INQUIRING FOR PURPOSES
OF PRACTICE we prefer this OTHER VERSE explanation

Consequently, this Rashi is one of those PEACHES
that illustrate our different approach to Rashi
explanations.
*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2005, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#
VERSE: Dt32-20b
RASHIS COVERED: Dt32-20b Dt32-21c
Dt32-20b
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04


SUCCINCT SUMMARY
----------------
One of Rashis 10 main goals is the explanation of
meaning the same way a dictionary explains meaning.
We call this the Rashi method of WORD MEANING.

Rashi had 10 vehicles by which to explain words.
Rashi frequently explains not, word meaning, but rather
phrase meaning. That is each particular word in the
phrase may have a known meaning but the collection of
words  together form a NEW IDIOMATIC MEANING.
We call this the NEW MEANING or the IDIOM SUBMETHOD.

EXAMPLE 1: Dt32-20b
-------------------
Dt32-20b states
-----------------------------------
They [the Jews] have enraged Me [God]
with a NO-NATION ....
-----------------------------------

Rashi translates
---------------------------------
NO-NATION means a DESPICABLE NATION
---------------------------------

Rashi in fact brings verse support that
the nations involved were considered
despicable.

EXAMPLE 2: Dt32-21c
-------------------
Dt32-21c states
-----------------------------------------
They [The Jews] are a TURNING-GENERATION
-----------------------------------------

Rashi interprets this similar to the
English Idiom TURN-A-COAT
------------------------------------------
TURNING Generation means a DOUBLE-CROSSING
generation---that is, a generation that
TURNS every piece of good that God
does to us as something bad
------------------------------------------

LIST854x below presents other examples of Biblical idioms.
ITEM DETAIL
RASHI RULE CLASS: WORD MEANINGS
RASHI SUBRULE CLASS NEW MEANINGS
RASHI WORKBOOK PRINCIPLE #7
SEE BELOW LIST854x
List of Biblical idioms(eg FROM DAYS DAYS=YEARLY)
LIST854x
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04

List of Biblical idioms..eg FROM DAYS DAYS=YEARLY
LIST854x continues  LIST854d LIST854z LIST854y
VERSE BIBLICAL PHRASE TRANSLATION NOTES
Dt32-20b NO-NATION DESPICABLE nation
Dt32-21c TURNING generation TURN-A-COATS
Dt17-09a PRIEST-LEVITES Priests or Levites *6
------- ------------------- --------------------- -----
Dt13-13b when you hear a RUMOR TO BE SAID over&over *5
Ex35-04a God commandsTo TRANSMIT TO BE SAID over *5
Nu12-13b Prayed/Demands RESPONSE TO BE SAID back *5
Nu27-15b Prayed/Demands RESPONSE TO BE SAID back *5
Ex20-01c God said:Asked RESPONSE Affirm will keep *5
------- ------------------- --------------------- -----
Dt12-28b Do the MORAL & PROPER Spiritual/Social good *4
Dt12-28c Do the MORAL & PROPER Spiritual/Social good *4
------- ------------------- --------------------- -----
Nu26-54a MOUTH OF LOTTERY Closed Jar Lottery *3
Nu21-20c HEAD OF THE CLIFF TOP of the CLIFF *2
Nu13-20b DAYS OF GRAPE 1st FRUIT GRAPE HARVEST SEASON
Nu13-32a Land EATS INHABITANTS PLAGUE RIDDEN LAND
Lv25-23b Dont STICK THE SALE Dont sell PERMANANTLY No redeem
Lv26-17a PLACE FACE*1 Total attention/focus to punish
Lv13-12a HEAD to FOOT Whole bod y
Gn37-26b COVER BLOOD conceal MURDER
COMMENTS

*1 Rashi, Lv26-17h points out that the phrase
-------------
PLACE MY FACE
-------------
means
--------------
FULL ATTENTION
--------------
whether
- for good, to reward
- for bad, to punish.

*2 NOTE: The Hebrew word HEAD can mean both
- BEGINNING
- TOP
However in this verse
- the HEAD OF THE CLIFF contrasts with
- the VALLEY in MOAB
Hence HEAD means TOP

*3 A MOUTH LOTTERY refers to a lottery where you stick your
hand in and select an item WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO SEE THE
ITEMS (In an open-box lottery you can see what you are
picking even though you see backs of cards. In a MOUTH
LOTTERY the box is covered except for a small MOUTH).
The MOUTH LOTTERY is more secure and fairer.
Hence the Rashi

The name MOUTH LOTTERY is because the box has only
a small mouth preventing you from seeing what is
inside.
---------------------------------------------------
MOUTH LOTTERY means that the LOTTERY speaks and says
this belongs to so and so
---------------------------------------------------

Of course, Rashi did not believe that LOTTERIES speak.
Rather Rashi refers to the SECURITY and FAIRNESS of
the lottery. In other words
- MOUTH LOTTERY refers to a small MOUTH on LOTTERY box
(not to a physical voice on the box)
- Since the MOUTH LOTTERY is secure it is AS IF it
screams and points to a correct fair choice

*4 Rashi is NOT explaining the meaning of the INDIVIDUAL WORDS
- GOOD
- PROPER
Indeed, GOOD can mean SOCIALLY GOOD also (See Gn26-29)
Therefore we have interpreted this Rashi as an example
of the IDIOM method.

*5 These five examples show various idiomatic meanings of
the INFINITIVE of the verb TO SAY: TO SAY can mean
- TO SAY BACK: Request for response
- TO SAY OVER: To Transmit
- TO SAY OVER AND OVER: Rumor
See LIST955m for a separate summary

*6 Thus in Dt18-01
-------------------------------------
The PRIEST-LEVITES shall not inherit
from the conquest of Israel
-------------------------------------
the phrase PRIEST-LEVITES means
PRIESTS OR LEVITES.

Another occurrence of this phrase
occurs in Dt17-18.

In Dt17-09a Rashi does state
------------------------------------
The PRIESTS who are no longer Levites
------------------------------------

But I understand this to mean
------------------------------------
PRIESTS by itself means PRIESTS but
not Levites while LEVITES by itself
could mean LEVITES but not Priests--
PRIEST LEVITES means PRIESTS OR LEVITES*10
-------------------------------------

LONGER FOOTNOTES

*10 Dt17-09 states
---------------------------------------
[If you have a legal question then]
ask the PRIEST-LEVITES, the Judges of
the day
---------------------------------------

The law PREFERS that the great Sanhedrin
court in Jerusalem consist of PRIESTS.
Levites are a second choice (and Israelite
scholars are a third choice).

So it appears that Rashi's comment
--------------------------------------
Priests but not Levites
--------------------------------------
is literal.

But in Dt18-01 the prohibition of inheriting
conquested Israelie land applies to EITHER
Priests OR Levites.

Similarly I would interprtet Dt17-09 to mean
that EITHER Priests or Levites should preferably
be on the Great Sanhedrin. That is the Biblical
law.

But Rabbinically---since Priests are more
involved with the Temple there is a preference
for Priests to be elected to the great court
vs. Levites. This preference however is rooted
in logic not in the verse. The IDIOM, PRIEST-LEVITES
means PRIESTS or LEVITES as shown.
*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2005, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#
VERSE: Dt32-15c
Dt32-15c
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04


SUCCINCT SUMMARY
----------------
One of Rashis 10 main tasks is to explain grammar the same way
a dictionary explains grammar.  There are various aspects to
grammar including verb conjugation, gender agreement, plurality
agreement etc. In todays posting we focus on a brilliant
discovery of the Malbim: The meaning of Hebrew words is not
dependent only on 3 letter roots but rather is dependent on
the combination of 3 letter roots with prepositions.That is,
the meaning of a ROOT depends on the PREPOSITION following it.

EXAMPLE Dt32-15c
----------------
Rashi explains that the Hebrew root Caph-Samech-Hey (KSH)
means
- IS COVERED in the ACTIVE grammatical mode (KAL)
- COVER SOMETHING ELSE in the INTENSIVE grammatical mode-PIEL

Here are some typical verses

In the ACTIVE KAL mode KSH means IS COVERED
------------------------------------------------------
- Pr12-16  the devious IS COVERED with shame
- Dt32-15c you have fattened BECOME COVERED (with fat)
- P032-01  Happy is he whos sins are COVERED
-----------------------------------------------------

In the INTENSE PIEL mode KSH means TO COVER SOMETHING
-----------------------------------------------------
- Gn38-15  She COVERED her face
- Nu09-15  The cloud COVERED the Tabernacle
- Dt23-14  COVER your bathroom excretions
------------------------------------------------------

LIST901n below summarizes this grammatical point.
ITEM DETAIL
RASHI RULE CLASS: GRAMMARr
RASHI SUBRULE CLASS ROOT+PREPOSITION
RASHI WORKBOOK PRINCIPLE #9
SEE BELOW LIST901n
List of verses with COVER=COVERED(Active)/TO COVER(piel)
LIST901n
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04

List of verses with      COVER oneself:others::active:intense
VERSE TEXT OF VERSE WITH WORD cover(KSH) GRAMMAR
Pr12-16 the devious IS COVERED with shame Active
Dt32-15c you have fattened BECOME COVERED(with fat)*1 Active
P032-01 Happy is he whos sins are COVERED Active
-------- ------------------------------------------- -------
Gn38-15 She COVERED her face Intense
Nu09-15 The cloud COVERED the Tabernacle Intense
Dt23-14 COVER your bathroom excretions Intense
COMMENTS
*1 This verse uses Kaph-Sin-Hey vs Kaph-Samech-Hey(It is the
only verse that uses the Sin version). The full text is
------------------------------------------------
You have become FATTENED, THICK, COVERED(with fat)
------------------------------------------------
*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2005, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#
LIGHTNING SUMMARIES
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04

Lightning summary of Rashis with emphasis on Rashi rules*10
# LIST BRIEF SUMMARY OF RASHI EMPHASIZING USE OF RASHI RULES
1 210x BLOODY grapes = RED wine(Dt32-14k) = BEST Wine (Pr23-31)
7 854x NO-NATION=despicable nation;TURN-a-COAT generation(Double cross)
9 901n IS COVERED (Active KAL mode) vs TO COVER (Intense Piel Mode)
COMMENTS

LONGER FOOTNOTES

*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://www.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
Rashis covered in this issue
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04

VERSE RULE BRIEF DESCRIPTION
======== =============== ======================================
Dt32-14k OTHER VERSES RED wine is the BEST WINE
Dt32-20b NEW MEANINGS NO-NATION=despicable;TURN-a-COATs
Dt32-21c NEW MEANINGS NO-NATION=despicable;TURN-a-COATs
Dt32-15c GRAMMARr KSH= IS-COVERED(Active);TO COVER(Piel)
--------- ---------------- ----------------------------------
*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2005, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#
End of Rashi is Simple Digest
#*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2004, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#