Rashi-Is-Simple Mailing List VISIT the RASHI DATABASE archives AT http://www.RashiYomi.com/ Surfing the Talmudic Seas (C) RashiYomi Incorporated, 2005 Written by Dr Russell Jay Hendel Volume 27 Number 20 For the WORD QUALITY HTML VERSION click here ----------------------------------- http://www.Rashiyomi.com/h27n20.htm ----------------------------------- Produced Nov 2 nd, 2005 |
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | |||
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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 | |
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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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*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2004, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#
VERSE: Gn08-19a
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | ||
SUCCINCT SUMMARY ---------------- One of Rashis goals is to make broad DATABASE QUERY exposing patterns. A DATABASE QUERY is a technical term but very roughly it refers to looking at a collection of verses,roots or words with some common feature. The collection of verses may exhibit other patterns which Rashi points out. EXAMPLE ------- We can ask the following QUERY -------------------------------------------- Gather all verses where the word FAMILY occurs -------------------------------------------- This list contains Gn08-19a which states ----------------------------------------------- [When Noah left the ark] all animals BY FAMILY left the ark with him ----------------------------------------------- Rashi (paraphrased) comments ----------------------------------------------- This is the only verse where FAMILY is used in reference to animals (Typically FAMILY refers to PEOPLE). This strange anomolous usage points to an emphasis: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - God as it were made the animals promise not to sin and only cohabit within their own species and family - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ----------------------------------------------- Rashi's comment need not be taken literally (Since animals are usually inter-specie anyway). Rashi's point emphasizes the sexual corruption of the flood It was so corrupt that even animals sinned and therefore they had to promise not to stick to family life! LIST606f summarizes these arguments. | ||
ITEM | DETAIL | |
RASHI RULE CLASS: | DATABASES | |
RASHI SUBRULE CLASS | DATABASES | |
RASHI WORKBOOK PRINCIPLE | #27 | |
SEE BELOW | LIST606f | |
Query of verses which | use the word FAMILY(only once by animals) |
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | |||
Query of verses which use the word FAMILY(only once by animals) | |||
VERSE | NAMED/DESIGNATED FOR FUTURE EVENT | FUTURE EVENT | |
Gn08-19 | All animals by FAMILY left the ark | ANIMAL*1 | |
------ | ---------------------------- | -------- | |
Gn10-20 | This the FAMILY TREE of Cham | PEOPLE | |
Gn24-38 | Go to my FAMILY to obtain a wife for my son | PEOPLE | |
Gn28-14 | All human FAMILIES will be blessed by Abrhm | PEOPLE | |
Nu01-32 | Census count by tribal FAMILY is.... | PEOPLE | |
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*1 Rashi (paraphrased) comments ----------------------------------------------- This is the only verse where FAMILY is used in reference to animals (Typically FAMILY refers to PEOPLE). This strange anomolous usage points to an emphasis: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - God as it were made the animals promise not to sin and only cohabit within their own species and family - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ----------------------------------------------- Rashi's comment need not be taken literally (Since animals are usually inter-specie anyway). Rashi's point emphasizes the sexual corruption of the flood It was so corrupt that even animals sinned and therefore they had to promise not to stick to family life! |
*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2005, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#
VERSE: Gn09-17a
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | ||
SUCCINCT SUMMARY ---------------- One of Rashis 10 main methods is the explanation of meaning the same way a dictionary explains meaning. We call this the WORD MEANING method. Rashi used 10 vehicles to explain meaning. ---------------------------------------------- The SPECIAL WORD submethod of the WORD MEANING method focuses on the meaning of SPECIAL INDIVIDUAL WORDS such as ALSO, IF-THEN, etc. Every language has special words ---------------------------------------------- The word THIS is considered a SPECIAL WORD method. The word THIS, when used by the Bible, always indicates some type of pointing. LIST005f below presents several examples of Biblical verses with the word THIS. In each case Rashi interprets THIS as indicating some type of pointing. For example - Gn09-17a states that God told Noach --------------------------------------------- THIS is the sign of the convenant which I am making with the human race --------------------------------------------- Rashi comments -------------------------------------------- The word THIS shows that God SHOWED Noach an actual RAINBOW which is the sign of the convenant -------------------------------------------- LIST005f below presents many examples that use THIS which Rashi indicates as indicating some type of POINTING. | ||
ITEM | DETAIL | |
RASHI RULE CLASS: | SPECIAL CONNECTIVE WORDS | |
RASHI SUBRULE CLASS | CONNECTIVE WORDS | |
RASHI WORKBOOK PRINCIPLE | #8 | |
SEE BELOW | LIST005f | |
List of verses with | the word THIS(referent,pointer) |
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | |||
List of verses with the word THIS(referent,pointer) | |||
VERSE | VERSE TEXT w THIS | How THIS indicates POINTING | |
Ex15-02d | This is my God | They pointed heavenward to God | |
Ex04-02a | whats this in hand | what is in your hand*1 | |
Ex14-20d | this and this didnt | the two armies didnt get near | |
------- | ------------------ | ------------------------------ | |
Gn09-17a | THIS is the sign | God showed Noah actual RAINBOW | |
Ex32-01c | This Moses is gone | Satan showed image of Moses | |
Lv11-02d | These are Kosher | God showed him animal pictures | |
Nu08-04a | This is the make | God showed him a Candellabrah | |
Ex30-13a | This should be Tax | God showed him a Half Dollar | |
Dt22-14b | THIS WOMAN did.. | WOMAN is there and pointed to*6 | |
-------- | ----------------- | ------------------------------ | |
Ex12-42b | THIS night is Gods | Referent to Abes DARKNESS vision*2 | |
Nu14-22b | tested me THIS 10 | Reference to 10 complaints*3 | |
Nu30-02b | THIS God says | THIS language must be used*4 | |
Gn25-22c | WHY THIS ME | Refers to her current activities*5 | |
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*1 Rashi also makes comments on the deliberate misspelling of this word. MISSPELLING is a Biblical technique. The technical name is METAPLASMUS. Examples may be found in LIST080a which includes Ex04-02a *2 Gn15-12:14 ....As the sun set a coma fell on Abraham and all of a sudden a fear, great darkness, fell on him and God said...Surely know that your descendants will be foreigners in a land that doesnt belong to them--- and they will be enslaved -- and they will torture them 400 years--and also the nation they serve I will judge and then they will leave with a big reward Thus THIS night of redemption refers to the redemption mentioned in the above prophecy (Perhaps there is also a pun on the darkness) *3 See LIST210c below *4 In other words the word THIS makes the contents of the chapter SPECIFIC and FOCUSED...the exact language in the chapter must be used in freeing people from vows (Normally Biblical language are generalized) For further details see footnote *10 *5 Thus Rivkah had been praying for children....yet when she experienced the infants fighting each other in the womb she asked WHY AM I THIS (That is WHY AM I PRAYING FOR CHILDREN if I go thru this) and the answer came back that they would be great nations. *6 Rashi infers from this that in a court case both litigants must be present when allegations are stated. | |||
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*10 Rashi also makes another point: Moses used the language THIS IS WHAT GOD SAID while other prophets used the language THUS SAID GOD (THIS is more specific than THUS). For a database layout of introductory prophetic phrases used by MOSES vs OTHER PROPHETS see LIST605f & LIST605g It is clear from this list that this rule is only approximate and not absolute. Hence we believe that Rashi rejected this explanation. In general we believe that Rashis 1st explanation (when there are 2 explanations) can be refuted and should not be accepted |
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | ||||
List of Synonym pairs LIST955z continues LIST955a | ||||
VERSE | WORD | BASIC IDEA | NUANCES | |
Dt23-02a | CtCrsh | Testicle | CRUSHED testicles(CUT-CRUSH) | |
Dt23-02b | CtSpll | Testicle | CUT penal shaft(CUT-SPILL) | |
------- | ----- | ------ | ---------------------- | |
Nu22-08c | YASHAV | location | STAY OVER | |
- - - - | AVAR | location | PASS THRU | |
------- | ----- | ------ | ---------------------- | |
- - - - | YASHAV | position | SIT | |
- - - - | AMAD | position | STAND | |
------- | ----- | ------ | ---------------------- | |
Gn32-05a | YASHAV | residence | DWELL | |
- - - - | GUR | residence | FOREIGNER | |
------- | ----- | ------ | ---------------------- | |
Nu21-20d | PISGAH | High | Cliff | |
-------- | HAR | High | Mountain | |
------- | ----- | ------ | ---------------------- | |
Nu13-23a | ZMoRaH | Grapes | Grape VINE | |
Nu13-23 | EshKoL | Grapes | Grape CLUSTER | |
------- | ----- | ------ | ---------------------- | |
Lv22-18a | NDR*13 | Donation | VOW-eg I-ll bring a sacrifice | |
Lv22-18b | NDBH | Donation | DONATION-eg Donate Tmpl money | |
------- | ----- | ------ | ---------------------- | |
Lv22-22a | &WRT | Blind | Feminine form | |
- - - - | &WR | Blind | Masculine form | |
------- | ----- | ------ | ---------------------- | |
Lv13-45a | PRM | Tear | tear ON SEAM | |
- - - - | QR& | Tear | GENERAL tear | |
------- | ----- | ------ | ---------------------- | |
Ex28-28c | XBR | Unite | Unite | |
- - - - | RKS | Unite | Unite by TIGHTENING*8 | |
------- | ----- | ------ | ---------------------- | |
Nu17-21a | TWK | In | Centrally in *7 | |
- - - - | Beth | In | In | |
------- | ----- | ------ | ---------------------- | |
Gn01-11a | D$A | FIELD | MEADOW*6 | |
- - - - | &SW | FIELD | GRASS*6 | |
------- | ----- | ------ | ---------------------- | |
Dt28-68a | ANIH | BOAT | Both words mean boat *5 | |
- - - - | SFINH | BOAT | Both words mean boat *5 | |
------- | ----- | ------ | ---------------------- | |
Dt18-03c | Z-R-A | HAND/THROW | ZRA=arm; ZRA=to scatter | |
-------- | Y-D-H | HAND/THROW | YD=hand; YDH=to throw | |
------- | ----- | ------ | ---------------------- | |
Dt13-06a | S-R-H | FABRICATE | it is REMOVED from reality*4 | |
-------- | B-D-A | FABRICATE | it is ISOLATED from reality | |
------- | ----- | ------ | ---------------------- | |
Dt05-17b | A-V-H | DESIRE*3 | desire in ONES HEART-FANTASIZ | |
Ex20-17 | X-M-D | DESIRE*3 | COVET-desire ACQUISITION | |
------- | ----- | ------ | ---------------------- | |
Dt11-25c | P-X-D | FEAR | IMMEDIATE Fear-Good pimples*1 | |
Dt11-25d | M-R-H | FEAR | ANXIETY-LONG TERM Fear-vision | |
------- | ----- | ------ | ---------------------- | |
Dt11-14c | I-R-H | RAIN*2 F | IRST rain-IMPREGNATES ground | |
Dt11-14d | MLK$ | RAIN*2 | FINAL rain-SOFTENS Ground | |
------- | ----- | ------ | ---------------------- | |
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*1 Also Rashi Dt11-25b. It seems reasonable that - P-Ch-D comes from Poh-Chad - SHARP and would refer to e.g. getting GOOSE PIMPLES (Sharpnesses in skin) from fear - MoRaH comes from Y-R-A = vision = LONG TERM apprehension over the future.*10 *2 - YOREH seems to comes from HRH to make pregnant. It would look at the rain as ENABLING the seeds to grow - MALKOSH seesm to come from LKSH - TO THE HARD(KSH) GRAIN and would refer to a final softening rain before the produce. See LIST910i *11 *3 It is hard to absolutely prove that - A-V-H means FANTASIZE vs - Ch-M-D means DESIRE ACQUISITION The verses show that - A-V-H is an act of the HEART while - Ch-M-D is focused on ACQUIRING OBJECTS See LIST955h for further details (Also see Rashi Gn27-15a Gn03-06c Gn03-06d) *4 On Dt19-16a Rashi gives an example of REMOVED/FABRICATED Testimony--when eg witnesses testify to a murder in NY and other witnesses come stating that the 1st witnesses were with them in Chicago at the time of witnessing--thus the murder testimony is totally removed from the real word *5 Undoubtedly there is probably a subtle difference between ANIH/SFINH but it is not possible to determine this from verses. An interesting statistical note is the following - SFINH occurs ONCE in the Bible - ANIH occurs 3 dozen times in the Bible - But in Biblical times the frequencies were reversed Hence, Rashi, in explaining the more frequently occurring ANIH was responding to the rarity of this word IN HIS TIME *6 - GRASS can refer to MANY or SINGULAR grass - MEADOW only refers to a WHOLE MEADOW of GRASS *7 TWK verses Beth (CENTRALLY IN vs IN) explains several Rashis: Nu17-21a Gn02-09b Ex24-1a Lv24-10c Gn01-06b Nu35-34a See LIST955j *8 Hence - Ex28-28c TIGHTEN the AYFOD garment - P031-21 Save me from GANGS(people TIGHTELY together) - Is40-04 God will smooth the TIGHT mountains (Rashi explains that TIGHT MOUNTAINS are mountains close together with deep georges between them)*12 | ||||
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*10 The reader need NOT believe the above etymologies For frequently Rashi explains synonyms without reference to etymologies and even without reference to verses. However some of the above etymologies seem reasonable and may enrich our appreciation of the synonyms. *11 Rashi gives another etymology from the Aramaic. However in this list we advocate the 2nd explanation of Rashi over the 1st. Furthermore in this particular case the 2nd explanation comes internally from Hebrew while the 1st Rashi explanation INFERS usage from Aramaic but does not EXPLAIN it. *12 Rashi translates RKS as UNITE. I have examined the verses and think the nuances of TIGHTEN-which is a particular form of tightening is more precise Rashi and my analysis apparently override the RADACK who translates (from context) RKS as meaning HIGH. Compare - RAISE the AYFOD (By tightening it) - Save me from HAUGHTY people - God will smooth the HIGH mountains *13 Rashi brings several distinctions on the nuances between VOWS vs DONATIONS - VOWS are PERSONAL (eg I will bring...) - DONATIONS are OBJECT oriented (eg This material is to Tmpl) - VOWS come for OFFERINGS - DONATIONS come for TEMPLE repairs - VOWS come for personal EXPIATION - DONATIONS do not come personal EXPIATION Rashi in fact notes that the word FOR EXPIATION (Resh-Tzade-Hey) does occur in Lv22-23. However this is just an accident. The main Rashi point comes from the VOW:DONATION difference---in English also - VOW has personal connotation (I undertake..) while - DONATION has object connotation (this item goes to..) |
*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2005, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#
VERSE: Gn08-17a
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | ||
SUCCINCT SUMMARY ---------------- One of Rashis 10 main goals was the resolution of contradictions. These contradictions typically arise from two verses stating contradictory things. We call this the RASHI RULE OF CONTRADICTION. Rashi had three methods to resolve contradiction. If the CONTRADICTION could be resolved by viewing the contradictory verses as two aspects of the same item then we employ the the TWO ASPECTS method of resolution. If the CONTRADICTION could be resolved by viewing the contradictory verses as two stages of the same process then we employ the TWO STAGES submethod. Finally if the CONTRADICTION could be resolved by retranslating the verses using broader or more literal meanings then we use the BROAD-LITERAL submethod. EXAMPLE: Gn08-17a ---------------- Gn08-16:17 states ------------------------------------- Leave the Ark - you (Noah) - your sons - your wives - your son's wives - All animals - - birds - - animals - - insects TAKE OUT and let them be FRUITFUL on the land ------------------------------------ However the word TAKE OUT has a MASORETIC COMMENT ------------------------ This word is - READ: TAKE OUT - WRITTEN: Who goes out ------------------------ Such WRITTEN-READ words occur frequently in the Bible. Such WRITTEN-READ words do not occur in other books. The WRITTEN text would read as follows: ------------------------------------- Leave the Ark. You (Noah) - your sons - your wives - your son's wives - All animals - - birds - - animals - - insects - WHO GO OUT WITH YOU should be FRUITFUL on the land ------------------------------------ Note the contradiction - the READ text says: TAKE THEM OUT - the WRITTEN text says: WHO GO OUT WITH YOU Rashi resolves the CONTRADICTION by considering two cases -------------------------------------------------- - If they want to leave, then let them leave - If they dont want to leave, then forcibly evict them -------------------------------------------------- LIST510a below gives other examples of CONTRADICTORY verses resolved thru TWO STAGES. | ||
ITEM | DETAIL | |
RASHI RULE CLASS: | CONTRADICTION | |
RASHI SUBRULE CLASS | 2 ASPECTS | |
RASHI WORKBOOK PRINCIPLE | #14 | |
SEE BELOW | LIST510a | |
List of verses with | Contradiction resolved by 2 cases |
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | |||
List of verses with Contradiction resolved by 2 cases | |||
VERSE-1 | VERSE-2 | HOW THE TWO TEXTS ARE COMBINED | |
Gn08-17 | Gn08-17 | LET the animals go out;if they dont EVICT them | |
Dt16-22 | Gn28-18 | 1-stone Altar:OK for Patriarchs;not for us*6 | |
Dt`6-22 | Nu13-30 | The MINORITY repor of the spies was: Land Good | |
Lv19-20 | Lv20-10 | adultery: With free person,death;with maid,no | |
Lv19-13 | Dt24-15 | day worker:Pay by morn;Night labor by sunset | |
Lv13-33 | Lv13-33 | DONT shave[near]leprosy;DO shave rest of head | |
Lv13-40 | Lv13-43 | leprosy on baldness:like SKIN,not HEAD,leprosy | |
Ex09-03 | Ex09-09 | FIELD livestock died;HOUSE livestock had boils | |
Ex09-03 | Ex09-09 | HOUSE livestock who returned outside HAILED | |
Ex09-19 | Ex14-07 | FIELD livestock died;HOUSE animals for Chariot | |
Gn36-02 | Gn36-24 | Daughter of FATHER & GRANDFATHER=illegitim | |
Gn24-08 | Gn24-08 | DONT marry CANAANITE;can marry out of family | |
Gn06-19 | Gn07-02 | Noach took:7 KOSHER animals;2 NON-KOSHER ones | |
Dt12-18 | Nu18-24 | Levites get 1st TITHE;also get GIFTS TO POOR | |
Dt12-30 | Ex22-19 | SPECIFIC idol worship OR general SACS wrong | |
Ex30-19 | Ex40-31 | Tmpl Basin for Priests;Moses was Priest once*5 | |
Ex21-03 | Ex21-04 | Master only gives a slavegirl to a married man | |
Ex12-02 | Ex12-03 | God told Moses on FIRST: Tell Jews on TENTH... | |
Ex01-16 | Ex01-12 | EGYPTIANS hated ALL JEWS;PHARAOH hated MALES*4 | |
Ex02-06 | Ex02-06 | She saw a BABY(in age);a CHILD(in demeanor)*3 | |
Gn18-06 | Gn18-06 | FINE FLOUR for food;COARSE for pot*2 | |
Dt08-02 | Lv26-06 | WHEN OBSERVANT God protects;ELSE not*1 | |
Nu21-21 | Dt02-26 | MOSES sent delegates on behalf of ISRAEL | |
Nu05-08 | Nu05-08 | Stolen goods given to PRIESTS on behalf of GOD | |
Ex20-19 | Ex19-20 | Gods voice in HEAVEN;His FIRE on EARTH | |
Ex40-35 | Ex25-22 | Moses at Entrance; Gods by Crubim | |
Ex28-37 | Ex39-30 | Priest MASK went AROUND and OVER head | |
Ex25-03 | Ex30-12 | TAXES for base;VOLUNTARY for vessels | |
Nu04-05 | Nu04-15 | PRIESTS pack; KEHATHITES carry*10 | |
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*1 See Lv26-03. Thus Lv26-03:06 explicitly states that when we observe, God will remove wild animals. Dt08-02 by contrast, explains that conquest of Israel will happen slowly FOR IF IT HAPPEEND QUICKLY WILD ANIMALS WOULD COME (because the Jews moral nature was not yet perfected and the protection of Lv26-03:06 does not yet apply) *11 *2 COARSE flour was used in cooking to wash the pot sides to clear it from rust producing agents and rotted food particles. *3 I should mention the Brilliant Malbim who points out to a repeated object denoting emphasis ----------------------------------------- She opened it and saw HIM -- a CHILD ----------------------------------------- Thus the child had a certain regality *12 *4 This distinction is explicitly mentioned in Ex01-10 Pharoh was concerned that the Jewish minority would align with an Egyptian enemy. Hence he killed the males. *13 *5 See Lv08-16:21 for Moses acting as a Priest. During this brief period Moses used the Temple Basin. *6 First we note that MONUMENTS (MCBA) were made of 1 stone. Compare the following verses - Gn31-45 Jacob took the STONE and made MONUMENT - Gn28-18 Jacob took the STONE and made Monument Next we note that God found the MONUMENT that Jacob made (and declared to be a house of God), God found this altar pleasing. ----------------------------------------------- - Gn31-13 I am the God of Beth El where you made a monument --[I am with you] Therefore leave this place ----------------------------------------------- Finally we compare the following 4 contradictory verses ------------------------------------------------ Ex20-21:22 You can make altars of EARTH, STONES Dt27-05 Make altar of stones when coming to Israel Dt16-22a Don't make MONUMENT Dt16-22b Don't make MONUMENT, hated by God Gn28-18 Jacob took the stone and made a MONUMENT ------------------------------------------------ In this discussion we treat ALTARS and MONUMENTS the same. The contradictory verses can be resolved as follows - ONE-STONE altars/monuments are - - prohibited to us and hated by God - - permitted to Patriarches and liked by God - MANY STONE altars/Monuments are permitted*14 | |||
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*10 Rashis point is strengthened by the abrupt change of subject ----------------------------------------------- Nu04-04 This is the job of the KEHATHITES Nu04-05 The PRIESTS come and cover the articles ... Nu04-15 ..and AFTERWARDS the KEHATHITES come ----------------------------------------------- If one just reads Nu04-04 and Nu04-05 by themselves it appears as if the PRIESTS mentioned in Nu04-05 refer back to the KEHATHITES mentioned in Nu04-04 *11 Interesting Rashi cites a verse in Job rather than the explicit Lv26-03:06. Rashi also does not explicitly mention that he is using the rule of resolving 2 contradictory cases. But that IS what Rashi does. It seems rather straightforward to introduce Lv26-03:06. Rashi probably expected the reader to know this verse since it comes in the great REBUKE---Rashi complements this verses with complementary verses in Job *12 Rashis actual language is that ------------------------------------ She saw Gods presence with him ------------------------------------ I have tempered this a bit as follows --------------------------- She saw the childs regality --------------------------- I think Rashis point is to explain why she risked her life to save a Jewish child This child was different--he had a certain regality...why not raise him as an Egyptian He would fit in well with the Royal house *13 Rashi actually says ------------------------------------------ Pharohs astrologers said that the Jews have just had a male savior born. Pharoh therefore decreed the death of the male Jews ------------------------------------------ However the REAL driving force of Rashi is the contradictory verses and the resolution from an explicit verse. Rashi avails himself of OTHER VERSES which show that Pharoh always consulted with his astrologers (eg Ex08-12:15). Thus Rashi is simply dressing up the contradiction. The real point of Rashi is the contradiction and the distinction between the people(hated all) and the King. (concerned about security) *14 Rashi does not give a reason why 1-stone altars are prohibited but many-stone are ok. I would suggest that 1-stone altars are so to speak BLEMISHED altars-altars made on the rush. Throughout the offering literature blemished items are considered poor taste. The patriarchs however were busy converting people frequently. Hence,they made altars on the go (one stone altars) and this was liked by God. |
*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2005, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#
VERSE: Gn08-17b
RASHIS COVERED: Gn08-17b Gn09-14a Gn09-14b
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | ||
SUCCINCT SUMMARY ---------------- The FORMATTING rule seeks to explain Rashis based on the FORMATTING of the Biblical text. FORMATTING techniques in modern writing include use of bold, italics,underline, bullets, paragraph indentation and similar items. The Bible indicated FORMATTING using its own techniques: For example - the Bible indicates bold,italics, underline thru REPETITION - the Bible indicates bulleting, thru REPEATING keywords The Bible can also indicate FORMATTING thru meaning without any formal structure. EXAMPLE Gn08-17b ---------------- Gn08-17 states ------------------------------------------- All animals--birds, animals, insects Take out of the ark - Let them be fruitful on the LAND - let them multiply on the LAND ------------------------------------------- Rashi comments -------------------------------------- The repeated word ON THE LAND indicates emphasis. They were encouraged to reproduce now on the land but in the ark they were prohibited from cohabitation in the ark --------------------------------------- Here Rashi interprets the word LAND literally and restrictively. EXAMPLE 2: Gn09-14a,b --------------------- Gn09-14 states ----------------------------------------- [I will make a rainbow as a convenant] When I CLOUD A CLOUD(Burst) on land the rainbow will be seen during the storm ----------------------------------------- Rashi comments ---------------------------------------- The REPETITION, CLOUD A CLOUD, indicates a fierce storm--so to speak-- a storm with ONLY CLOUDS with no glimmer of sunlight ---------------------------------------- Here Rashi interprets the REPETITION restrictively and literally. LIST160a below presents other examples where verses are interpreted restrictively because of a REPETITION. | ||
ITEM | DETAIL | |
RASHI RULE CLASS: | REPETITION | |
RASHI SUBRULE CLASS | RESTRICTIVE MEANING | |
RASHI WORKBOOK PRINCIPLE | #19 | |
SEE BELOW | LIST160a | |
List of verses with | REPEATED words interpreted restrictvely |
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | |||
List of verses with REPEATED words interpreted restrictively | |||
VERSE | TEXT OF VERSE | MEANING OF REPETITION | |
Gn08-17b | multiply ON LAND;fruitful onLAND | On LAND,not on ARK | |
Nu30-03a | vow to PROHIBIT a PROHIBITION | Prohibit NEUTRAL*12 | |
Nu04-04a | The HOLY of HOLIES | Holiest part of temple | |
Ex31-15a | A SABBATH of SABBATHS*1 | Even cooking prohibited | |
Lv13-49a | Y-R-K-R-K (GreenReen) | The GREENEST of GREENS*2 | |
Lv13-49b | A-D-M-D-M (Reded) | The REDEST of REDS*2 | |
Gn09-14a | when I CLOUD A CLOUD on land | Intense Storm(no light) | |
Gn09-14b | when I CLOUD A CLOUD on land | Intense Storm*14 | |
Gn28-11a | He prayed by THE PLACE..PLACE*3 | >THE PLACE<=the Temple | |
Gn37-15a | And a MAN found him..THE MAN.*4 | >THE MAN<=AProphet/Angel | |
-------- | ------------------------------- | ----------------------- | |
Nu12-01h | HAD been married HAD been .... | She is now DIVORCED | |
Lv01-08d | wood on fire ON ALTAR ON ALTAR | No wood protruding*5 | |
Lv14-17a | Blood on ear;Oil on ear ON BLOOD | BLOOD must be first*5 | |
Lv21-03a | NonMarried sister-close to brthr | single or engaged*6 | |
Lv21-03b | NonMarried sister-close to brthr | single or engaged*6 | |
Lv22-22f | Dont offer Dont offer..blemished | ANY act of offering*7 | |
Lv21-21b | BLEMISHED BLEMISHED priests... | If still blemished*8 | |
Lv06-20c | Blood on GARMENT,SPRINKLED PART | Only SPRINKLED PART*9 | |
Lv22-13b | STRANGER STRANGER cant eat Trmh | Only stranger*11 | |
Lv22-15b | Sell according to YEARS YEARS*12 | At least 2 yr for sale | |
Lv22-15a | Sell according to YEARS YEARS*12 | At least 2 yr for sale | |
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*1 Ex31-15b further points out that all holidays which are referred to as >SABBATH of SABBATH< (Ex31-15, Lv23-32) have prohibitions of both WORK and EATING. By contrast all holidays which are only called >SABBATH< (Lv23-23 and Lv23-39) only have a prohibition of Work but not a prohibition of COOKING. This is fully discussed at http://www.RashiYomi.Com/h6n12.htm) *2 This is fully discussed in http://www.RashiYomi.Com/h1n23.htm Ibn Ezra seems to disagree and state that GReenReen means a light green (which would contradict this list). But as I show in that posting, Ibn Ezra retracted what he said in his commentary on Ps45-03. In fact Ibn Ezra simply points out that he was testing the consistency of this rule against all doubled roots. To make a long story short we reviewed all roots & found possible problems with only 2 verses, Ps38-11 and Songs6-1. However we can properly translate these verses Ps38-11 would be translated as >My heart FLUTTERS (intense back and forth motion)<; Similarly Songs6-1 would be translated as >Dont avoid me simply because I am very SUNBURNED (an intense form of DAWN-COLOR) *3 Many of the examples in this list are CONSTRUCTS e.g. The HOLY of HOLIES. Future additions to this list will emphasize examples similar to Lv01-08d *4 So the repeated word MAN must refer to the narrow meaning of the Hebrew ISH which means A DISTINGUISHED man such as an Angel or Judge. *5 In legal terminology the repetition creates ESSENTIALITY - The wood is on the altar; and MUST be on the altar - Blood on ear; oil on ear; and the blood MUST come first *6 In other words the priest can defile himself to a sister who is REALLY NOT MARRIED (not married and still CLOSE to her brother the Priest)--thus the priest can defile himself to a SINGLE and ENGAGED sister but not to a MARRIED sister *7 If you review Lv22-17:25 you will find 3-5 repetitions of the concept that BLEMISHED ANIMALS SHOULD NOT BE OFFERED (or PLACED ON FIRE) TO GOD. Therefore the REPETITION applies to ANY PART OF THE OFFERING PROCEDURE. The main parts of the OFFERING PROCEDURE are - DEDICATION of the animal - SLAUGHTER of animal - RECEIPT of animal blood - OFFERING ON FIRE of organs*10 *8 In other words only is he is REALLY BLEMISHED = STILL BLEMISHED (But if he recovered from the Blemish then the law does not apply and he can offer offerings) *9 The verse states ---------------------------------------------------- If blood falls on a GARMENT, then wash in the temple THAT ON WHICH IT FELL ---------------------------------------------------- The capped words indicate a quasi repetition. This repetition creates emphasis. ONLY the part of the garment on which the blood is sprinkled need be washed. | |||
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*10 An important point about learning Rashi should be emphasized. Many Rashi commentators play NUMBER GAMES - they count FOUR repetitions of DONT OFFER - they then note FOUR applications of emphasis in Rashi (to a) Dedication b) Slaughter c) receipt of blood d) offering However our approach in this list has always been conceptual. The REPETITION denotes EMPHASIS. The EMPHASIS in turn simply includes ALL CASES--ALL PARTS OF THE PROCEDURE. We think this a mature and satisfying approach to Rashi. *11 The whole verselet A STRANGER CANNOT EAT TERUMAH is repeated. The simple way of taking it is that - ONLY strangers are restricted from eating TERUMAH - ALL other PRIESTS (EVEN SUCh AND SUCH) may eat TERUMAH The details of the EVEN SUCH AND SUCH are not necessarily explicitly mentioned and must be guessed at by those knowledgeable of Jewish law. Rashi(Lv22-13b) applies the EVEN SUCH AND SUCH (Lv22-13b) to a Priest whose relative just died and prior to burial. EVEN THOUGH a BEFORE-BURIAL PRIEST MAY NOT EAT SACRIFICIAL ITEMS nevertheless he MAY EAT TERUMAH *12 Note the following repetition -Lv25-15b buy from colleagues by NUMBER YEARS SINCE JUBILEE -Lv25-15b sell -------------- by NUMBER YEARS OF PRODUCE Without the REPETITION I would simply state (as Rashi does) ----------------------------------------------------------- So eg if your field produces an average yield of $1000 a year then in year 0 of the Jubilee it would be worth 50,000 because the buyer would expect $1000 x 50 years=50,000; by contrast in year 40 of the Jubilee it would be worth 10,000 because the buyer only expect $1000 x 10 years=10,000 In other words the VALUE OF THE FIELD = YIELD PER YEAR x NUMBER OF YEARS If however a person sold the field for $50,000 in year 40 he would be overcharging for the field and violating a Biblical law ----------------------------------------------------------- It is important to emphasize that, as Rashi states ---------------------------------------------------- Whatever other meaning we derive (from the repetition), these OTHER MEANINGS, are BESIDES the simple meaning of the text ---------------------------------------------------- Without the REPETITION I would look at the PLURAL WORD YEARS in the verse and simply state --------------------------------------------------- Most sales are for YEARS (vs 1 year). Hence the law is stated using typical examples. However the law applies EQUALLY whether you sold the field for one YEAR or many YEARS. --------------------------------------------------- Here I used the Rashi rule of GENERALIZATION--which requires that verses are seen as stating laws using typical examples. However we dont use the rule of GENERALIZATION when the verse has some limitation. Thus using the Rashi rule of REPETITION we see that - the REPETITION requires EMPHASIS - the EMPHASIS requires RESTRICTIVE meaning I therefore infer that -------------------------------------------------- A sale of land requires a minimum of 2 years. We infer this from the REPEATED word, YEARS which indicates AT LEAST TWO YEARS -------------------------------------------------- To recap: - It would be a mistake to think that Rashi arbitrarily picked on the word YEARS and required all sales to be two years - Indeed in many cases Biblical laws are stated using typical examples and generalized to other cases - However SINCE there is a REPETITION in the verse therefore I am justified and required to interpret the verse literally---a sale must be for at least YEARS (that is 2 years) The above is a peachy example of Rashi...it shows that pickiness and restrictive meaning is only one tool available to the Biblical student--this tool may ONLY be used when required. In this verse it is the repetition that requires it-- without the repetition I would not have come to this conclusion. This is fundamental to understanding Talmudic homiletics *13 You can vow to PROHIBIT a PROHIBITION on something NEUTRAL but you cannot vow to prohibit an OBLIGATION (Such as a vow to abstain from the Passover offering which you are obligated to eat) *14 Gn09-14b and Gn09-14a are really one Rashi. But this email list is based on the Davka edition of Rashi, version 3.0.6. Since there are two boldface words on Gn09-14 we count them as two Rashis. Note there is a slight problem with - interpreting CLOUD A CLOUD=storm without light - and the verse statement--RAINBOW will be seen So Rashi adds as follows ----------------------------------------------- When God PLANS to bring a fierce storm He will see the rainbow and not go all the way ----------------------------------------------- |
*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2005, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#
(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 | |
19 | 160a | When I CLOUD A CLOUD on land==create a FIERCE Storm | |
19 | 160a | multiply ON LAND-be fruitful on LAND==no cohabitation in ark | |
14 | 510a | LET ANIMALS go:if they want vs. EVICT THEM(if they don't want) | |
08 | 005f | THIS is the sign of convenant==God showed Noah an actual RAINBOW | |
27 | 606f | Animals left ark BY FAMILY; Promised not to be promiscuous | |
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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 | |
======== | =============== | ===================================== | |
Gn08-19a | DATABASE | Animals left ark BY FAMILY(modesty!) | |
Gn09-17a | SPECIAL WORDS | THIS is the sign;God SHOWED rainbow | |
Gn08-17a | CONTRADICTION | LET animals go; if not EVICT them | |
Gn08-17b | REPETITION | CLOUD CLOUD=fierce storm.... | |
Gn09-14a | REPETITION | CLOUD CLOUD=fierce storm.... | |
Gn09-14b | REPETITION | CLOUD CLOUD=fierce storm.... | |
--------- | ---------------- | ----------------------------------- |
*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2005, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#