Rashi-Is-Simple Mailing List VISIT the RASHI DATABASE archives AT http://www.RashiYomi.com/ Surfing the Talmudic Seas (C) RashiYomi Incorporated, 2006 Written by Dr Russell Jay Hendel Volume 29 Number 4 For the WORD QUALITY HTML VERSION click here ----------------------------------- http://www.Rashiyomi.com/h29n3.htm ----------------------------------- Produced Mar 3rd, 2006 |
(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) |
*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2006, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#
VERSE: Ex25-03a
(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 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: Ex25-03 ------------------- Ex25-01:03 states ----------------------------------- Command the Jews to take DONATIONS whoever wishes to DONATE. And these are the DONATIONS you should take ...gold SILVER and COPPER ----------------------------------- But Ex30-11:13 states ------------------------------------- When you make a CENSUS people should give HALF A SHEKEL of silver ------------------------------------- This is further spelled out at Ex38-25:28 -------------------------------------------- The silver from the half shekels was so much and so much and used to make the silver stands for the boards and the curtain hooks -------------------------------------------- We see the CONTRADICTION: Was the silver a VOLUNTARY donation or a REQUIRED TAX? Rashi answers by distinguishing TWO CASES of the silver ----------------------------------------------------- - There was a REQUIRED TAX of HALF SHEKEL used for the stands and curtain hooks - There was an ADDITIONAL VOLUNTARY TAX---the silver gathered was used to make silver utensils in the sanctuary ----------------------------------------------------- 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 | |
Ex25-03 | Ex30-13 | Two sources: REQUIRED silver tax &VOLUNTARY*16 | |
Ex24-12 | Nu27-05 | The 10 commmandments cover all areas of law | |
Gn37-10 | Gn37-11 | PUBLICLY:Jacob disagreed;PRIVATELY:agreed*15 | |
Gn27-05 | Gn27-05 | Esauv went to HUNT food;if not-to buy/steal | |
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. *15 PUBLICLY: He disagreed so as not to further inflame the brothers who hated Joseph PRIVATELY: He agreed because he believed in the dream *16 Ex25-01:03 states ----------------------------------- Command the Jews to take DONATIONS whoever wishes to DONATE. And these are the DONATIONS you should take ...gold SILVER and COPPER ----------------------------------- But Ex30-11:13 states ------------------------------------- When you make a CENSUS people should give HALF A SHEKEL of silver ------------------------------------- This is further spelled out at Ex38-25:28 -------------------------------------------- The silver from the half shekels was so much and so much and used to make the silver stands for the boards and the curtain hooks -------------------------------------------- We see the CONTRADICTION: Was the silver a VOLUNTARY donation or a REQUIRED TAX? Rashi answers by distinguishing TWO CASES of the silver ----------------------------------------------------- - There was a REQUIRED TAX of HALF SHEKEL used for the stands and curtain hooks - There was an ADDITIONAL VOLUNTARY TAX---the silver gathered was used to make silver utensils in the sanctuary ----------------------------------------------------- |
*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2006, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#
VERSE: Ex25-15a
RASHIS COVERED: Ex25-15a Ex25-18a Ex25-20a Gn03-24b
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | ||
SUCCINCT SUMMARY ---------------- Rashi frequently makes powerful inferences from the ALIGNMENT, that is, the word by word comparison, of almost identical verses.The minor variations between these almost similar verses suggests nuances and differences or even meaning. We call this the Rashi rule of ALIGNMENT -When Rashi identifies two cases from the ALIGNMENT we call this the Rashi subrule of TWO CASES -When Rashi infers nuances from the variations between the almost similar verses (or verse phrases) we call this the Rashi subrule of NUANCES. -When Rashi infers MEANING from the ALIGNMENT of almost identical phrases we call this the Rashi SUBRULE of MEANING. EXAMPLE Ex25-15a ---------------- Note the contrast between Ex25-13:15 Ex27-06:07 Ex26-28 These three verses which discuss the construction of the - Ark - Altar - Table all have in common 4 phrases ----------------------------- - make wooden poles - overlay them with gold (or copper) - bring the poles in the rings - to carry the temple utensil ----------------------------- However the Biblical text for the Ark adds two more phrases not found by the Altar and Table ------------------------- - The poles will remain in the rings - they will not depart from them ------------------------- This blatant difference motivates the following Rashi ------------------------------------- There is a prohibition of removing the ark poles from the ark. That is the Biblical sentence THE POLES WILL NOT DEPART FROM THE ARK is not a DESCRIPTION but rather a PROHIBITION ------------------------------------- Rashi infers this from the ALIGNMENT. Some Rashi-ists may prefer to use the rule of REPETITION (It keeps on saying ...POLES IN RINGS, POLES IN RINGS NO DEPARTURE thus creating an emphasis) however the ALIGNMENT is punchier since the contrast shows an intent. LIST309M summarizes this ALIGNMENT. EXAMPLE 2: Ex25-18a Ex25-20a Gn03-24b ------------------------------------- A variety of Rashis comment on the Kerubim. These Rashis base themselves on an ALIGNMENT of the verses in Ezekiel speaking about the Kerubim -Ez01-10 describes the Kerubim as a creature with 4 faces: Human, OX, Lion, Eagle -Ez10-14 describes the Kerubim as a create with 4 faces: Human, KERUB, Lion Eagle -Ez10-20 identifies these two visions as one and the same It follows that the KERUB is an OX. However the Talmud goes a step further. It doesn't see the Kerubim as a four-headed creature but rather interprets the Kerubim as - being human - with form of an ox (crawls like a baby) - and jumps around like an eagle - and tears and claws like a lion. Hence the Talmudic statement that the KERUBS had the FACE OF A CHILD (Ex25-18a) and had the height of a baby- 40 inches (Ex25-20a) The LION head indicates that they were destructive (Gn03-24b). This is also born out by scriptural usage (P018-08:16) which describes God as riding on KERUBs to initiate retaliation against the enemy. Again: The basic idea of OX=CERUB is that the CERUBING were CHILDREN who CRAWLED LIKE AN OX (They faced the world' like an Ox). LIST343s summarizes this ALIGNMENT | ||
ITEM | DETAIL | |
RASHI RULE CLASS: | ALIGNMENT | |
RASHI SUBRULE CLASS | NUANCES | |
RASHI WORKBOOK PRINCIPLE | #11 | |
SEE BELOW | LIST309M | |
Alignment of verses with | Carrying poles for Temple utensils | |
----------------------- | ----------------------------------------- | |
RASHI RULE CLASS: | ALIGNMENT | |
RASHI SUBRULE CLASS | MEANING | |
RASHI WORKBOOK PRINCIPLE | #12 | |
SEE BELOW | LIST343s | |
List of phrases in | Ezekiel describing KERUBIM=child like |
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | |||
Alignment of verses with Carrying poles for Temple utensils | |||
Ex25-13:15 | Ex27-06:07 | Ex26-28 | |
Ark | Altar | Table | |
----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | |
Make wooden poles | Make wooden poles | Make wooden poles | |
Overlay with Gold | Overlay with copper | Overlay with gold | |
Put poles in rings | put poles in rings | rings for poles | |
to carry the ark | when carrying altar | Table carried by | |
Poles remain in poles | *1 | *1 | |
no departure | *1 | *1 | |
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*1 (Ex25-15a) The addes phrases by the Ark, POLES REMAIN ...NO DEPARTURE clearly show a PROHIBITION of removing the poles. That is the Biblical sentence NO DEPARTURE is not a DESCRIPTION of TIGHTNESS but a PROHIBITION. |
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | |||||
List of phrases in Ezekiel describing KERUBIM=child like | |||||
VERSE | OX FACE | MAN FACE | LION FACE | EAGLE FACE | |
Ez01-10*1 | Ox | Man | Lion | Eagle | |
Ez10-14*1 | KERUB | Man | Lion | Eagle | |
Differs | *2 * | 3 | |||
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*1 Ez10-20 identifies the vision of Ez10-14 as identical with the vision of Ez01-10*10 *2 -The ALIGNMENT shows that OX=KERUB. -The verse speaks about ox-man-lion-eagle face. The Talmud apparently does not interpret this as a 4-headed creature but rather as a - man - who has the form of an ox (Crawls like a baby) - who jumps around like an eagle - who tears and destroys like a lion Hence the Talmudic statement that the KERUBS had the FACE OF A CHILD (Ex25-18a) and had the height of a baby- 40 inches (Ex25-20a) The LION head indicates that they were destructive (Gn03-24b). This is also born out by scriptural usage (P018-08:16) which describes God as riding on KERUBs to initiate retaliation against the enemy. Again: The basic idea of OX=CERUB is that the CERUBING were CHILDREN who CRAWLED LIKE AN OX (They faced the world' like an Ox). *3 We have reversed the word order in the verses to heighten the point of the ALIGNMENT | |||||
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*10 The idea of deriving the meaning of the Kerubim from the ALIGNMENT of the EZEKELIAN verses comes from the Talmud Sucah 5a which Rashi cites. |
*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2006, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#
VERSE: Ex25-17a
(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 EXAMPLES Ex25-17a ----------------- Ex25-17 states ----------------------------------------- Make a temple utensil called the KAPORETH ----------------------------------------- The FUNCTION of the Kaporeth is illuminated by an OTHER VERSE Ex25-21 which states ----------------------------------------- Place the KAPORETH on the ARK after placing the tablets in the ark ----------------------------------------- Hence we infer that the KAPORETH functions as an ARK COVER. This is further confirmed by the meaning of the root of KAPORETH--Kaph-Pay-Resh can refer to a FROST LIKE OVERLAY which covers the ground; it can also refer to OVERLAYING an object with TAR. Hence the meaning of COVER is consistent. LIST210w 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 | LIST210w | |
List of verses pairs | with one verse illuminating another |
(C) Dr Hendel, Jan-04 | ||||
List of verses pairs with one verse illuminating another LIST210w CONTINUES LIST210a LIST210z LIST210y LIST210x | ||||
VERSE | TEXT OF VERSE | OTHER VRSE | DETAILS | |
Ex25-17a | Make a KAPORETH | Ex25-21 | KAPORETH=Ark COVER | |
Ex21-13a | Murderer HUNTS | Dt19-11 | Murderer ambushes*4 | |
Ex24-12b | Go up MOUNTAIN for Torah | Dt09-09:11 | Go up 40 days | |
Ex23-24a | demolish THEM*18 | Dt12-03 | THEM=Their idols*1 | |
------- | ----------------------- | --------- | ------------------ | |
Ex24-02a | Moses alone approaches | Ex20-18 | God in Dark Cloud*2 | |
Ex24-03b | All Gods commands | Ex19-10:25 | 3 day preparation | |
Ex24-03c | All Gods ordinances*3 | Ex15-25 | Laws given in Marah | |
------- | ----------------------- | --------- | ------------------ | |
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*1 There is a subtlety in this Rashi. Verse Ex23-24 states ------------------------------------------------ - Dont bow to THEIR(the nation's) gods - Dont worship THEM (the gods) - Rather demolish THEM (who?The nations?or their gods?) - break THEIR (the nation's) monument altars ------------------------------------------------ Rashi's point is indicated in the parenthetical comments The DEMOLISH command refers to DEMOLISH the IDOLS not DEMOLISH the NATIONS! *2 Actually Ex24-01:02 states ---------------------------------------- the rest of you bow from afar and Moses alone will go up without the nation ---------------------------------------- This almost totally parallels Ex20-18 which states ---------------------------------------- The nation stood afar and Moses approached the dark cloud where God was ---------------------------------------- *3 Rashi ALSO mentions the ORDINANCES of Shabbath, Noachides and Honoring ones parents. The MAIN driving force behind Rashi in interpreting Ex24-03 is the OTHER VERSE method. The OTHER VERSE method could also refer to Ex16-28:29 which mentions the Sabbath. I simply chose the MAIN OTHER VERSE Ex15-25 that also mentions ORDINANCES. *4 (Rashi)HUNT and AMBUSH are simply two good examples of PREMEDITATION. The Torah distinguishes the treatment of a PREMEDITATED murder from a NEGLIGENT murder. |
*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2006, 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 | |
14 | 510a | 2 SILVER contributions:a) required $1/2 tax;b)voluntary donation | |
11 | 309m | Ark-Table-Altar had carrying poles:Only by ark--NEVER REMOVE | |
12 | 343s | KERUBIM=child like creatures that crawl like babies(ox face) | |
1 | 210w | Make a KAPORETH(Ex25-17a) means make an ARK COVER(Ex25-21) | |
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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 | |
======== | =============== | ===================================== | |
Ex25-03a | CONTRADICTION | 2 silver donations:required-voluntary | |
Ex25-15a | ALIGNMENT | Dont remove poles;KERUBIM=child like | |
Ex25-18a | ALIGNMENT | Dont remove poles;KERUBIM=child like | |
Ex25-20a | ALIGNMENT | Dont remove poles;KERUBIM=child like | |
Gn03-24b | ALIGNMENT | Dont remove poles;KERUBIM=child like | |
Ex25-17a | OTHER VERSES | ||
--------- | ---------------- | ----------------------------------- |
*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2006, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#