Rashi-Is-Simple Mailing List
VISIT the RASHI DATABASE archives AT
http://www.shamash.org/rashi
(C) Dr Russell Jay Hendel, 2000
Volume 5 Number 14
Produced Mar, 06 2000
WARNING: USE FIX WIDTH FONTS (eg COURIER (NEW) 10)
Verses/Topics Discussed in This Issue with quicky explanations
--------------------------------------------------------------
v6-3-6
NEW NEW...(1) ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS (Dr Loike)
(2) Revision of LISTS OF RASHI RULES (Mention of Rashi
is Simplist's, Jane Harpers paper). (3) Should we
continue the HEBREW FONTS (4) LIST OF RASHI RULES
at bottom of each digest
v7-7-7
NEW NEW NEW......NEW NEW NEW Complete Revised List of
Rashi-is-Simple Rules, WITH examples and WITH
references----under 100 lines!
v2z32-13
Answer to John Loikes question about 2-32-13. When Moses
prayed 'REMEMBER THE PATRIARCHS' he was referring to
many things. Chapter 44 of Shmoth Rabbah lists 7
explanations--Rashi simply cited the 1st--his goal was
not to give INTERPRETATION but ENRICHMENT
v2a32-4
v2-32-4:6 have 2 possible interpretations: (1) And he
FASHIONED (Y Tz R) the calf in a CALDRON (Ch R T) into
MOLTEN (N S Ch) metal or (2) And he ETCHED (Y Tz R) on
the calf with a PEN (Ch R T) making it a VISION CALF (N
S Ch ) (ie it inspires dreams).
#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*# (C) Dr Hendel, 1999 *#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*
RASHI IS SIMPLE
GOALS: To grammatically defend all 8000 Rashis on Chumash.
METHOD:Every Rashi will be defended with a LIST of comparable cases
INTENDED AUDIENCE: Laymen, Academicians, Rabbis, Yeshiva students
COMMENTS,QUESTIONS: EMail to address below; (minor edits may occur)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:Always given unless 'anonymous' is explicitly asked
(UN)SUBSCRIBE: Email to above with keyword "(UN)subscribe"
JOURNAL REFERECE: Pshat & Drash, TRADITION, Win 1980, R Hendel
NOTATION: eg v2b1-8 refers to Ex(Book 2) Chap 1 Verse 8 Rashi b(#2)
SPECIALS:...on Rambam,Ramban,Symbolism,Pedagogy,Daily Questions
EMAIL: RJHendel@Juno.Com,rashi-is-simple@shamash.org,
#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*# (C) Dr Hendel, 1999 *#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*
VERSE: v6-3-6
======
FIRST
=======
At the beginning of Volume 5 I called for more
>READER QUESTIONS
We have had many questions---and I decided it would be proper to
follow up and answer them.
So I answer several of Dr John Loikes questions in this issue.
In the next issue I will answer Donna Quartermaines question about
>Where did Rashi learn that 80% of the Jews died
>in the wilderness
NEXT
=====
Rashi-is-Simplist
>Jane Harper
sent me a copy of a term paper she wrote for a University course
>Genesis 1: Trying to wrench a simple meaning from a
>complex passage
In this paper Jane used the hierarchy of rules I have been using
to analyze Genesis 1. Based on this encouragement I have revised
the original list of rules. There are 4 main categories. Rashi
gives
>MEANING
>GRAMMAR-STYLE
>OVERALL STRUCTURE
>IMPLICATIONS
Each of these 4 categories is broken into a half dozen categories
(with examples) and references.
From this issue you can find the list of all
>RULES BY WHICH RASHIS ARE LEARNED
at the bottom of every digest each week. The web page will also
be updated.
ALSO
====
Because of protests I have stopped using the Hebrew ascii
fonts. But if you want them back let me know
FINALLY
========
Any other suggestions--questions--papers--comments--please send
them in.
Respectfully
Russell Jay Hendel; Phd ASA
Moderator Rashi is Simple
http://www.shamash.org/rashi/
#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*# (C) Dr Hendel, 1999 *#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*
(Here is version 2---Thanks to Jane Harper for
encouraging me to revise my rules)
THE 2 DOZEN RASHI-IS-SIMPLE RASHI RULES
=======================================
I: RASHI gives MEANING
======================
A: WORD MEANINGS--(eg)"on the face of"=during the lifetime
(v2n6,v4-3-4), http://www.shamash.org/rashi/v4-3-4.htm
B: SPECIAL WORDS--(eg)ACH=USUALLY;USUALLY observe shabbath!
(v2n6, v4-1-49),http://www.shamash.org/rashi/v4-1-49.htm
C: SYNONYMS--(eg)YShV=RESIDE; GARTI='INNED'--temporary say
(v1n1, v1-32-5), http://www.shamash.org/rashi/v1-32-5.htm
D: UNIFIED MEANING--(eg)Tz Ch K = (a) laugh, OR (b) mock
(v4n4, v1-21-9), http://www.shamash.org/rashi/v1-21-9.htm
E: NEW MEANINGS--(eg)HEAD-MOUTH of garment = HEM of Garment
(v5n10,v2a28-32),http://www.shamash.org/rashi/v2a28-32.htm
II: RASHI teaches GRAMMAR/STYLE
===============================
F: CLASSICAL GRAMMAR--(eg)HEY+CHATAF PATACH=QUESTION
(v2n24,v1b3-11),http://www.shamash.org/rashi/v1b3-11.htm
G: USAGE(NEW GRAMMAR)--(eg)INFINITIVE=GERUND;WATCHING laws;
(v2n10,v4-32-6),http://www.shamash.org/rashi/v4-32-6.htm
H: ROOT+PREPOSITION--(eg) BCH AL=cries about,BCH ETH=mourn
(v1n14,v1a45-14),http://www.shamash.org/rashi/v1a45-14.htm
I: SEMANTIC RULES--(eg) WAGES="ENDoF"="END oF Work Day';
(v1n10,v1b1-1),http://www.shamash.org/rashi/v1b1-1.htm
J: STYLE--(eg)REPETITION denotes Endearment;'Abraham,Abraham
(v1n6,v2-1-1),http://www.shamash.org/rashi/v2-1-1.htm
K: DOUBLE NOUNS--(eg)HIT HIT by sword ('even without sword')
(v2n20,v2a22-25),http://www.shamash.org/rashi/v2a22-25.htm
L: PRONOUNS--(eg) sanctify OTHO = sanctify ONLY IT;
(v2n10,v4a7-1),http://www.shamash.org/rashi/v4a7-1.htm
III: OVERALL TEXTUAL STRUCTURE
==============================
M: OTHER VERSES--(eg)STONE(3-25-13)=BALANCE STONES(3-19-36)
(v3n9,v5b25-13),http://www.shamash.org/rashi/v5b25-13.htm
N: EXTRA SENTENCES--(eg)he'll dress his measurement=TAYLORED
(v1n20,v3a6-3),http://www.shamash.org/rashi/v3a6-3.htm
O: DOUBLE PARSHAS-'he WILL pray'-'he WON'T pray';So Optional
(v3n12,v5a24-14),http://www.shamash.org/rashi/v5a24-14.htm
P: CLIMAX-(eg 5-19-11)(a)Hate, (b)spy, (c)confront,(d)Murder
(v3n9,v5-19-11),http://www.shamash.org/rashi/v5-19-11.htm
Q: OVERALL STRUCTURE-growing nails=despisement(from context)
(v3n8,v5-21-12),http://www.shamash.org/rashi/v5-21-12.htm
IV: IMPLICATIONS & DERIVATIONS
==============================
R: STAGES-learn HUMAN marital frequency from ANIMAL ratios
(v1n14,v1a32-15),http://www.shamash.org/rashi/v1a32-15.htm
S: MORAL LESSONS/REASONS-God spoke before punishment;we too
(v2n12,v4-12-9),http://www.shamash.org/rashi/v4-12-9.htm
T: RabbiIshmael-(eg)When an OX gores; OR ANY animal gores;
(v2n19,v2-22-17),http://www.shamash.org/rashi/v2-22-17.htm
V: OVERALL
=================
U: SYMBOLISM-'WASHING his clothes in wine'=PLENTY of wine;
(v4n18,v1a49-11),http://www.shamash.org/rashi/v1a49-11.htm
V: PICTURES--(eg) The TZITZ was like a HELMET over a turban
(v5n12,v2-40-35),http://www.shamash.org/rashi/v2-40-35.htm
W: TABLES/SPREADSHEETS---To appear
End of Rashi-Is-Simple Digest
#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*# (C) Dr Hendel, 1999 *#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*
VERSE: v2z32-13
======
v2z32-13 [Moderator: This happened during Moses' prayer
to God to forgive the Jews for the Golden Calf]
Remember the Patriarchs
RASHI TEXT: v2z32-13 'Remember the Patriarchs'
========== Remember the 10 tests that Abraham underwent and for
his sake forgive the 10 sins that the Jews did
in the wilderness
QUESTION AND ANSWER:
===================
Dr John Loike asked in Volume 5 Number 11, in posting v2q25-00,
>How does this prayer of Moses 'naturally and simply'
>refer to the 10 tests of Abraham (Please refer to
>the original posting for a complete text)
This was answered in Volume 1 Number 17, v2a32-13 and can be found
on the Rashi website at
>http://www.shamash.org/rashi/v2a32-13.htm
A brief synopsis is as follows
1) Rashi was not bothered by anything in the verse---the verse is
perfectly clear---Moses prayed to God and asked that the memory
of the Patriarchs stand in Moses favor
2) Rashi was in fact citing the opening Braiitha of Exodus Rabbah
Chapter 44 which lists 10 braiitoth the last 7 of which try and
enrich the appreciation of the prayer (The first 3 have nothing
to do with this verse which is why Rashi cited Braiithah 4 which is
the start of 7 braiithahs dealing with Moses mention of the
Patriarchs)
3) Rashi frequently used workbook methods. He cited one solution
and encouraged the students to find their own solutions. The
reason for this approach is that their is no one RIGHT
INTERPRETATION of this verse. Rashi is merely trying to enrich
our appreciation of Moses prayer, REMEMBER THE PATRIARCHS. Any
and every nuance leads to further appreciation.
By analogy if a man brought home 10 roses to his wife on his
anniversary various people might try and midrashically enrich
the nuances of his behavior
>they were married 10 years so he brought 10 roses
>he proposed to her with roses
>her maiden name is Rose
In such a situation
>the meaning of the text is clear
>there are no problems
>there is a clear meaning to the text
it is permissable to enrich the text with as many nuances as
possible.
In fact there are other Baraiithahs in Chapter 44 that are far
superior in giving nuances
>Moses argued as follows
>
>If they are liable to BURNING for making the golden calf
>then let Abraham who was saved from the BURNING FURNACE
>atone
>
>If they are liable to SLAUGHTER for making the golden calf
>then let Isaac who was OFFERED FOR SLAUGHTER atone
>
>If they are liable to EXILE for making the golden calf
>then let Jacob who went into EXILE atone for them.
So Rashi simply brought the FIRST baraitha in the Chapter and let
the teacher guide the class thru a guided discovery of other
possible reasons (Imagine the thrill of a student who figures
the above baraitha I just quoted himself and then finds that
Rashi cited the Chapter of Shmoth Rabbah where this occurs).
Fanciful you say? "Unproven" you say? But if you look at the
reference (Volume 1 Number 17) I prove that Rashi couldn't have
possibly believed the interpretation he gave that the 10 tests
of Abraham should atone for the 10 sins of the Jews....(and
since he didn't believe it, he was just citing an opening
paragraph in a chapter to encourage students to come up
with their own suggestions).
And how do I know that Rashi couldn't have possibly believed
what he wrote? Because Rashi says that Moses said
>Let the 10 tests of Abraham
>atone for the 10 sins of the Jews
But
>the Jews had not yet committed 10 sins, so how
>could Moses ask forgiveness for them
Furthermore
>what lawyer would defend his client by stating
>'Your honor...this person will continually violate
>the law...we therefore ask for clemency'?
Finally
>even if the Jews had already made 10 sins and
>even if Moses asked God to forgive them because
>that is their nature, nevertheless it explicitly
>says (4-13:16) that God took a severe oath NOT
>to forgive them (while here God did forgive them)
Hence we come to the simple conclusion that Rashi
>did not believe what he wrote
>only cited the baraitha as an opening paragraph of
a chapter on Moses prayer
>wanted to encourage people to find similar reasons
for Moses prayer.
Please look up the old reference...especially for those of you
who were not yet subscribed to Rashi is Simple in Volume 1.
John, thanks for an excellent question
Russell Hendel;Moderator Rashi is Simple
REFERENCE: Volume 1 Number 17, v2a32-13
#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*# (C) Dr Hendel, 1999 *#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*
VERSE: v2a32-4
======
v2a32-4 and he FASHIONED IT (The golden calf) in the CALDRON
[Moderator: All these verses have two explanations
so we will be giving both explanations]
and he ETCHED IT (The Golden calf) with a PEN
[Moderator: In other words the Hebrew word
>VYaTzaR
can mean
>FASHIONED
or
>ETCHED
SImilarly the Hebrew word
>CheReT
can mean
>CALDRON
or
>PEN.
Thus the Hebrew verse(speaking about the Golden calf
>VaYaTzaR BaCheReT
can equally mean
>he FASHIONED it in the CALDRON
or
>he ETCHED it with a PEN
The other verse segments will similarly be
translated in two ways]
v2b32-4 INTERPRETATION 1
A SPIRIT-CALF
[Moderator: That is a calf used to invoke images
and dreams]
v2c32-4 INTEPRETATION 2
A (Golden) Molten Calf
v2d32-4 And they said 'This is your god that took you
out of Egypt'
v2a32-5 [INTERPRETATION 1]
And Aaron Saw
[INTERPRETATOIN 2]
And Aaron had a vision
v2b32-5 and he built an altar
RASHI TEXT:
===========
[Moderator: I have abbreviated many of these Rashis so
as to emphasize the main point which is that the verses
can be interpreted in two ways. The supplementary material
of Rashi will however be brought down below]
v2a32-4 and he FASHIONED IT (The golden calf) in the CALDRON
[Moderator: All these verses have two explanations
so we will be giving both explanations]
and he ETCHED IT (The Golden calf) with a PEN
[Moderator: In other words the Hebrew word
>VYaTzaR
can mean
>FASHIONED
or
>ETCHED
SImilarly the Hebrew word
>CheReT
can mean
>CALDRON
or
>PEN.
Thus the Hebrew verse(speaking about the Golden calf
>VaYaTzaR BaCheReT
can equally mean
>he FASHIONED it in the CALDRON
or
>he ETCHED it with a PEN
The other verse segments will similarly be
translated in two ways]
v2b32-4 INTERPRETATION 1
A SPIRIT CALF
[Moderator: That is, a calf used to invoke images
and dreams]
They say that the Divine instructions by which
Moses was suppose to raise Joseph's coffin from
the sea was etched onto the Golden calf. This
in turn inspired strange dreams. Since the
calf had the power to inspire visions it was
hard to say that the calf had no validity
v2c32-4 INTEPRETATION 2
A (Golden) Molten Calf
The Hebrew word
>MASAYCHAH = MOLTEN METAL (GOLD)
v2d32-4 And they said 'This is your god that took you
out of Egypt'
It wasn't Aaron who said this but rather the
mixed multitude who said this.
v2a32-5 [INTERPRETATION 1]
'And Aaron Saw'--Aaron saw the murder of Chur
who protested the building of the golden calf.
So Aaron decided that the best course of action
was to use delay tactics
[INTERPRETATION 2]
'And Aaron had a vision'
They say that the Divine instructions by which
Moses was suppose to raise Joseph's coffin from
the sea was etched onto the Golden calf. This
in turn inspired strange dreams. Since the
calf had the power to inspire visions it was
hard to say that the calf had no validity
v2b32-5 'and he(Aaron) built an altar'
Aaron built the altar to buy time.
He figured that Moses would come in the meantime
BRIEF BUT COMPLETE NARRATIVE EXPLANATION:
=========================================
We all know that words can have multiple meanings. Usually we can
infer the meaning of a word form its context. For example
>At the banquest I asked for a FIFTH
could mean I asked for a
>fifth of a dollar
>a musical fifth
>liquor
Since I was at a banquet we decide that the request was for
liquor. Sometimes however CONTEXT does not enable us to
determine meaning. For example
>John's wife got in the car and he drove her insane
Could mean
>John drove the CAR INSANELY
or it could mean
>John drove his WIFE INSANE
In such a case the sentence has
>TWO POSSIBLE MEANINGS.
The
>TWO POSSIBLE MEANINGS OF THE SENTENCE
are reflected by the
>TWO POSSIBLE MEANINGS OF **EACH** WORD IN THE SENTENCE
Thus in this case
>DRIVE can mean DRIVE A CAR or HARASS A PERSON
>INSANE can refer to FAST SPEED or a MENTAL STATE OF ANGUISH
The two meanings of EACH word then give rise to the two meanings of
the sentence
>drive his car insane
>drive his wife insane
The verses in question 2-32-4:6 are like the above example. Rashi
gives 2 PARALLEL explanations. It is not possible to prove one of
these explanations over the other. To present the Rashis as
compactly as possible we
>First give both translations
>We CAPITALIZE those words that have dual interpreations
>We then go over each Hebrew word to show it really
has two meanings.
This is all compactly summarized below in {LIST1} which compactly
summarizes these two explanations with cross references to other
{LISTS} which describe the meanings of these words. The two
possible interpretations embody 2 approaches to idolatry--the
study of the rich interactions between laity and congregants
should prove instructive to various attempts in the non-orthodox
movements.
Let us give the two interpretations. Note the 9 WORDS IN CAPS
These words change in the 2nd interpreation
After presenting the two interpretations we show how each of
these WORDS can be interpreted in two ways.
INTERPRETATION 1-The WEALTH-POWER approach to idolatry
------------------------------------------------------
And Aaron took the gold from them, and he FASIONED (the gold)
IN a CALDRON and he made it into a MOLTEN CALF. And THEY (the
mixed multitude) said 'This is your god, Jews, that took you
out of Egypt.' And Aaron SAW the MURDER (of those who protested
the idol) and Aaron tried to STALL and proclaimed 'A Holiday
for God tomorrow'. And the nation got up the next morning and
offered elevation offerings and peace offerings--but the NATION
went further--they sat to drink and eat and got up to MOCK.
INTERPRETATION 2-The SACRED-WORD-VISION approach to idolatry
------------------------------------------------------------
And Aaron took the gold from them, and he ETCHED (the gold)
WITH a PEN and he made it into a VISION-CALF. And THEY (the
mixed multitude) said 'This is your god, Jews, that took you
out of Egypt.' And Aaron SAW VISIONS (and since the idol has
spiritual affect) Aaron tried to STALL and proclaimed 'A Holiday
for God tomorrow'. And the nation got up the next morning and
offered elevation offerings and peace offerings--but the NATION
went further--they sat to drink and eat and got up to MOCK.
-------------------------------------------
/ STOP! STOP! \
/ \
| You have JUST COMPLETED the MAIN explanation.|
| |
| The remaining sections discuss |
| >Controversies and/or details |
| >Talmudic interpretations and |
| >Lists |
| >Philosophical comments |
| If you are pressed for time you may wish to |
| skip this technical material and go to the |
| next posting. |
| |
| To go to the next posting use your word |
| processor or web browser and click on |
| >EDIT |
| >FIND |
| >Fill in for the FIND box "VERSE:" |
| You will then jump to the beginning of the |
\ next posting /
\--------------------------------------------/
The careful reader will note that these 2 interpretations differ
from standard translations in only 9 words.
>a) FASHION-ETCH
>b) IN-WITH
>c) CALDRON-PEN
>d) MOLTEN/VISION CALF
>e) THEY=MIXED MULTITUDE
>f) SAW MURDER vs SAW VISIONS
>g) STALL
>h) NATION went further
>i) MOCK
We will now show how each of these double interpretations is
legitimate. This in turn will legitimize the two interpretations.
We will then make comments about outreach of non orthodox
institutions.
----------------------------------------------
| QUESTION 2: |
| ========== |
| How would you prove that a word can have |
| two meanings in Biblical Hebrew? What |
| tools would you use? Answers are found |
| below in {LIST2} thru {LIST5} |
----------------------------------------------
Difference a)
-------------
The Hebrew root
>Ya Tz R
can mean BOTH to
>FASHION/MOULD/CREATE
>ETCH/MAKE FORMS
This can be proved by {LIST2} below which is based on the RADACKs
book of BIBLICAL ROOTS
Difference b)
-------------
It is well known and can be found in any Hebrew dictionary
that the Hebrew letter
>BETH
can mean both
>IN
>WITH.
Difference c)
--------------
The Hebrew root
>Ch R T
can mean both
>Pen
>Caldron (or Hollow mold)
This is shown in {LIST3} which also suggests a UNIFIED meaning.
Difference d)
--------------
The Hebrew root
>N-S-Ch
can mean both
>Molten
>a hidden vision
This is shown in {LIST4}
This difference has philosophical implications
>the idol could be made as a symbol of WEALTH (Gold)
>the idol could be made to inspire VISIONS
These represent two purposes of idols/religions
>WEALTH-POWER
>INSPIRATION OF VISIONS
Difference e)
--------------
As {LIST6} shows the statement
>This is your god, israel
was not made by Aaron. Indeed the sequence of verbs-subjects is
>and HE (Aaron) took the gold
>and HE fashioned it
>and HE made it into an idol
>and THEY# (mixed multitude)said 'This is your God Israel
>and HE (Aaron) saw
>and HE built an altar
>and AARON# proclaimed 'A holiday to God tomorrow'
>and THEY (the nation) got up
>and THEY offered elevation offerings
>and THEY offered peace offerings
>and the NATION#sat to eat...and got up to MOCK
Note the 4 pounded clauses ("#"), where the pronouns either
change plurality or revert to nouns. This GRAMMATICAL difference
clearly shows that
>'This is your God' was said by 'THEM'(the mixed multitude)
>it was the NATION (not Aaron) who wanted to 'eat-drink-mock'
>while AARON(not the nation) wanted a 'HOLIDAY to GOD'
This is further elaborated in {LIST6}
Difference f)
-------------
Footnote *4 in {LIST1} shows that the Hebrew root
>R-A-H
can mean both
*4 RAH = SEE (eg 1-29-10 'When Jacob saw Rachel')
RAH = VISION (eg 1S9-9 'Come let us see the PROPHET')
Rashis statement that
>Aaron saw that Chur was killed
is due to the EXPLICIT statement in an OTHER VERSE that
2-32-18 means
>I hear a BRAWL in the camp
See Volume 4 Number 5, v1b26-8
Difference g,h
--------------
As {LIST6} shows, although Aaron acted at the request of the
people throughout the construction (by taking their gold,
building a calf, building an altar). However the proclomation
>'Lets have a holiday tomorrow'
was initiated by Aaron himself to stall for time (he was hoping
Moses would descend). Similarly the request
>'to eat, drink, make merry and mock'
was done by the nation and not by Aaron.
This is clearly indicated by the sequence of verb-subjects--
>and HE (Aaron) took the gold
>and HE fashioned it
>and HE made it into an idol
>and THEY# (mixed multitude)said 'This is your God Israel
>and HE (Aaron) saw
>and HE built an altar
>and AARON# proclaimed 'A holiday to God tomorrow'
>and THEY (the nation) got up
>and THEY offered elevation offerings
>and THEY offered peace offerings
>and the NATION#sat to eat...and got up to MOCK
Note the 4 pounded clauses ("#"), where the pronouns either
change plurality or revert to nouns. This GRAMMATICAL difference
clearly shows that
>'This is your God' was said by 'THEM'(the mixed multitude)
>it was the NATION (not Aaron) who wanted to 'eat-drink-mock'
>while AARON(not the nation) wanted a 'HOLIDAY to GOD'
This is further elaborated in {LIST6}
Difference i)
-------------
The Hebrew Root
>Tz-Ch-K
in the PIEL tense means
>Mock/Tease
See volume 4 Number 4, v1-21-9 where we have discussed this
more thoroughly. As we show there
>Tz-Ch-k
can mean
>sexually tease or war games
Now that we have
>presented the two interpretations
>defended the 9 differences
we show the philosophical implications of the two approaches.
The first interpretation suggests that the Golden calf was made
of molten metal--it represented WEALTH-POWER. This was followed
by the murder of CHUR. 'WEALTH-POWER-MURDER'. Aaron (the religious
leadership and laity) tried to stall and place the nation on
the road to God--he called for a holiday. But the nation, used
the holiday as an excuse for socialization and mockery.
The second interpretation suggests that the Golden calf was
made to inspire visions by using sacred words etched on it.
Again Aaron tried to redirect these 'religious urges'back
to God--but again the nation used the holiday as an excuse
for socialization and mockery.
Thus we have that two purposes of religious movements are
>power-wealth
>spiritual-inspiration
Either way, the congregants can end up using these movements for
its own purposes of socialization and physical gratification.
I believe this has implications for outreach--but we will
suffice with the above for now. True Judaism is based on
learning Torah and doing commandments.
COMMENTS ON RASHI'S FORM:
=========================
We make 3 comments
#1) Derivations from Grammar vs Supposition
-------------------------------------------
Note how in {LIST6} we derive that
>Aaron tried to stall
>The nation tried to have an orgy
>it was the mixed multitude that said 'This is your god'
we derived this from GRAMMAR (the changing subjects)
>he said
>he said
>THEY said
>Aaron PROCLAIMED
>NATION MOCKED
This is superior to saying that they were
>'reasonable suppositions on Rashis part because
>of extra words'
As the Rav, Rabbi Soloveitchick has said many times
>It is better in explaining Rashi to seek the
>placid waters of grammar than the stormy
>waters of philosophy
#2) Derivations from other verses
---------------------------------
Note how we derive the fact that
>Aaron saw that Chur was murdered
from the EXPLICIT statement in another verse that
>...there was a BRAWL in the camp
The traditional explanation is that
>Chur is never mentioned again in the Bible
>so he must have died
Certainly, this is a PART of the explanation but a very
small part. We have to combine this part with the fact
that
>there was a brawl
>Chur is never mentioned
>the nation was perceived as corrupted(2-32-22...)
It them becomes reasonable that someone was killed
and that someone was Chur.
The point I am making is that some Midrashim come from
more or less explicit statements while other midrashim
come from a variety of strong evidence that point to
something reasonable. It is the job of Midrashic analysis
to uncover when something is explicit, when it is simply
strongly supported and to find ALL supportive evidence.
The reader who has followed our analysis of the WEALTH-POWER
approach to idolatry will however see that it is a very
reasonable approach that someone was murdered (historically
idolatry has always been associated with 'the herd mentality'
and its consequent actions).
But, you will ask,
>If you grant that the text doesn't say 100% that
someone is murdered then you are conceding that
Rashi is not pure simple meaning--are you not?
Not at all. I am saying that according to the simple meaning
of the text 2-32-5 means
>and Aaron saw (what was going on)
>and Aaron built an altar
>and Aaron tried to stall for time and proclaimed a holiday
That is the simple meaning of the text. If you combine this with
the statement that
>I hear a BRAWL in the camp
then a good example is that someone was killed. (We have already
seen many Rashis where Rashi illustrates an abstract point by
giving a good example)
#3) The 'sacred words' on the golden calf
-----------------------------------------
I have curtailed Rashis' treatment of the
>WORDS ETCHED ON THE GOLDEN CALF
argument. Rashi actually goes into complete detail. He states
>words were etched on the golden calf
>these words told Moses how to raise Joseph's body
from the Nile when they went to Israel
>these words were etched on the Golden calf by
Michah
>Michah was one of the babies that Moses saved
from being squashed by the pyramids
>the words caused dreams in Aaron
We have not gone into so much detail. We have only given
the simple meaning of the text that
>words were etched on the golden calf
>the calf was a "vision calf" that inspired dreams
Again this follows from the simple meaning of words. The
insinuation that a 'left over baby from the Egyptian pyramids'
did this is just a good example of how it could have happened
Similarly the idea that the sacred words were the words by
which Moses raised Joseph from the Nile is also just a good
example. From our point of view it could have been ANYBODY
that wrote the words and it could have been ANY SACRED WORDS
(any MANTRA) not just the words by which Joseph was raised.
To summarize--there are a collection of words that mean two
things in the text and this gives rise to 2 views on the
idolatry--it was formed by Gold OR it was etched with
sacred words. This is the simple meaning of the text.
LISTS {For ADVANCED students and for those with more time}:
===========================================================
{LIST1} {The 2 translations of 2-34-4:6. Each column when read
down outlines one possible translation. The footnotes
illustrate how each interpretation is based on legitimate
translations of the Hebrew roots. The last column outlines
the various activities in the construction of the golden
calf as stages in two possible approaches to idolatry---
see {LIST6} for an explanation of these stages}
S
2-34-4:6 2-34-4:6 2-34-4:6 T
Hebrew 1st English 2nd English A
Text Translation Translation G
E
========= ==================== ====================== =
VaYaTzaR and he FASHIONED*1 and he ETCHED*1 2
OTho it it 2
BaCheReT IN the CALDRON*2 WITH a PEN*2 2
VaYaSayHu and he made it into and he made it into 2
EGeL a calf of a calf of 2
MaSayChaH MOLTEN METAL*3 SPIRITS*3 2
VaYoMRU and they said*5 and they said 3
ELeH this is this is 3
ELoHeyChah your god, your god, 3
YisRoeL Israel Israel 3
ASheR that that 3
HeeLuChaH took you took you 3
MeReTz out of the land out of the land 3
MiTzRaYiM of Egypt Egypt 3
VaYaR And Aaron SAW*4 And Aaron had VISIONS*4 4
AHaRoN
VaYiVeN and he built an*6 and he bulit an 5
MizBayACh altar altar 5
LeFaNauV before it before it 5
VayikRah... and Aaron proclaimed And Aaron Proclaimed 5
...
LTzCheCK*6 and the nation made merry and the nation made merry 6
FOOTNOTES
---------
*1 See {LIST2}, the meanings of YaTzaR
*2 See {LIST3}, the meanings of CheReT
*3 See {LIST4}, the meanings of NSACH
*4 RAH = SEE (eg 1-29-10 'When Jacob saw Rachel')
RAH = VISION (eg 1S9-9 'Come let us see the PROPHET')
*5 See {LIST5}---the change of verbs shows that the MIXED
MULTITUDE said this, not Aaron
*6 See {LIST5}, using the principle of CLIMAX on the
6 stages of making the Calf....Aaron was clearly trying
to stall for time (this is also indicated by the change
in subjects in verse 6)
{LIST2} {Meanings of the Hebrew root YaTzaR. This list can
most easily be obtained from the book of ROOTS, by
the RADACK. It would be difficult to obtain this
list from a CD ROM}
MEANING VERSE TEXT
======= ===== ====
Create / Fashion 1-2-8 The man that He created
Mould / Etch Jer18-2 The pottery shop
Fantasies *1 1-6-5 The fantasies of his heart
Distress Ps118-4 I called You from the straights
FOOTNOTES
---------
*1 Fantasies are perceived as MOULDED/ETCHED in your mind
till they fit the fantasier's mood
{LIST3} {Meanings of CheReT. See FOOTNOTES for unifying meaning
Again we use the RADACK's book of ROOTS for the
information. A CD ROM or Konkordance would not help}
VERSE MEANING TEXT
==== ======= ================== ===========================
Jer8-1 Pen & Write with a pen Nostril like hollow for ink
2R5-23 Pouch coins in a pouch Nostril like hollows
Isa3-22 Pouch coins in a pouch Pouch shapend like pen/nostril
1-41-24 Witchs sniffers of fact From nostril *1
FOOTNOTES
=========
*1 The following is agreed to by everybody
>CheReT = PEN
>CheReT = POUCH
>CheReT = WITCH
Connecting these 3 meanings under a unifying meaning is not easy
A reasonable suggestion is that
>ChRTM = Witch = Sniffer of facts = Nostril Person
But if we accept that ChRTM comes from NOSTRIL then immediately
>A PEN = a LONG HOLLOW = Looks like a NOSTRIL
>A POUCH = A LONG HOLLOW SEW ON POUCH=Shaped like a NOSTRIL
I would also suggest that the etymology also suggests
>NOSE LIKE=CheReT=ChoR + T=Hole(CHR) + Plant Shaped(MTA)
If this speculative unification is not accepted the word CHERET
nevertheless still has the 3 meanings mentioned. This is all
that is needed for the explanations of Rashi. (Note that technically
speaking, CHERET does not mean a big pot like a CALDRON but rather
a small narrow hollow---conceivably these were used to give the
Golden calf ITS FORM--I have chosen the term CALDRON as a matter
of convenience of translation)
{LIST4} {Meanings of NSACH. The meanings were obtained from the
RADACK's book of ROOTS. Using a CD ROM or KONKORDANCE
would not be appropriate. For a unified meaning see the
footnotes}
MEANING VERSE TEXT
================== ======== ==================================
Make metal*1 Isa44-10 To cast an idol
Libations*2 5-32-38 let them drink your wine libations
Kings*3 Jos13-21 The Kings of Sichon
Covering/overlay*4 Jud15-14 The weaving rod & blanket
Hidden vision*5 Isa29-10 God poured over them a spirit of sleep
FOOTNOTES
---------
*1 The common meaning is pouring molten metal.Hence
we have to cast metal
*2 The common meaning is pouring molten metal. Hence we
have wine libations which LOOK LIKE the pouring
of metal. Note how the common denominator
is that of FORM (wine libation = form of molten
metal)
*3 Kings are called eg ANNOINTED because we pour OIL over
them to consecrate them. Thus some of the names
for leaders are MESSIAH , NESICH (annointed)
*4 The pouring of molten metal was often used not to create
a metal slab but to create an overlay. Hence
anything that has the FORM of an overlay (such
as a blanket on a bed) is called NSCH. Note how
the common denominator is that of FORM (wine
libation = form of molten metal)
*5 According to RADACK N-S-Ch has a connotation of an
>OVERLAY
>HIDDEN
Thus when used with a spiritual quality it would denote
a hidden inner meaning. This would apply to the verse
at hand--thus
>EGeL MaSayChaH
would mean
>a VISION-CALF
that is, a CALF that 'pours' visions over its beholders (who
have wierd dreams because of the visions).
{LIST5} {List of verbs and subjects in 2-32-4:6. Comments
on differences may be found in the footnotes}
TEXT FROM 2-32-4:6 SUBJECT PRONOUN?
=================================== ======== ========
and HE TOOK it from their hand Singular Pronoun
and HE FASHIONED it in the caldron Singular Pronoun
and THEY SAID 'This is your god...' Plural*1 Pronoun
And AARON SAW Singular New Subject
and HE BUILT an altar before it Singular Pronoun
and AARON PROCLAIMED Singular New Subject*2
and HE SAID 'A holiday tomorrow' Singular Pronoun
and THEY GOT up next morning PLURAL Pronoun
and THEY offered OLOTH PLURAL Pronoun
and THEY offered SHLAMIM PLURAL Pronoun
and THE NATION SAT to eat/drink PLURAL New Subject*3
and THEY got up to mock PLURAL Pronoun
FOOTNOTES
=========
*1 The changes of subject (HE vs THEY) shows
>AARON was making the golden calf
but
>THEY said 'This is your God'
The
>THEY
cannot refer to Aaron and is taken to refer to
>The Mixed multitude that went up with the Jews
This interpretation of THEY is further supported by the use of
>NATION
in the next verse, the
>THEY
is different than
>HE(AARON), NATION
*2 Note how the verse REPEATS the subject, AARON
>And AARON saw and built an altar
>And AARON proclaimed 'A Holiday for God tomorrow'
The
>extra subject
suggests an
>extra or different act.
The other acts of building the calf were done by Aaron
AT THE REQUEST OF THE PEOPLE. By contrast the PROCLOMATION
OF A HOLIDAY was done on Aaron's own decision probably in
order to stall for time(See also the next footnote)
*3 Note how the explicit identification of the subject THE NATION
pops up suddenly
>And THEY got up the next day
>THEY offered elevation offerings
>THEY offered peace offerings
>THE NATION sat to eat and drink
>THEY got up to mock
The sudden appearance of
>THE NATION
is explained by the observation that
>Aaron called for a HOLIDAY TO GOD
This was fulfilled by
>all the offerings.
However the
>eating, drinking and mocking
was done by
>THE NATION
This contrasts hilights one of the aspects of idolatry
>The PRIESTS may have good intentions to God
but
>The PEOPLE often use the religion for their own purposes
{LIST6} {The 6 stages of 2-34-1:6 illustrating the two approaches
to idolatry. These stages are associated with activities
in {LIST1}. The stages show two tracks in idolatry
>emphasis on community wealth and power
>emphasis on achievement of spirituality and visions
Both tracks however lead to sin (murder and/or sex). The
rich interaction between people and leadership is
instructive for various attempts by non-orthodox branches
of Judaism}
STAGE VERSE INTERPRETATION-1 INTERPRETATION-2
WEALTH-POWER TRACK SPIRITUAL-VISION TRACK
===== ====== ===================== ==========================
1 2-32-3 Donations Donations
2 2-32-4 Physical construction Etching of 'sacred words'
2 2-32-4 Emphasis on WEALTH Emphasis on 'spirituality'
3 2-32-4 idolization*1 idolization*1
4 2-32-5 herd mentality(murder visions/dreams
5 2-32-5 stalling attempts*2 stalling attempts*2
6 2-32-6 legitimizing sin*3 legitimizing sin*3
FOOTNOTES
=========
*1 As shown in {LIST5} the idolization of the golden calf--that is
calling it an idol was not done or intended by Aaron but rather
done by the mixed multitude. This is normal in idolatry---
leadership simply wants unity or spiritual symbols but people
misinterpret it
*2 As shown in {LIST5} leadership (Aaron) saw the propensity of
the people towards the calf (either because of the MURDER of
CHUR (interpreation 1) or because of the VISIONS they were
experiencing (interpretation 2)). Hence Aaron=Leadership
tried to stall and compromise---'lets make a holiday'.
*3 Again, despite attempts by leadership to 'redeem' the situation
and make the experience religious, the NATION (see {LIST5})
misused the idol---they wanted SIN (murder or sex or both
according to various opinions).
CROSS REFERENCES:
=================
Volume 4 Number 4, v1-21-9 where we show that
TzChK means to MOCK/TEASE
Volume 4 Number 5 v1b21-6 where we show that
2-32-18 should be translated
>I hear a BRAWL in the community
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
=================
To Dr John Loike for an excellent question
RULE CLASSIFICATION {See the web site for comparable examples}:
===============================================================
UNIFIED MEANING
UNIFIED MEANING
UNIFIED MEANING
DOUBLE PARSHAS
OTHER VERSES
DOUBLE PARSHAS
#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*# (C) Dr Hendel, 1999 *#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*
End of Rashi-Is-Simple Digest
#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*# (C) Dr Hendel, 1999 *#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*