13 Methods for inferring meaning:#24 of 32 ########################################################### # 10 YEAR Ayelet DAILY-RASHI-YOMI CYCLE # # June 24nd, 2001 # # Rashis 811-812 Of 7800 (10.4%) # # # # VISIT THE RASHI YOMI ARCHIVES # # ----------------------------- # # http://www.RashiYomi.Com/calendar.htm # # # # Reprinted with permission from Rashi-is-Simple, # # (c) 1999-Present, RashiYomi Inc., Dr Hendel President # #Permission to reprint with this header but not for profit# # # # WARNING: READ with COURIER 10 (Fixed width) FONTS # # # ########################################################### GOALS: ------ I decided its time for a longer unit. This unit will focus on a major Rashi task--explaining the MEANINGS OF WORDS. Explaining the MEANINGS of WORDS is more than looking something up in a dictionary. There are METHODS to explaining WORDS. Thus in this module we will explore HOW Rashi determines the meanings of words -- that is, we will explore WHAT RASHIS METHODS ARE TODAYS UNIT ----------- In the next few days we review examples where using modern science helps us identify the precise nuances of what the Chumash is speaking about. REFERENCE: ---------- This module comes from the following reference in the Rashi-is-Simple series. http://www.RashiYomi.Com/dt18-10b.htm #*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2001, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*# BACKGROUND ---------- Dt18-10:11 prohibit 8 cultic practices involving hypnotically induced trances enabling a disassociative state where one can utter future events or similar events. In each case we will see how knowledge of modern science enables a precise delineation of what the word in question means. The half a dozen examples in Dt18-10:11 occur in Rambam Laws of Idolatry Chapter 11. This gives an exciting opportunity to see how these two titans of Jewish law, Rashi on Dt18-10:11 and Rambam Idolatry Chapter 11, treat the same subject. And indeed we will see that sometimes Rambam gives more detail, sometimes Rashi gives more detail, sometimes they say the same thing and sometimes they complement each other EXAMPLE 63: Dt18-11c -- PROHIBITION OF OV ----------------------------------------- Rashi and Rambam are the same here--I however would like to generalize what they say! OV means a BOTTLE. Furthermore the language in Lv20-27 is WHEN A PERSON HAS IN THEM AN OV. The phrase IN THEM and the root meaning BOTTLE,suggesting a HOLLOW,fits in nicely with the Standard explanation that the OV and YIDONI place BONES in their ARMPITS/MOUTHS so as to induce a hypnotic trance allowing ventriloquil statements about the future. Notice how the OV-YIDONI seems to be similar to the KOSAYM who also induces a HYPNOTIC TRANCE. I would suggest that the common denominator to the OV/YIDONI is that they IMPLANT something in their body (While the KOSAYM induces a trance only verbally or thru actions). According to this reasoning * Inducing a trance for disassociation is a PROHIBITION * Inducing a trance WITH AN IMPLANT is a CAPITAL OFFENSE The technical method of inference is the Rabbi Ishmael rule of Generalizing from 2 verses (As indicated this is a new idea since most commentators see the OV as a specific crime without generalization--but as the Rambam clearly generalizes EVERY other prohibition mentioned in Dt18-10:11 it would seem reasonable to generalize this also) At any rate modern science assures us of the possibility of disassociation and allowing other personalities to take over ones personality(Temporarily) and this is a possible phenomena of advanced hypnosis. EXAMPLE 64: Dt18-11d - Asking the Dead -------------------------------------- Here Rambam and Rashi complement each other. Rambam as usual generalizes: He states that the prohibition of asking the dead applies to ANY MANNER OF ASKING THE DEAD Rambam gives the example of * Fasting in a cemetery till the dead come to you in dreams Rashi gives the examples of * Seances with skulls * (Sexually) Fantasizing till communion with dead is achieved At any rate this too is a disassociative trance-like-state whose goal is to enter the personality of a dead person All these acts of disassociating in trance to have communion with the dead are strictly prohibited and are not the way of the Torah. #*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2001, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#