13 Methods for inferring meaning:#24 of 32
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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 #*#*#*#*#