(c) Apr 18 2001 RashiYomi Inc. MY COLLECTED & INDEXED MAIL JEWISH POSTINGS-Ver #1
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From: rhendel@mcs.drexel.edu (Russell Hendel)
Date: Tue, 21 Jan 1997 21:18:54 -0500
Subject: RE: Vayedaber Hashem

A detailed answer to Yisrael Dubitsky's question[mj25n83]:"Why does it
usually say Vayomer Hashem but in certain places it says Vayedaber" is
answered in the first Malbim on Leviticus 1:1--an outstanding example of
exposing the intrinsic beauty in a superficially technical Midrashic
statement.

Malbim, in a manner for which he is famous, skillfuly weaves thru the
various terms by which G-d calls people: Speak, say, call, page, happen.
Then, citing a variety of Midrashic sources the Malbim carefully
enumerates the times G-d spoke to Moses, Moses and Aaron etc. and uses
these technical numbers to defend certain equalities between Moses and
Aaron in teaching the law(which Yisrael Dubitsky alludes to)

I must confess that my original intention was to review the Malbim and
publish a short 25 line summary. Unfortunately every time I have tried
to summarize this Malbim there is at least one point I am not fully
satisfied with. So I suffice with the quote. Maybe someone out there can
summarize it succinctly.

Russell Jay Hendel, PH.d, ASA, rhendel @ mcs drexel edu