#*#*#*#*# (C) 2001, RashiYomi Inc. Dr Hendel President #*#*#*#*#
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| (C) RashiYomi Inc., Dr Hendel President |
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VERSE: Nu22-26a
RASHIS COVERED: Nu22-26a Nu22-28a
====================== Nu22-26a =============================
VERY BRIEF SUMMARY
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One of the great beauties of the Bible is the
consistent use of symbolic communication. Such symbols
enrich the experience of Biblical reading with added
beauty.
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, on the basis of several
centuries of symbolic interpretation laid down the
definitive methodology on symbolism.
For a complete study of the symbolic method see our
essay http://www.Rashiyomi.com/gen-1.htm which presents
in a compact form Rav Hirschs symbolism.
This list approach towards symbolism was developed by
him in his commentary.
In todays posting we review two examples of
sets of THREE in Bilams prophetic vision *10
Such repeated use of number typically indicates
symbolism *11
The list below shows that the sets of 3 symbolize
the 3 Patriarchs or the 3 Festivals--or more
deeply three forces in Jewish identity. It is
these forces that prevent Bilam from cursing the
Jews.
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ITEM DETAIL
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RASHI RULE CLASS: SYMBOLISM
RASHI SUBRULE CLASS SYMBOLISM
RASHI WORKBOOK PRINCIPLE #29
SEE BELOW LIST975d
Verses with symbolism of 3 Patriarchs in Bilams vision
--------------------- LONGER FOOTNOTES -------------------
*10 The idea that the story in Nu22-21:35 was a vision
(and not something real) was made by Rambam. The
idea is easy to defend since we have talking donkeys
(and donkeys only talk in dreams)
*11 Compare the repeated use of 7 in the dreams of pharoh
Or the repeated use of 3 in the dreams of Pharohs
servants (See Gn41-01:36 or Gn40-01:23)
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=================== LIST975d ===============================
For a complete study of the symbolic method see our
essay http://www.Rashiyomi.com/gen-1.htm which presents
in a compact form Rav Hirschs symbolism.
This list approach towards symbolism was developed by
him in his commentary.
We present below the sets of 3 in Bilams vision and
show that they refer to the 3 Patriarchs and the
spiritual forces they represent in the Jewish
identity. We also show the correspondence with the
3 festivals. Footnotes clarify further
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VERSE Where was angel Patriarch Holiday
======== ====================== ================== ========================
Nu22-23 Angel with sword Abraham - leader*1 Passover-Military win
Nu22-24 Angel in vineyard path Isaac*2 Pentecost-Torah received
Nu22-26a Angel in tight place*3 Jacob-hard worker Succah-helpless dwelling
NOTES
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*1 Abraham was known for paving a path (like an angel
with a sword) Abraham waged wars. Similarly of the
3 holidays Passover is known for its military
aspects (Pharoh was defeated)
*2 Vineyards have THORNS and GRAPES(WINE) -- that is
they can be EVIL or GOOD like the Patriarch Isaac
who had the Evil Esauv and the righteous Jacob
Similarly we have the holiday of Pentecost
when the Torah with the paths of GOOD and EVIL
were received
*3 Jacob was continuously double-crossed by his boss
This is symbolized by the Succah a dwelling with
a plant roof. Or it is symbolized by the tight
place the angel was in.
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Volume 18 Number 15
#*#*#*#*# (C) 2001, RashiYomi Inc. Dr Hendel President #*#*#*#*#
Volume 18 Number 15