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VERSE: Nu35-25a

=========================== Nu25-25a ============================

SUCCINCT SUMMARY
----------------
An advanced Rashi method is the use of symbolism to explain
Biblical chapters. The general guidelines for symbolic
interpretation are compactly presented in my essay GENESIS
ONE SPEAKS ABOUT THE CREATION OF PROPHECY NOT THE CREATION
OF THE WORLD which may be found at URL
http://www.Rashiyomi.com/gen-1.htm We call this the Rashi
method of SYMBOLISM / symbolism.

As pointed out in the above essay, Rav Hirsch emphasized
that one cannot whimsically apply symbolic methods. Rather
the Biblical text must demand or require the use of symbolism.

EXAMPLE Nu35-25a
----------------
Nu35-25a and surrounding verses state
--------------------------------------
...negligent murderer stays in prison refuge cities
...until death of High Priest
...at death of High Priest prisoner goes free
--------------------------------------

Rashi interprets the relationship between
- death of High priest
- freedom of prisoner
using the SYMBOLISM method. Here Rashi symbolically interprets the
priesthood by identifying the priesthood with its FUNCTION

- The FUNCTION of the priesthood is to atone / prevent NEGLIGENT sin
  Most sin offerings are offered because of sinful negligence
- The negligent murderer committed murder thru negligence
- Hence the BLOOD avenger may wish to kill the negligent murderer
- But when the High Priest dies people can argue that the High
  Priest died because of his sins of not fully correcting
  negligence. Consequently the High Priest was equally responsible
  for the negligent sin of murder. Therefore the blood avenger
  will not desire to kill him (Because he is no longer the
  sole cause of the murder).

LIST975u summarizes this argument and presents other
symbols interpreted by function in the footnotes.
====================================================================
ITEM                     DETAIL
======================== ===========================================
RASHI RULE CLASS:        SYMBOLISM
RASHI SUBRULE CLASS      SYMBOLISM
RASHI WORKBOOK PRINCIPLE #29
SEE BELOW                LIST975u
List of                  Symbolism based on function
====================================================================

========================= LIST975u ==================================
List of                  Symbolism based on function
=====================================================================
ITEM    FUNCTION              SYMBOLIC MEANING
======= ===================== =======================================
Priest  Prevent negligent sin Death shows other causes to murder*1
Kosher  Potential food*2      Tefillin on Kosher is food for thought
Table   Place for food*3      Temple table symbolizes physical desire
Shofr*4 Announce camp motion  NewYear Shofar announces spiritual move
Lamb    Follower animal*5     Lamb symbolizes simple follower people

NOTES
-----
*1
Rashi interprets the relationship between
- death of High priest
- freedom of prisoner
using the SYMBOLISM method. Here Rashi symbolically interprets the
priesthood by identifying the priesthood with its FUNCTION

- The FUNCTION of the priesthood is to atone / prevent NEGLIGENT sin
  Most sin offerings are offered because of sinful negligence
- The negligent murderer committed murder thru negligence
- Hence the BLOOD avenger may wish to kill the negligent murderer
- But when the High Priest dies people can argue that the High
  Priest died because of his sins of not fully correcting
  negligence. Consequently the High Priest was equally responsible
  for the negligent sin of murder. Therefore the blood avenger
  will not desire to kill him (Because he is no longer the
  sole cause of the murder).

*2 Tefillin must be written on a Kosher animal symbolizing that
   the contents of the tefillin is food for thought.

*3 The Temple Table symbolized in a variety of procedures the
   PHYSICAL side of life. For example SLAUGHTER of offerings
   was done on the same side of the Temple that the table was in
   symbolizing the SLAUGHTER/CONTROL of our physical desires.
   More will be said in other digests on this symbolism.

*4 See Nu11. The Shofar was used to announce migration of the
   Jewish camp while the Jews were in the desert. Hence the
   use of the Shofar on the Jewish New Year symbolizes
   migration spiritually to a new world.

*5 The topic of offering symbolism will be dealt with in other
   digests in greater detail. Here we simply note that
        - OXEN symbolize COWORKERS with God;
        - RAMS symbolize LEADERS;
        - SHEEP symbolize followers.
 =====================================================================
---------------------------------------------------
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Volume 30 Number 10


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