Rabbi Ishmael Example Method:#13 of 36
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# Aug 21, 2000 #
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THIS MODULE
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This module deals with the principle of CLIMAX. We review
Rashis on verses where the motivating interpretive force of
Rashi is the climactic development of verses.
WHAT IS CLIMAX
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Briefly speaking the rule of CLIMAX states that at certain
times a sequence of 3 or more Biblical phrases will develop
a theme in a CLIMACTIC FASHION.
EXAMPLE
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EXAMPLE: The best example of Climax is the Rashi on Dt19-11
According to Rashi this verse describes MURDER as occuring
in 4 stages:
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--The EMOTIONAL stage---"When a person HATES another person"
--The OBSERVATIONAL stage--"& he spys/STALKS on that person"
--The CONFRONTATION stage--"& he CONFRONTS him"
--MURDER-------------------"& he MURDERS him".
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In other words Rashi uses the CLIMACTIC development of this
verse to show HOW a murder occurs--you don't just get up
and murder somebody. First you hate them; then you spy alot
on them; finally you can pick a fight with them and this
leads to murder.
APPLICATION TO OUTREACH
-----------------------
The principle of CLIMAX is particularly useful for purposes
of OUTREACH. For every climactic development teaches us
HOW to stop something from developing. Thus the best way
to stop murder is to stop the hatred and stalking that
leads to it. Many other useful examples of outreach will
be presented in this module.
CLIMAX WITHOUT GRAMMAR
----------------------
The principle of CLIMAX is often supported by other nuances
in the verses. However at times the principle of CLIMAX BY
ITSELF--that is, the assumption that the Torah spoke in a
climactic manner---this assumption ITSELF, WITHOUT further
grammatical support, generates interpretation of the verses.
In the Rabbi Ishmael hierarchy of rules this is called
LEARNING FROM CONTEXT---that is, the verse by itself DOES
NOT suggest any further interpretation--but the SURROUNDING
verses--the CONTEXT---DO suggest a further interpretation.
In this posting we continue our series of short examples
of CLIMAX. This example is especially important because
it shows why Rashi in Chumash differed from the Rambam
in the Mishneh Torah (Courts Chapter 2)(This would take us
too far afield but we mention the contrast)
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VERSE: Ex18-21b
VERSE: Ex18-21c
VERSE: Ex18-21d
BACKGROUND:
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The Bible is discussing the qualifications to be a good judge
Roughly speaking the Bible suggests that "Skilled businessmen"
would make ideal judges since they are familiar with the
business world and would be respected. But what is a "Skilled
businessman?"
{LIST} {The following are requirements for a skilled businessman}
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1) Ex18-21b RASHI: The person is SKILLED in business
2) The person is GOD FEARING
3) Ex18-21c The person is respected as a banker (ie good credit)
4) Ex18-21d The person avoids lawsuits & compromises out of court
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CLIMAX
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1) SKILLED: The person has QUALIFICATIONS for business*1
2) GOD FEARING: He uses his qualifications for GOOD not evil
3) BANKER/LENDER: Moreover OTHERS respect him*2,3
4) AVOIDS LAWSUITS: He never abuses this respect*4
NOTES:
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*1 The Hebrew word CHAYIL is frequently translated as STRONG
or VALIANT. But many verses suggest the interpretation
skilled instead. So eg
Prv31-10 "Who will find a SKILLFUL wife"
(Not: Who will find a VALIANT wife"
Gn47-06 "If theyare SKILLFUL shepards appoint them over mine"
(Not: If they have strong shepards)
Similarly the frequent phrase ARMY TROOPS refers not so much
to STRONG people as to SKILLED soldiers, people who are
TRAINED (You win a war more thru coordination and skills
then you do thru raw strength).
*2 Note the application of climax: The literal translation
is "A person of TRUTH". This could mean MANY things such
as GOD FEARING or HIS CREDIT IS RESPECTED or HONEST IN
BUSINESS.
It is the principle of climax which determines the meaning
The Torah ALREADY said "GOD FEARING" and the Torah ALREADY
said SKILLFUL. So it must mean he is RESPECTED AS A
LENDER--HIS CREDIT IS TRUTHFUL.
*3 Again note the climax. Only after you have SKILLS and use
them for GOOD, do you become a respected lendor. Without
the GOD FEARING and SKILL you might be eg a loanshark.It
is the principle of climax which invests this being
a lendor as part of a hierarchy.
*4 Again note the climax. Eg A pauper could also not run
after lawsuits and money. However when a respected
banker, and qualified God fearing businessman does
not sue then he becomes further respected. People
know how to deal with him without going to court.
COMMENT: This Rashi disagrees with the Rambams interpretation
-------of these verses in Courts Chapter 2. Note how by using
CLIMAX Rashi has an aethetically pleasing interpretation.
Indeed, wouldn't we like it if all Judges had served
as successful businessmen so that "they understand
what the litigants are talking about and going
thru"
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