Rabbi Ishmael Example Method:#2 of 36
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# Aug 7, 2000 #
# Rashis 185-189 Of 7800 (2.4%) #
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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.
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: The best example of Climax is the Rashi on Dt19-11
According to Rashi this verse describes MURDER as occuring
in 4 stages:
------------------------------------------------------------
--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".
------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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.
We continue with other simple examples. The unit on WORKERS
which we briefly interrupted will be completed tomorrow and
the day after.
#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*# (C) Dr Hendel, 2000 *#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#
EXAMPLE 2-6: Dt07-05
------------------
BACKGROUND
----------
The Bible is speaking about the commandment to destroy the
idolatrous institutions of the heathen nations that we
conquer. The Bible states
VERSE:
------
>Dt07-05a: "destroy their ALTARS"
----------RASHI: Altars are built objects(for sacrifices)*1
>Dt07-05b: "shatter their MONUMENTS"
----------RASHI: Single stone edifices used for gatherings*2
>Dt07-05c: "strip their trees"
----------RASHI: Decorative trees used to adorn and provide
shade for idolatrous places*3
>Dt07-05d: "burn their idols in fire"
----------RASHI: These are the actual idols
DISCUSSION OF CLIMAX & OUTREACH
-------------------------------
Rashi here shows how Idol worship happens. A good example
is King Solomon. After he married foreign women they built
ALTARS--that is they kept their old ways of worship. This
is the RELIGIOUS stage.
But next came the SOCIAL stage--MONUMENTS were designated
places of gathering EVEN if no idol worship took place.
This established a support community for the idolators.
Next came the PLEASURE stage--for the decorative TREES
were there to provide shade and an 'atmosphere' for
idol worship. Perhaps these trees were connected with
other acts of pleasure.
That is how it happens: RELIGION, SOCIAL, PLEASURE.
At such a point the idol worship becomes not something
you want but a consequence of your need to keep your
new social circle and pleasures (This is how King
Solomons wives prevented him from destroying their idols)
In terms of OUTREACH we have an easy way to bring people
back to religion.
---the RELIGIOUS stage--get them involved in some organization
---the SOCIAL stage-----make sure there are communal events
---the PLEASURE stage---make sure they enjoy it
---the GOD stage--------with a PLEASANT SOCIAL support group
for their religion people find it easier to come back.
------------HOMEWORK, NOTES, REFERENCES---------------------
HOMEWORK EXERCISE: What other Rashis have we just explained
REFERENCES: http://www.RashiYomi.Com/h3n2.htm
NOTES
-----
*1 Cf Rambam Idolatry 8:12
*2 Cf Idolatry 7:9
Rambam 6:6 and Rashi Dt15-22a says that the prohibition
of designating a stone monument as a meeting place holds
even if people worship God there
*3 Cf Rambam Idolatry 6:9 7:11 (The trees are prohibited
even if they are only used for shade)
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