SUCCINCT SUMMARY
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Rashi frequently makes powerful inferences from the alignment
of ALMOST similar verses. The minor variations between these
almost similar verses suggests nuances and differences or
even meaning. We call this the Rashi rule of ALIGNMENT
When Rashi identifies two cases from the ALIGNMENT we call
this the Rashi subrule of TWO CASES
When Rashi infers nuances from the variations betweent the
almost similar verses we call this the Rashi subrule of
NUANCES.
When Rashi infers MEANING from the ALIGNMENT of almost
identical phrases we call this the Rashi SUBRULE of MEANING.
EXAMPLE Dt25-03b
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Dt25-01:03 states
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If there is a conflict between PEOPLE
and they go to court
and the righteous is vindicated
and the WICKED is convicted
If the WICKED is also liable to lashes
Then the Judge orders lashes
according to his WICKEDNESS
But no more than 40 lashes
lest your BROTHER be humiliated
-------------------------------------
Notice the contrastive reference to the convicted:
- PEOPLE, WICKED, WICKED,...BROTHER
Hence the Rashi comment
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Once the convicted receives lashes he
is forgiven...he is no longer called WICKED
but is called YOUR BROTHER, because he is forgiven
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LIST309a below summarizes this argument
EXAMPLE: Dt24-05b Dt24-05c
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Dt24-05 states
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If a person marries
he does not go out to the army
they do not pass over him for any matter
He is free for house
for one year
he gladdens his wife
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The text speaks about a newly-wed. Newly-weds are exempt from
Army service. Rashi focusing on the contrast TO THE ARMY
vs FOR ANY MATTER does the following
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We combine the nuances of the two phrases
- they both refer to ARMY matters
- they refer to ARMY or ANY MATTER
Hence the newly wed is exempt from both
- ARMY COMBAT
- COMMUNITY SERVICE (Any matter)
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LIST308y below summarizes this argument and gives insight
into the other ALIGNMENTS of this verse (including some
novelty of my own). LIST308z continues study of this verse
Dt24-05 by ALIGNING it with other verses on this subject.
EXAMPLE: Dt24-05d Dt24-05e
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By ALIGNING Dt24-05 vs Dt20-05:08 we find the following
distinctions. Both verses speak about EXEMPTIONS from
MILITARY MATTERS for people involved in new WIVES,HOUSES,VINEYARDS
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SITUATION EXEMPT FROM.... REASON FOR EXEMPTION
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New House No combat Lest he die and others take it
Vineyard No combat Lest he die and others take it
Engaged No combat Lest he die and others take it
--------- --------------------------- ----------------------------
Newly-wed No combat Community service Free for his HOUSE
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Note the reasons given for the exemptions in Dt24-05
- The newly wed must be FREE FOR HIS HOUSE
Clearly this argument applies equally to
- - newly wed after marriage
- - use of new house after it was built
- - use of new vineyard after it was used
Now note the reason for exemptions in Dt20
- The engaged/built-house/built-vineyard does not go out to
Army duty LEST HE DIE AND SOMEONE ELSE TAKE IT/HER
Clearly this argument
- - DOES APPLY to not going to COMBAT DUTY (Where he might die)
- - DOES NOT APPLY to going for COMMUNITY SERVIE (Where the
likelihood of death is not greater)
Hence the Rashi comments
- engaged/built house/built vineyard but not consumated
- - are exempt from COMBAT duty
- - are not exempt from COMMUNITY service
- newly wed/new use of house/new use of vineyard
- - are exempt from COMBAT duty
- - are exempt from COMMUNITY service
LIST308z below summarizes this argument and adds more
source material.
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