6. RASHI METHOD: STYLE Rashi examines how rules of style influences inferences between general and detail statements in paragraphs. Example: Every solo example stated by the Bible must be broadly generalized; Theme-Detail: A general principle followed by an example is interpreted restrictively---the general theme statement only applies in the case of the example; Theme-Detail-Theme: A Theme-Detail-Theme unit is interpreted as a paragraph. Consequently the details of the paragraph are generalized so that they are seen as illustrative of the theme. This examples applies to Rashis Dt27-18a URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/rule1307.htm Brief Summary: Cursed be him who leads astray a blind person on the highway RASHI: Similarly there is a curse on someone who gives any bad advice.

Certain Biblical paragraphs are stated in a example form. In other words an example of a law is stated rather than the full general rule. The reader's task is to generalize the example. The idea that all Biblical laws should be perceived as examples (unless otherwise indicated) is explicitly stated by Rashi (Pesachim 6.). This is a rule of style since the rule requires that a text be perceived as an example rather than interpreted literally. The Rabbi Ishmael style rules govern the interpretation of style.

Verse Dt27-18a discussing the curse placed on those who misguide a blind person on the path states cursed be him who misguides a blind person on the path And the whole nation says and responds, Amen. The Rabbi Ishmael example rule requires generalization of this passage. In this case we simply generalize from misguiding a blind person on a physical path to giving bad advice to any person on their path in life; cursed be him who misleads any person on his path in life And the whole nation says and responds, Amen.