1. RASHI METHOD: REFERENCES BRIEF EXPLANATION: Commentary on a verse is provided thru a cross-reference to another verse. The cross references can either provide (1a) further details, (1b) confirm citations, or (1c) clarify word meaning. This examples applies to Rashis Gn30-37a URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/rule1316.htm Brief Summary: (Gn30-37a) Jacob took rods of moist POPLAR. The meaning of this verse can be clarified by REFERENCING (Hosea 4:13) They sacrifice...under oaks and POPLARS.

Verse Gn30-37a discussing the techniques Jacob used to proliferate sheep states And Jacob took him rods of moist poplar, and of the almond and of the plane-tree; and peeled white streaks in them, making the white appear which was in the rods. Rashi notes that the underlined words, poplar references verses Ho04-13 discussing the excessive worship of idols by the Jews. Hence the Rashi comment The statement rods of moist poplar in Gn30-37a is clarified by the reference Ho04-13 which speaks about the worship of idols under oaks, poplars and terebinths. Since the first and last enumerated in this list are trees we infer that poplars are a tree. (Today we can identify them as the poplar tree).

Text of Target Verse Gn30-37a	Text of Reference Verse Ho04-13
And Jacob took him rods of moist poplar, and of the almond and of the plane-tree; and peeled white streaks in them, making the white appear which was in the rods.	They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn incense upon the hills, under oaks and poplars and terebinths, because their shadow is good; therefore your daughters shall commit harlotry, and your brides shall commit adult
Rashi comments: The statement rods of moist poplar in Gn30-37a is clarified by the reference Ho04-13 which speaks about the worship of idols under oaks, poplars and terebinths. Since the first and last enumerated in this list are trees we infer that poplars are a tree. (Today we can identify them as the poplar tree).