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    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 Ex25-12c
    URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/ex25-19a.htm
    GENERAL: Make 4 golden clasp rings; DETAIL: 2 on each side.

Certain Biblical paragraphs are stated in a Theme-Development form. In other words a broad general idea is stated first followed by the development of this broad general theme in specific details. The Theme-Detail form creates a unified paragraph. Today's example illustrates this as shown below.

    Biblical verses Ex25-12 discussing the construction of the Temple Ark carrying rings states And they shall make an ark of acacia-wood:....
  • General: And thou shalt cast four rings of gold for it, and put them in the four feet thereof;
  • Detail: [with] two [of the 4] rings on one side of it,
  • Detail: and [with] the other two [of the 4 ] rings on the other side of it. ....

Rashi's comments have been placed in brackets. Rashi explicitly states The two subordinate clauses in the detail verses are explanations and clarifictions of the main sentence in the general verse. That is the verse is read as indicated: You will make 4 rings...with 2 on one side and 2 on the other.

Sermonic points: The Ark symbolizes the Torah which resided in it. The Ark symbolism teaches us valuable points about learning. Here there is emphasis that if we have 4 hours of learning a week we should not focus on one side of Jewish law but rather be multi-faceted, 2 sided, with our time resources. For example we should devote equal amounts of time to God-Man and Man-Man laws. 


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