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      10. RASHI METHOD: SYMBOLISM
      BRIEF EXPLANATION: Rashi provides symbolic interpretations of words, verses, and chapters. Rashi can symbolically interpret either
      • (10a) entire Biblical chapters such as the gifts of the princes, Nu-07
      • (10b) individual items, verses and words
      The rules governing symbolism and symbolic interpretation are presented in detail on my website.
      This examples applies to Rashis Gn40-16a
      URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/w34n23.htm
      Brief Summary: Three [days till my] baskets [body] with holes [is exposed vulnerable] on [after] my head [my beheading]

We all know that the three baskets in the chief baker dream corresponded to three days to execution. In the table below we interpret other aspects of the baker's dream. For example the holed baskets symbolize an exposed body (after beheading). This aspect of the symbolic interpretation of the baker's dream is often overlooked!

We could summarize the table as follows: I saw [that in] three days my basket [body] is holed [exposed / vulnerable]. And even though the] topmost [goal] basket [of my being was providing ] all types of royal food, professional baker standards, to Pharoh, [nevertheless] the birds were eating them [my flesh] from the basket [my body] on [upon] my head [after my beheading].

Verse text Symbolic interpretation Source
My dream showed My dream predicted that in Joseph/ Bible
three three days Joseph/ Bible
holed there is exposure / vulnerability to my Rashi / Me
baskets body Me
on after Hebrew Grammar
my head; my beheading Joseph/ Bible
And in the uppermost basket there were Even though my uppermost goal in life was providing Me
all kinds of baked food for Pharaoh; all kinds of baked food for Pharaoh;
and the birds ate them out of the basket nevertheless the birds ate my flesh from my body Joseph / Bible
upon after Hebrew Grammar
my head. my beheading Joseph / Bible.

Advanced Rashi: The above table uses the so called linear translation method. This method was introduced (or popularized) by Rabbi Dr. Benjamin Sharfman in his Linear Translation of the Bible and Rashi. Rabbi Sharfman's linear translation is still very popular among those who are beginners in learning Rashi. Rabbi Sharfman was in fact Rabbi of my synaggoue when I was young and I spent many enjoyable Shabbath afternoons listening to his very lucid explanations of Rashi.


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