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#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc. 2012, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#
    9. RASHI METHOD: SPREADSHEETS
    BRIEF EXPLANATION: The common denominator of the 3 submethods of the Spreadsheet method is that inferences are made from non textual material. The 3 submethods are as follows:
    • Spreadsheet: Rashi makes inferences of a numerical nature that can be summarized in a traditional spreadsheet
    • Geometric: Rashi clarifies a Biblical text using descriptions of geometric diagrams
    • Fill-ins: Rashi supplies either real-world background material or indicates real-world inferences from a verse. The emphasis here is on the real-world, non-textual nature of the material.
    This example applies to Rashis Nu18-32b
    URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/w33n24.htm
    Brief Summary: Don't DESCECRATE the Sanctuary and Don't Die. RASHI: So if you DESCECRATE it the consequence is you DIE.

Verse Nu18-32b the prohibition of descecrating Temple objects states And you shall bear no sin because of it, when you have set aside the best of it; you shall not descecrate the holy things of the people of Israel, and you shall not die. Rashi comments: This should be interpreted causatively: If you descecrate the holy things then you deserve to, and will, die.

To properly understand this we review certain rules of logic. The export-import law allows the conjunction and to exchange for an implication. For example, If it rains today and I don't have an umbrella, then I will get wet has the same logical meaning as If it rains today then if I don't have an umbrella, then I will get wet

In the Bible a statement of the form do not descecrate and you will not die has the same logical meaning as do not descecrate; if you descecrate then you will die.

In general any Biblical statement of the form don't do X and have consequence Y is similarly interpreted as Don't do X; If you do X the consequence is you will Y.

Since this interpretation primarily involves the formal manipulation of logical connectives we classify it as a non verse rule similar to the spreadsheet and diagram methods.

There are many examples of this rule in the Torah and we will have opportunity to visit it during this yearly cycle.

      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 Nu15-41e
      URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/w33n23.htm
      Brief Summary: Tzitzith, reminding us of Gods commandments, are only required on 4 corner garments, indicating that we must remember God in all 4 aspects of His relationship with us.

The commandment of tzitzith is discussed in both Nu15-38-41 and Dt22-12 The Bible clearly states that the reason for wearing Tziztzith is that you may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the Lord... I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt We are however told that this requirement of remembering God's commandments only applies to four corner garments which you wear.

    Rashi explains the symbolism of four corner garments. The Bible explicitly connects Tzitzith with our obligation to observe commandments because of the Exodus. But the Exodus is identified has having four stages - Ex06-06:07. The message is that we have a specific requirement of remembering God's commandments in each of these 4 stages of life:
  • Leaving: When leaving Egypt we were in a rush but even so we must remember God's commandments
  • No servitude: The commandments are not something we only observe as slaves (To protect us from slave impulses). As we acquired wealth in Egypt and were freed from slavery we acquire other emotions which also require observing God's commandments.
  • Redemption: On the sea when we were saved from the pursuing Egyptians we were in a state of great emotional flux - nevertheless we must strengthen ourselves and observe commandments then.
  • New Nation: Commandments were not just something we observe to be saved from Egypt. After Egypt we received the Torah - we must observe commandments while we are free. Commandments protect us against our internal vices whether we are slaves or free. 


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