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    4. RASHI METHOD: ALIGNMENT
    BRIEF EXPLANATION: Aligning two almost identically worded verselets can suggest
    • (4a) 2 cases of the same incident or law
    • (4b) emphasis on the nuances of a case
    • (4c) use of broad vs literal usage of words
     This examples applies to Rashis Lv26-01c
    URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/rule1217.htm
    Brief Summary: 1) Don't WORSHIP objects as idols, 2) Don't CREATE idol images 3) Don't BOW on designated stones [even to God]

The table below presents an aligned extract of verses or verselets in Lv26-01 Both verses/verselets discuss the prohibition of idolatry The alignment justifies the Rashi comment that: There are three distinct prohibitions: (1) Idolatrous worship (2) Idolatrous designation (3) Creation of bowing stones (even to God).

Verse Text of Verse Rashi comment
Lv26-01
  • You shall make no idols nor graven image,
  • nor erect an idol or pillar,
  • nor shall you set up any covered stone in your land, to bow down to it; ....
There are three distinct prohibitions: (1) Idolatrous worship (2) Idolatrous designation (3) Creation of bowing stones (even to God)
Lv26-01
  • You shall make no idols nor graven image,
  • nor erect an idol or pillar,
  • nor shall you set up any covered stone in your land, to bow down to it; ....

    Advanced Rashi: Rashi infers his derivation from the contrastive nuances of the alignment.
  • Two of the aligned phrases contain the (underlined) word idol while the 3rd does not. Hence the Rashi comment ...bowing stones are prohibited even if they are done for God.
  • Similarly the first two aligned phrases use different verbs - make vs. erect. Hence the exegetical comment (not brought by Rashi) ...mere erection without worship is Biblically prohibited.

Notice, as is our custom in this email list, how we have brought in comments not physically found in Rashi. We believe Rashi's intent was to mention one of several similar comments on a textual passage and have the teacher fill in the other comments as illustrative of his methods. 


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