#######################################################
#       12 YEAR Ayelet DAILY-RASHI-YOMI CYCLE         #
#                    Oct 18, 2007                     #
#                    YEAR 8 of 12                     #
#                                                     #
#           VISIT THE RASHI YOMI ARCHIVES             #
#           -----------------------------             #
#         HOME   http://www.RashiYomi.Com             #
# WEEKLY RASHI   http://www.RashiYomi.Com/rule.htm    #
#  DAILY RASHI   http://www.RashiYomi.Com/calendar.htm#
#                                                     #
#  Reprinted with permission from WEEKLY RASHI,       #
#  (c) 1999-2007, RashiYomi Inc., Dr Hendel President #
#   Permission to reprint with this header PROVIDED   #
#          it is not printed for profit               #
#                                                     #
#######################################################


#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc. 2007, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#
      5. RASHI METHOD: CONTRADICTION
      BRIEF EXPLANATION:Rashi resolves contradictory verses using 3 methods.
      • (5a) Resolution using two aspects of the same event
      • (5b) Resolution using two stages of the same process
      • (5c) Resolution using broad-literal interpretation.
      This example applies to Rashis Dt15-01a
      URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/w33n13.htm
      Brief Summary: Every 7 years (on years 7,14,21..) there is an annulment of loans.

The table below presents presents two contradictory verses. Both verses speak about the annulment of loans in the 7th year The underlined words highlight the contradiction. One verse says loans are annuled at the end of seven years (persumably, 7 years from the date of loan) while the other verse implies that it is the 7th year in the 7th year cycles that annuls loans. Which is it? Are loans annuled 7 years after a loan is made or every 7th year independent of when the loan was made?

Summary Verse / Source Text of verse / Source
Annul 7 years after Dt15-01a At the end of 7 years thou shalt make a release
Annul at the 7th year point of the 7 year cycles Dt15-07:09 If there is among you a poor man ... Beware that there be not a thought in your wicked heart, saying, The 7th year, the year of release, is at hand; ... and you give him nothing; and he cry to the Lord against you,
Resolution: Broad literal
  • The absolute 7th year annuls loans
  • At the end of [Every] 7 year cycle annul loans

      Rashi resolves this contradiction using the broad-literal method. Rashi reads the two verses as follows.
    • at the end of [Every] 7 year [cycle] annul loans
    • Don't say [at the request for a loan] the [absolute] 7th year [of the 7 year cycle] is coming and you will be depressed [at the thought of losing money] and not lend him. But rather lend him.

By using the table structure with underlines we are able to participate and empathize with Rashi in construction of the Rashi comment.


#*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2007, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#