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(C) Dr Russell Jay Hendel, 2000
Volume 7 Number 14
Produced Sept 15, 2000
WARNING: USE FIX WIDTH FONTS (eg COURIER (NEW) 10)
Verses/Topics Discussed in This Issue with quicky explanations
v9-9-15a My paper "GENESIS 1 SPEAKS ABOUT THE CREATION
OF PROPHECY NOT THE WORLD" is now on the
website. Visit http://www.RashiYomi.Com/
This paper was presented at the 3rd
international conference on Science & Religion
and should appear in BOR HATORAH.
v9-9-15b ARUTZ SHEVA the Israeli Radio station is
developing a wonderful website with links to
many major Jewish sites. Visit
http://www.JewishUniverse.Net/
Click on TORAH--LEARNING ON THE NET
CLIMAX GRAND SUMMARY OF OVER 100 RASHIS DEALING WITH
RABBI ISHMAEL RULES
Our Goal in the next 3 digests is to give a final
summary to the rules governing Rabbi Ishmael's
rules of style that govern Biblical examples.
First we give some background.
Rashis covered in this issue
----------------------------
VERSE RULE BRIEF EXPLANATION
======== ============== =================
EXAMPLE1 RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES can be LITERAL or GENERALIZED
Dt19-11a RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES can be LITERAL or GENERALIZED
Dt20-03c RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES can be LITERAL or GENERALIZED
Dt20-03d RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES can be LITERAL or GENERALIZED
Dt20-03e RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES can be LITERAL or GENERALIZED
Dt20-03f RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES can be LITERAL or GENERALIZED
Dt20-03g RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES can be LITERAL or GENERALIZED
Lv17-13b RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES can be LITERAL or GENERALIZED
Nu05-12d RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES can be LITERAL or GENERALIZED
Dt25-04a RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES can be LITERAL or GENERALIZED
Lv01-02c RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES can be LITERAL or GENERALIZED
Dt18-03b RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES can be LITERAL or GENERALIZED
EXAMPLE2 RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES CanBe LITERAL or GENERALIZED
Dt19-11a RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES CanBe LITERAL or GENERALIZED
Dt20-03c RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES CanBe LITERAL or GENERALIZED
Dt20-03d RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES CanBe LITERAL or GENERALIZED
Dt20-03e RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES CanBe LITERAL or GENERALIZED
Dt20-03f RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES CanBe LITERAL or GENERALIZED
Dt20-03g RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES CanBe LITERAL or GENERALIZED
Lv17-13b RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES CanBe LITERAL or GENERALIZED
Nu05-12d RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES CanBe LITERAL or GENERALIZED
Dt25-04a RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES CanBe LITERAL or GENERALIZED
Lv01-02c RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES CanBe LITERAL or GENERALIZED
Dt18-03b RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES CanBe LITERAL or GENERALIZED
EXAMPLE3 RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES should be GENERALIZED
Ex21-28a RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES should be GENERALIZED
Ex21-17a RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES should be GENERALIZED
Ex22-21a RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES should be GENERALIZED
Ex22-30b RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES should be GENERALIZED
Dt22-23a RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES should be GENERALIZED
Dt23-11a RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES should be GENERALIZED
Dt13-07f RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES should be GENERALIZED
Dt15-19b RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES should be GENERALIZED
Dt25-04a RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES should be GENERALIZED
EXAMPLE4 RabbiIshmael REPETITION can give SPECIFICITY to LAWS
Nu05-12d RabbiIshmael REPETITION can give SPECIFICITY to LAWS
Lv01-02c RabbiIshmael REPETITION can give SPECIFICITY to LAWS
Lv17-13b RabbiIshmael REPETITION can give SPECIFICITY to LAWS
Gn09-11a RabbiIshmael REPETITION can give SPECIFICITY to LAWS
Nu03-06a RabbiIshmael REPETITION can give SPECIFICITY to LAWS
Nu05-12d RabbiIshmael REPETITION can give SPECIFICITY to LAWS
Dt02-04a RabbiIshmael REPETITION can give SPECIFICITY to LAWS
Dt06-06a RabbiIshmael REPETITION can give SPECIFICITY to LAWS
Dt11-28a RabbiIshmael REPETITION can give SPECIFICITY to LAWS
Lv19-35a RabbiIshmael REPETITION can give SPECIFICITY to LAWS
Gn45-23a RabbiIshmael REPETITION can give SPECIFICITY to LAWS
Gn49-04b RabbiIshmael REPETITION can give SPECIFICITY to LAWS
Dt04-33c RabbiIshmael REPETITION can give SPECIFICITY to LAWS
Lv03-09a RabbiIshmael REPETITION can give SPECIFICITY to LAWS
Ex01-11b RabbiIshmael REPETITION can give SPECIFICITY to LAWS
Gn02-08a RabbiIshmael REPETITION can give SPECIFICITY to LAWS
Dt11-26a RabbiIshmael REPETITION can give SPECIFICITY to LAWS
EXAMPLE5 RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES are LITERAL if they're REPEATED
Lv01-02c RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES are LITERAL if they're REPEATED
Lv07-26a RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES are LITERAL if they're REPEATED
Lv11-21b RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES are LITERAL if they're REPEATED
Dt21-22b RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES are LITERAL if they're REPEATED
Dt18-03b RabbiIshmael EXAMPLES are LITERAL if they're REPEATED
EXAMPLE6 RabbiIshmael EXTRA PHRASES indicate REQUIREMENTS
Dt21-17b RabbiIshmael EXTRA PHRASES indicate REQUIREMENTS
Ex12-04c RabbiIshmael EXTRA PHRASES indicate REQUIREMENTS
Lv17-13b RabbiIshmael EXTRA PHRASES indicate REQUIREMENTS
Lv18-15a RabbiIshmael EXTRA PHRASES indicate REQUIREMENTS
Dt13-13a RabbiIshmael EXTRA PHRASES indicate REQUIREMENTS
-----------------------------------------------------------------
#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*# (C) Dr Hendel, 2000 *#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*
RASHI IS SIMPLE
GOALS: To grammatically defend all 8000 Rashis on Chumash.
METHOD:Rashis are defended with LISTS of comparable cases
INTENDED AUDIENCE: Laymen, Academicians, Yeshiva world
COMMENTS,QUESTIONS: EMail to address below
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:If you want to ask anonymously please ask
(UN)SUBSCRIBE: Email to addresses below with "(UN)subscribe"
JOURNAL REFERECE: Pshat & Drash,TRADITION, Win 1980,R Hendel
NOTATION: eg Gn01-02a refers to Rashi "a" on Genesis 1:2
SPECIALS:...on Parshah,Rambam,Ramban,Pedagogy,Symbolism
RASHI-IS-SIMPLE RULES Complete set of rules on bottom
EMAIL: RJHendel@Juno.Com, rashi-is-simple@shamash.org,
WEB: http://www.RashiYomi.Com/
#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*# (C) Dr Hendel, 2000 *#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*
VERSE: EXAMPLE1
RASHIS COVERED: Dt19-11a Dt20-03c Dt20-03d Dt20-03e Dt20-03f
Dt20-03g Lv17-13b Nu05-12d Dt25-04a Lv01-02c
Dt18-03b
BACKGROUND EXAMPLE
------------------
Dt25-04a Dont muzzle an OX while threshing:
RASHI: Dont muzzle ANY ANIMAL
Notice how Rashi GENERALIZED the EXAMPLE. Dt25-04 said
dont muzzle an OX while Rashi said dont muzzle any animal
By contrast consider the following Rashi:
Lv01-02c Offer(sacrifice) ANIMALS--Offer OXEN SHEEP(LIVESTOCK)
RASHI: You can **ONLY** offer OXEN and SHEEP(LIVESTOCK)
Notice how Rashi treats the EXAMPLE LITERALLY. You can only
offer animal sacrifices from CATTLE and LIVESTOCK--you can
not offer sacrifices from eg beasts
Dt18-03b These are the laws for those who offer sacrifices
Whether from Oxen(CATTLE) or Sheep(LIVESTOCK)
RASHI: So these laws only apply to OXEN and SHEEP not to
beasts and birds
Again Rashi treats the EXAMPLES LITERALLY.
WHY THE DISPARITY? Why in one verse do we generalize oxen to ANY
animal and interpret it "Dont muzzle ANY animal", while in the
other verse we restrict the law to ONLY CATTLE and interpret it
that ONLY CATTLE can be offered but not others?
OVERVIEW OF ANSWER
------------------
The answer is that there are different Biblical STYLES. These
Biblical STYLES govern HOW examples should be interpreted.
This module deals with the rules governing the interpretation
of Biblical EXAMPLES. To present a further illustration suppose
the Torah said "Eat apple pies?" How could this be interpretd?
We present 3 methods of interpreting this EXAMPLE.
We could interpret "Eat apple pies" LITERALLY:
--We could say "Eat apple pies" means **ONLY** eat apple pies
We could interpret "Eat apple pies" BROADLY & GENERALIZE:
--We could say "Eat apple pies" means eat ANYTHING TASTY
We could interpret "Eat apple pies" A LITTLE BROADLY:
--We could say "Eat apple pies" means eat FRUIT pies
In such a case we GENERALIZE A LITTLE BIT BUT NOT FULLY.
The above 3 interpretations show a broad spectrum for
interpreting Examples. In fact in this digest we present
3 specific Biblical styles which govern how examples
should be interpreted. Here are the styles.
-GRAND SUMMARY PART 1-
-IN METHOD 1 WE FULLY GENERALIZE-
RULE: If a Biblical example is stated BY ITSELF then we
must **fully generalize** (See Rashi Pesachim 6). About
a dozen examples are presented below from Rashi.
Thus if the Bible said "Eat APPLE pies" then we would
conclude "Eat any FOOD TREAT". A Biblical example occurs
in Dt25-04: "Dont muzzle an OX" is reinterpreted to mean
Dont muzzle ANY ANIMAL.
-IN METHOD 2 WE TREAT LITERALLY-WE DONT GENERALIZE-
RULE: (Also in Rashi Pesachim 6) But if the Bible states
the rule twice--first GENERALLY and then with the EXAMPLE--
then the example is interpreted LITERALLY. We call this
the GENERAL-EXAMPLE or GENERAL-DETAIL or GENERAL-PARTICULAR
style. Here are some examples.
Thus if the Bible had said "Eat PIES-Eat APPLE Pies" then we
would conclude ONLY eat apple pies. We conclude this because
the Bible says this sentence twice
Eat PIES (GENERALLY)
Eat APPLE PIES (DETAILS).
The rule is that the GENERAL-DETAIL style necessitates literal
interpretation. A Biblical example would be Lv01-02c
Offer (sacrifices) ANIMAL (GENERALLY)
Offer CATTLE & LIVESTOCK (EXAMPLES)
So the law is that we can offer (from animals) only cattle
and Livestock. We call this method 2b below.
Some other Biblical examples are
Nu05-12d If a woman DESCECRATES her marriage (GENERAL)
If she COMMITS ADULTERY (DETAIL)
then we perform the following ceremony
So the law is that we perform the ceremony if she descecrated
her marriage by committing adultery (but not eg if she
descecrated her marriage by eg insulting her husband in public.
It is only adultery that necessitates the ceremony) We call
this method 2a below (The difference between 2a and 2b is that
in method 2a the GENERAL CATEGORY is vague to begin with--
for example the word DESCECRATES does not have specific meaning
By tying this VAGUE GENERAL word, DESCECRATES to the specific
example ADULTERY we arrive at meaning)
Sometimes the EXAMPLE doesn't erase the GENERAL category but
rather ADDS A REQUIREMENT. Thus Lv17-13b states
You must cover up spilled blood of
a slaughtered animal-------------------GENERAL
that can be eaten----------------------DETAIL
So you only cover up spilled blood when slaughtering
a KOSHER animal (that 'can be eaten') but not when
slaughtering a non-kosher animal. We call this method 2c below.
---IN METHOD 3 WE PARTIALLY GENERALIZE---
RULE: If the Bible uses one of the following styles then
we interpret the example by partially generalizing:If the
Bible states the example twice or three times & Either
--It states the EXAMPLES first and then GENERALLY
--It states GENERALLY first, EXAMPLES second, and GENERALLY 3rd
--It states several examples but the CONTEXT shows it speaking
about one topic.
In all these cases we SOMEWHAT GENERALIZE the EXAMPLES.(The
talmud learns the EXAMPLE-GENERAL style from Nu06-03:04 in
Nazir 34b).
Furthermore because we are only SOMEWHAT GENERALIZING there
frequently arises controversy in interpreting the examples.
In fact very often interpretations look forced. Nevertheless
the student can be certain a specific method of interpretation
is being applied. Here are some Biblical examples.
Ex25-31 says Make a CANDELLABRAH (GENERAL)
it should be GOLD and SCULPTURED(not soldered)(DETAIL
The CANDELLABRAH should be made (GENERAL)
Because of the GENERAL-EXAMPLE-GENERAL style we somewhat
generalize the example--it is allowed to make a candellabrah
from any metal (not just gold). We call this method 3a below.
In method 3b we dont have a DETAIL and GENERAL category. We
rather have a COLLECTION of EXAMPLES which we interpret using
the UNIFYING context so that the examples span the spectrum
of all COMPONENTS of this UNIFYING context.
For example Dt20-03 says that in a war
Do not be SOFT HEARTED
Do not be AFRAID
Do not be ANXIOUS
Do not be STUNNED
Rashi interprets these 4 items as follows
Do not be afraid of enemy TRANSPORTATION capacity (Horses)
Do not be afraid of enemy MILITARY RESOURCES (Shields)
Do not be afraid of enemy COMMUNICATION (Horns)
Do not be afraid of enemy MORALE (Battlecry
But why does Rashi interpret eg SOFT HEARTED as "HORSES" and
AFRAID as "from SHIELDS" etc? The answer is he doesn't. Rather
Rashi is using the UNIFYING CONTEXT, which is FEAR IN WAR
and listing ALL COMPONENTS of fear in war. The 4 things people
are afraid of are TRANSPORTATION capacity, MILITARY RESOURCES,
COMMUNICATIONS, & MORALE.
Thus it wasn't the dictionary or grammar that forced the
interpretation but rather CONTEXT. The reader can easily see
how legitimate alternate interpretations could exist. The reader
can also see how Rashis explanation is not forced. What we have
provided is the underlying principle which allows Rashi to use
such a method of interpretation here.
In method 3c we also use CONTEXT except that the examples
show a TEMPORAL PROGRESSION TOWARDS a cLIMAX. Thus the
interpretation is clearer than in 3b. The simplest Biblical
illustration is Dt19-11a
When you HATE a person
and you STALK/SPY him
and you CONFRONT him
and then LETHALLY HIT Him
Rashi points out how these are 4 stages that lead to murder.
First you HATE him, then you SPY on him. This leads to
confrontation and then murder. Method 3c always has a 'moral
ring' to it. If you want to stop a murder then eg you should
not spy on people you hate.
This completes our overview of the 3 methods of interpreting
examples. We next present a succinct summary. This is followed by
over 100 Rashis on this fascinating topic.
#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*# (C) Dr Hendel, 2000 *#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*
VERSE: EXAMPLE2
RASHIS COVERED: Dt19-11a Dt20-03c Dt20-03d Dt20-03e Dt20-03f
Dt20-03g Lv17-13b Nu05-12d Dt25-04a Lv01-02c
Dt18-03b
--GRAND SUMMARY--
--SUCCINCT SUMMARY--
---RABBI ISHMAEL'S METHOD OF INTERPRETING EXAMPLES--
SUCCINCT SUMMARY OF 3 METHODS OF INTERPRETING EXAMPLES
------------------------------------------------------
1) If Only the example is stated. Then GENERALIZE IT:
Dt25-04a: Dont muzzle an OX:
RASHI: Dont muzzle ANY ANIMAL
2) If The verse is stated twice: 1st in GENERAL & then in DETAIL:
Then The rule is we interpret it LITERALLY
2a) Nu05-12d If a woman DESCECRATES her marriage (GENERAL)
and COMMITS ADULTERY (DETAIL)
Then the suspected-water-ceremony is applied
RASHI: So this ceremony ONLY applies if she commits adultery
(But this ceremony does not apply if she descecrated
her marriage in some other way
eg she insulted her husband)
In this method,2a the GENERAL CATEGORY is VAGUE(eg DESCECRATES)
2b) Lv01-02c If you offer sacrifices then
OFFER them from animals-------------(GENERAL)
OFFER them from cattle & livestock--(DETAILS)
RASHI: So you can ONLY offer animal sacrifices from cattle &
livestock. You cannot offer eg beasts.
In this method, 2b the GENERAL CATEGORY is focused (eg ANIMALS)
2c) Lv17-13b Cover up the blood
if you slaughter an animal----------(GENERAL)
that is eaten-----------------------(DETAIL)
RASHI: So you ONLY cover up blood of KOSHER animals
that are slaughtered (because 'they can be eaten')
In method 2c the EXAMPLE ('that is eaten')ADDS A REQUIREMENT
but does not erase the GENERAL category.
3) If the Torah uses one of the following 3 styles
EXAMPLES followed by GENERAL
GENERAL-EXAMPLES-GENERAL
A UNIFYING CONTEXT
Then we SOMEWHAT GENERALIZE the examples to similar items
3a) Ex25-31 Make a CANDELLABRAH-------------------------GENERAL
It should be GOLD & SCULPTORED(not soldered)(DETAIL
Let the CANDELLABRAH BE MADE----------------GENERAL
TALMUD:(Mnacoth 28b)The Candellabrah can be made of ANY METAL
(not just GOLD). In other words the EXAMPLE part of
the verse ("GOLD") is GENERALIZED to allow any metal.
3b) Dt20-03 in a war do not be SOFT-HEARTED
do not be AFRAID
do not be ANXIOUS
do not be STUNNEd
RASHI: The verse outlines the 4 components of fear of enemy
Do not be afraid of enemy TRANSPORTATION(horses)
Do not be afraid of enemy RESOURCES (shields)
Do not be afraid of enemy COMMUNICATION(horns)
Do not be afraid of enemy MORAL (battle crys)
How does Rashi know to translate "DO NOT BE SOFT-HEARTED"
as refering to FEAR OF HORSES? The answer is he had no
reason based on the words. Rather the CONTEXT clearly
speaks about NOT HAVING FEAR IN WAR. Therefore Rashi
identified the 4 fears in the verse with the varying
fears possible in war.
In method 2b we infer from the UNIFYING CONTEXT. It is the
CONTEXT, not grammar or dictionary, that justifies the
reinterpretation of words. In other words the Biblical
phrase SOFT HEARTED does not specifically refer to HORSES
but Rashi interprets it this way because of the CONTEXT.
Very often when using this method Rashi appears 'forced'
or 'not clear'. To help clarify Rashi we should at least
remember that he is using the principle of CONTEXT.
3c) Dt19-11 If you HATE a person
and you STALK him
and you ARISE on him
and then LETHALLY HIT him
RASHI: The Bible outlines 4 stages that lead to murder.
1st you HATE the person, then you SPY on him...
Then you CONFRONT him and finally this leads to murder
In method 3c we infer meaning from CONTEXT
The EXAMPLES usually describe a TEMPORAL sequence leading
to a CLIMAX.
We next proceed to the 100 examples.
#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*# (C) Dr Hendel, 2000 *#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*
VERSE: EXAMPLE3
RASHIS COVERED: Ex21-28a Ex21-17a Ex22-21a Ex22-30b
Dt22-23a Dt23-11a Dt13-07f Dt15-19b Dt25-04a
-GRAND SUMMARY-
-THE EXAMPLES-
-IN METHOD 1 WE GENERALIZE-
-HERE IS THE DESCRIPTION FROM THE SUCCINCT SUMMARY-
METHOD 1
If Only the example is stated. Then GENERALIZE IT:
Dt25-04a: Dont muzzle an OX:
RASHI: Dont muzzle ANY ANIMAL
-HERE ARE THE EXAMPLES-
EXAMPLES
--------
(1) Ex21-28a When an OX gores..then pay damages
RASHI: The law applies when ANY animal gores
The Bible used 'OX' since that was a typical animal owned
(2) Ex21-17a A FEMALE witch should not be allowed to live
RASHI: The law applies to ANY witch--male or female
The Bible used 'FEMALE' witch since most witches were
women
(3) Ex22-21a If you hurt an ORPHAN or WIDOW I(God)will punish you
RASHI: God will punish you if you cause anguish to ANY person
The Torah used 'ORPHAN/WIDOW' since these people are usually
picked on.
(4) Ex22-30b A DISEASED ANIMAL in a FIELD should not be eaten
RASHI: ALL DISEASED ANIMALS should not be eaten. The
Torah used 'diseased animals in a FIELD' because that
is typically where they are typically found
(5) Dt22-23a '..& he found her IN THE CITY & raped her...'
RASHI:The laws of rape apply even if he raped her in the
HOUSE. The Torah used 'in the CITY' because that is where
rapes typically happen
(6) Dt23-11a 'A man who is Not Pure from a NOCTURNAL emission'
RASHI: These laws apply to ANYONE who has an emission.
The Torah used 'NOCTURNAL emission' because that is the
typical time they occur.
(7) Dt13-07f When someone seduces you IN PRIVATE to worship idols
RASHI: These laws apply even if the seduction was in public
The Torah used 'IN PRIVATE' because that is the normal way
seduction takes place (steathily)
(8) Dt15-19b Don't WORK with 1stborn of OX,
Don't SHEAR 1stborn SHEEP
RASHI:It is also prohibited to WORK with the 1stborn of SHEEP
or to SHEAR the hide of an OX. But the Torah used 'WORK..OX'
and 'SHEAR..SHEEP' because this is the typical usage.
(9) Dt25-04a Don't muzzle an OX while it works
RASHI: It is prohibited to muzzle ANY ANIMAL while it works
The Torah used 'OX' because this is the typical animal owned
#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*# (C) Dr Hendel, 2000 *#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*
VERSE: EXAMPLE4
RASHIS COVERED: Nu05-12d Lv01-02c Lv17-13b Gn09-11a Nu03-06a
Nu05-12d Dt02-04a Dt06-06a Dt11-28a Lv19-35a Gn45-23a
Gn49-04b Dt04-33c Lv03-09a Ex01-11b Gn02-08a Dt11-26a
---GRAND SUMMARY---
---METHOD 2--
---EXAMPLES INTERPRETED LITERALLY--
---HERE IS THE DESCRIPTION FROM THE SUCCINCT SUMMARY-
2) If The verse is stated twice: 1st in GENERAL & then in DETAIL:
Then The rule is we interpret it LITERALLY
2a) Nu05-12d If a woman DESCECRATES her marriage (GENERAL)
and COMMITS ADULTERY (DETAIL)
Then the suspected-water-ceremony is applied
RASHI: So this ceremony ONLY applies if she commits adultery
(But this ceremony does not apply if she descecrated
her marriage in some other way
eg she insulted her husband)
In this method 2a the GENERAL CATEGORY is VAGUE(eg DESCECRATES)
2b) Lv01-02c If you offer sacrifices then
OFFER them from animals-------------(GENERAL)
OFFER them from cattle & livestock--(DETAILS)
RASHI: So you can ONLY offer animal sacrifices from cattle &
livestock. You cannot offer eg beasts.
In this method, 2b the GENERAL CATEGORY is focused (eg ANIMALS)
2c) Lv17-13b Cover up the blood
if you slaughter an animal----------(GENERAL)
that is eaten-----------------------(DETAIL)
RASHI: So you ONLY cover up blood of KOSHER animals
that are slaughtered (because 'they can be eaten')
In method 2c the EXAMPLE (that is eaten)ADDS A REQUIREMENT
but does not erase the GENERAL category.
---HERE ARE THE EXAMPLES---
EXAMPLES
--------
(10) Gn09-11a I will fulfill my CONVENANT with Noach (BY)
placing the rainbow in the clouds as a symbol
that I will NOT DESTROY the world
RASHI: Thus the verse identifes Gods CONVENANT with
placing a RAINBOW in the cloud as a symbol
that God will not destroy the world.
(11) Nu03-06a & The Levites will SERVE Aaron: (BY)
WATCHING the Temple
RASHI: Thus the verse identifies the SERVICE of the LEVITES
with the specific act of WATCHING the temple
(12) Nu05-12d & She DESECRATES her marriage: (BY)
Sleeping with another man
RASHI: In other words it is only for SLEEPING with
another man that we perform the 'suspected-
wife' ceremony mentioned in Nu05 (Eg if she
desecrated her marriage in some other way by
eg insulting her husband we do not perform
the ceremony)
(13) Dt02-04a ..Jews Watch yourself when you come to Esauv:(BY)
Not starting up with them
RASHI: So the verse identifies the GENERAL statement of
"WATCH YOURSELF with ESAUV" as
DO NOT START UP WITH THEM
(14) Dt06-06a You should love your Lord God (BY)
placing the Torah on your heart and making
sharp summaries
RASHI: In other words the only way to love God is by
placing the Torah on your heart and making
sharp summaries *1
(15) Dt11-28a "If you don't listen to Gods commandments"
"and you deviate from Gods path"----------GENERAL
"to serve other gods and worship them"----DETAIL
RASHI: Thus "Deviate from Gods path" (or "Don't
listen to commandments" are like headlines. The
details are "worshiping other Gods." In other
words the only way to violate **ALL** of Gods
commandments is to worship idolatry.
(16) Lv19-35a Don't pervert JUSTICE:
(THAT IS) in measures, in weights,in liquid measures
RASHI: First some background. From the context of this
chapter we see that they are talking about the
individual (not the courts)
While there are many crimes that an individual
can commit (like stealing) nevertheless the crime
of false weights is the only crime that is punished
like the crime of perverted judges (and leads to
destruction of the land) The reason for this is that
'false weights' is like a bad judge--you can't get
caught.*2
---------------------------------------------------------
In the following verses the general specific nature
of the verse flows naturally in the translation (which
was indicated by Rashi)
---------------------------------------------------------
(17) Gn45-23a & He sent as follows to his father: (NAMELY)
10 Mules etc ....*3
(18) Gn49-04b Your impetuousness prevents you from taking the
birthright... BECAUSE you played with your father's beds
(19) Dt04-33c ..Has anything this great happened?--(THAT IS)
Has a nation heard God
(20) Lv03-09a Offer Its "fat"-- GENERAL
(THAT IS) The tail DETAILS:
(21) Ex01-11b The Egyptians placed TAXES on the Jews...:
(THAT IS) They built cities*2
RASHI: Thus the taxes (only) consisted of
labor to build cities (RASHI also explains
the meaning of the words "TAXES"--but this
is well known.)
----------------------------------------------------------
In the following verses the GENERAL and DETAILS are
separated by several verses. As such the GENERAL
statement looks like a HEADLINE that hyperlinks to
the DETAILS below.
----------------------------------------------------------
(22) Gn02-08a
Gn01-27 And God created Man
Gn02-07:09 And God created man FROM earth and placed
him in the Garden of Eden and placed their trees
RASHI: It **looks** like there are two stories of creation
The 1st creation in Gn01-27 and the 2nd creation in
Gn02-07:09.
Actually however, following Rabbi Eliezers
(Son of Rabbi Yosi the Galileean) who had 32 styles
by which to interpret the Bible we see Gn01-27 as a
sort of HEADLINE that HYPERLINKS to Gn02-07 which gives
the story in complete detail (How did God make man--where
did He put him etc)
(23) Dt11-26a (HEADLINE) I give you today BLESSINGS,CURSES
Dt11-27 (DETAILS) The blessing: if you listen to God..
Dt11-28 (DETAILS) The curse: If you don't listen..*4
NOTES
-----
*1 This Rashi (and the corresonding Rambam Foundations of
Torah 2:1) are sometimes seen as homiletic and not the
simple meaning of the text. But in reality they are
the simple meaning of the text--for this paragraph has
a GENERAL-PARTICULAR form: Love thy Lord thy God BY learning
The Bible uses the GENERAL-PARTICULAR form as a vehicle to
show that LOVE of GOD is achieved by LEARNING.
*2 In other words the verse identifies the sin of false
weights with perversion of justice. The reason for
this identification is that if you steal you take
the risk of being caught. But a person who perverts
measures cannot be caught anymore than a judge who
perverts justice cannot be caught.
*3 Note the complicated explanation brought by
commentaries to this Rashi. Our way of taking it is
simple: Rashi simply explains the verse as indicating
what was sent
*4 NOTE: As the sifsay chachamim points out the Details are
scattered throughout the Bible
*5 This Rashi (and the corresonding Rambam Foundations of
Torah 2:1) are sometimes seen as homiletic and not the
simple meaning of the text. But in reality they are
the simple meaning of the text--for this paragraph has
a GENERAL-PARTICULAR form: Love thy Lord thy God BY learning
*10 It is interesting to compare Nu05-12 with Nu05-20. The Bible
speaks about DEVIATING, DESECRATING=IMPURITY, and SLEEPING.
So DESCECRATING a MARRIAGE=Making it impure=Sleeping with
somebody
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VERSE: EXAMPLE5
RASHIS COVERED: Lv01-02c Dt18-03b Lv07-26a Lv11-21b Dt21-22b
---GRAND SUMMARY---
---METHOD 2b--
---EXAMPLES INTERPRETED LITERALLY--
---HERE IS THE DESCRIPTION FROM THE SUCCINCT SUMMARY-
2b) Lv01-02c If your offer sacrifices then
OFFER them from animals-------------(GENERAL)
OFFER them from cattle & livestock--(DETAILS)
RASHI: So you can ONLY offer animal sacrifices from cattle &
livestock. You cannot offer eg beasts.
In method 2b the GENERAL CATEGORY is focused (eg ANIMALS)
--HERE ARE THE EXAMPLES---
(22) Dt18-03b
These are the laws for those who offer SACRIFICES (GENERAL)
..whether OXEN or SHEEP (DETAILS)
So the above laws ONLY apply to OXEN and SHEEP
not to BEASTS or BIRDS
(23) Lv07-12 (Mnacoth 78a) (From talmud not Rashi)
A person who brings a thanksgiving offering
should bring the CHALAH (minchah) offering also-GENERAL
---either the MATZOH WAFER OFFERING-------------DETAIL
---or the RICH OIL CHALAH OFFERING
TALMUD: Only these two types of Minchah offerings
(Matzoh and Rich-oil-challah) can be brought.
(24) Lv07-26a (See Krituth 21a)
The verses state Lv07-26:27
Dont eat any blood-----------GENERAL STATEMENT
of birds, animals------------PARTICULAR
If you eat blood you'll be cut off (as punishment)
RASHI: So the law is that only blood of birds and animals is
prohibited (but not eg blood of fish, grasshopers etc
which is not prohibited with a cutoff punishment)*2
(25) Lv11-21b (ALso see Chullin 66a)
Lv11-21:23 reads as follows
Do not eat insect-like creatures----GENERAL
Do not eat insect-1, insect-2 ...---DETAILS
Any insect with 4 legs should not be eaten*3
RASHI:Rashi explicitly says 'you cannot eat these insect
creatures if it has the names 'insect-4..'.
So Rashi identifies the law with the specific examples
given. So Rashi is interpreting this as GENERAL-DETAIL*3
(26) Dt21-22b (Sanhedrin 45b)
The verse states
When a person commits a capital crime---GENERAL
then you should hang him on a tree(ie besides
executing him you should hang him)
...
for he has DESPISED GOD------------------DETAIL
RASHI: ALL executed people are also hung after
the execution. Even though the DETAILED stage
says "those that DESPISED GOD" should be hung,
(implying that ONLY the blasphemer and idolater
who despise God should be hung) nevertheless
we do not apply the GENERAL-DETAIL template since
the DETAIL phrase is separated from the GENERAL
phrase; And a GENERAL-DETAIL set that is separated
in not judged as a GENERAL-DETAIL style.*4
NOTES
-----
*1 There are certain subrules to this rule which we will not
go into here (but will go into in footnotes to this whole
topic). As a simple example of something we will not go
into, the Talmud views a GENERAL and SPECIFIC statement that
are NOT next to each other as different than 1 sentence with
GENERAL and SPECIFIC (See San 45 and Dt21-22b for an example)
*2 There is a suggestion in the Talmud that this has a
GENERAL-DETAIL-GENERAL form. Some argue that the following
sentence "If you eat blood you will die" is a GENERAL
STATEMENT. But the opposing side contends that the 1st
and last GENERAL statement do not resemble each other.
The opposing side contends that "Punishment, if
you eat blood" is different than "Prohibition, to eat blood"
This is the so called GENERAL-SPECIFIC-GENERAL case where the
1st and last general are not the same. I it will be discussed
in the footnotes (Krithuth 21a)
*3 Again there is controversy here in the talmud whether this
is GENERAL-PARTICULAR or GENERAL-PARTICULAR-GENERAL. To
ease translation I have simply called the insects insect-1
insect-2 etc (and not given their names). Please see any
good translation for names.This also is an example of whether
we use a GENERAL-PARTICULAR style or GENERAL-LIMITATION
style. See the summary footnotes on this issue.
*4 The Rambam codifies the law according to the GENERAL-DETAIL
paradigm (Only blasphemers and idolaters are hung). There is
controversy in the Talmud on the GENERAL-DETAIL paradigm
when the two phrases are separated. I have filled in the words
in Rashi to show that he brought this to make a point that
the concensus in Law is that GENERAL-DETAIL with
separation should not be judged as GENERAL DETAIL.
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VERSE: EXAMPLE6
RASHIS COVERED: Dt21-17b Ex12-04c Lv17-13b Lv18-15a Dt13-13a
--GRAND SUMMARY---
--METHOD 2c-------
--WE INTERPRET EXAMPLES LITERALLY--
--HERE IS A DESCRIPTION FROM THE SUCCINCT SUMMARY-
2c) Lv17-13b Cover up the blood
if you slaughter an animal----------(GENERAL)
that is eaten-----------------------(DETAIL)
RASHI: So you ONLY cover up blood of KOSHER animals
that are slaughtered (because 'they can be eaten')
In method 2c the EXAMPLE (that is eaten)ADDS A REQUIREMENT
but does not erase the GENERAL category.
--WE CONTINUE THE EXAMPLES--
(27) Lv17-13b You must cover up spilled blood of
a slaughtered animal-------------------GENERAL
(provided) that (it) can be eaten------DETAIL
RASHI: The phrase "THAT CAN BE EATEN" adds a requirement.
You are only required to COVER THE BLOOD of a
slaughtered animal if it is KOSHER (ie if it can be
eaten). But you are not required to cover the blood
of a non-kosher animal.
(28) BACKGROUND: A typical household of 4-12 cannot consume
one lamb--there would be leftovers. The Bible says
Ex12-04c
For the Passover Lamb, you combine households--GENERAL
till the number of people,ACCORDING TO---------DETAIL
THEIR APPETITE,can be served by one lamb
RASHI: The phrase ACCORDING TO THEIR APPETITE adds a
requirement. You don't count people who eat
little, such as the sick and elderly
(29)Dt13-13a If a CITY in the ----------------------GENERAL
TERRITORY THAT GOD GAVE YOU TO DIVIDE UP---DETAIL
worships idols then it is destroyed
RASHI: The extra phrase
"IN THE TERRITORY THAT GOD GAVE YOU TO DIVIDE UP'
indicates an extra REQUIREMENT. It shows that if
Jerusalem worshipped idols then it is not destroyed
(Because Jerusalem was not divided among the tribes)
(30) Dt21-17b
He shall give his 1st born, double inheritance (GENERAL)
among the things found by him (DETAILS)
RASHI: The phrase "among the things found by him"
distinguishes between eg jewelery which a person
BOTH owns and "has by him" vs bonds and stock
which are proof of ownership (but the money is not
yet 'found by him'-because you have to 'cash in' the bond).
Thus the phrase 'among the things found by him'
adds a DETAIL or prerequisite that the 1st born
should only inherit double among what his father really
(already) has/possesses..but not eg bonds or assets
(The firstborn inherits a single portion of his fathers
bonds but a double portion of his fathers equipment)
(31) Lv18-15a
Don't commit adultery with your DAUGHTER-IN-LAW---GENERAL
Don't commit adultery with your SON'S WIFE--------DETAIL
RASHI: The adultery prohibition is only on a DAUGHTER IN LAW
that is also your SON'S WIFE (So it is not Biblically
prohibited to have an affair with your sons RAPE-
VICTIM or with your sons NON-JEWISH-MISTRESS).
(NOTE: The Bible 'streches' the meaning of daughter-in
law to include rape victim and mistresses)
#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*# (C) Dr Hendel, 2000 *#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*
THE 2 DOZEN RASHI-IS-SIMPLE RASHI RULES
http://www.RashiYomi.Com/rules.htm
=======================================
I: RASHI gives MEANING
======================
A: NEW MEANINGS--(eg)"on the face of"=during the lifetime
Volume 2 Number 9, http://www.rashiyomi.Com/Nu04-04a.htm
B: SPECIAL WORDS--(eg)ACH=USUALLY;USUALLY observe shabbath!
Rashi Yomi Summaries,http://www.RashiYomi.Com/Ach-6.htm
C: SYNONYMS--(eg)AMR=to speak; DBR=to cite or to quote;
Volume 2 Number 1, http://www.RashiYomi.Com/Lv20-02a.htm
D: WORD MEANINGS-Thermos(TzNTzNTh)=doubly(TZN TZN) Cold(TZN)
Volume 1 Number 9,23,http://www.RashiYomi.Com/Ex31-15a.htm
E: UNIFIED MEANINGS-PAAM=Repeated action:To Ring,Hammer,Step
Volume 1 Number 3,http://www.RashiYomi.Com/Gn41-08a.htm
II: RASHI teaches GRAMMAR/STYLE
===============================
F: CLASSICAL GRAMMAR--(eg)QUESTION = HEY+CHATAF PATACH
Volume 3 Number 22,http://www.RashiYomi.Com/Gn04-09z.htm
G: USAGE(NEW GRAMMAR)--(eg)INFINITIVE="be involved in";
Volume 5 Number 24,http://www.RashiYomi.Com/Ex13-03a.htm
H: ROOT+PREPOSITION--(eg)ChZK B="to hold";ChZK M="overpower"
Volume 1 Number 7,http://www.RashiYomi.Com/Ex04-04a.htm
I: THE SENTENCE--2 verses can make 1 sentence-eg Dt02-16:17
Volume 3 Number 7,http://www.RashiYomi.Com/Dt19-06a.htm
J: STYLE--REPETITION denotes Endearment;eg 'Jacob Jacob'
Volume 1 Number 12,http://www.RashiYomi.Com/Gn46-02a.htm
K: DOUBLE NOUNS--(eg)"GIVE GIVE";if not CHARITY then LOAN
Double Noun page, http://www.RashiYomi.Com/DN.htm
L: PRONOUNS-(eg)IMCHAH=with you; ITCHAH=Accompanying you;
Volume 3 Number 13,http://www.RashiYomi.Com/Ex22-24c.htm
III: OVERALL TEXTUAL STRUCTURE
==============================
M: OTHER VERSES--Aaron SAW(Ex32-05)...the brawl(Ex32-18)
OTHER VERSE page, http://www.RashiYomi.Com/ov.htm
N: EXTRA SENTENCES-eg[GIVE HIM][WHAT HE NEEDS](Not if rich)
Volume 2 Number 20,http://www.RashiYomi.Com/Dt15-08c.htm
O: DOUBLE PARSHAS-'he WILL pray'-'he WON'T pray';So Optional
Volume 3 Number 12,http://www.RashiYomi.Com/Dt24-14a.htm
P: CLIMAX-(eg Dt19-11)(a)Hate, (b)spy, (c)confront,(d)Murder
Climax Page, http://www.RashiYomi.Com/Climax.htm
Q: OVERALL STRUCTURE-growing nails=despisement(from context)
Volume 3 Number 8,http://www.RashiYomi.Com/Dt21-11a.htm
R: SPREADSHEETS-What is the marriage loophole in inheritance
Volume 2 Number 23,http://www.RashiYomi.Com/Nu36-03a.htm
IV: BEYOND THE TEXT
===================
S: MORAL LESSONS/REASONS-God explains BEFORE punishing;
Volume 2 Number 12,http://www.RashiYomi.Com/Nu12-09a.htm
T: RabbiIshmael-(eg)"When an OX gores";(Or ANY animal gores)
Volume 4 Number 21,http://www.RashiYomi.Com/Dt25-04a.htm
End of Rashi-Is-Simple Digest
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