#*#*#*#  (C) 2000-2005, RashiYomi Inc. Dr Hendel President #*#*#*#
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  |      Rashi is Simple Version 2.0                         |
  |      (C) RashiYomi Inc., Dr Hendel President             |
  |       http://www.RashiYomi.Com                           |
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VERSE: Lv14-04c

RASHIS COVERED: Lv14-04c Lv14-04d Lv17-11a

=========================== Lv14-04c ============================

SUCCINCT SUMMARY
----------------
An advanced Rashi method is the use of symbolism to explain
Biblical chapters. The general guidelines for symbolic
interpretation are compactly presented in my essay GENESIS
ONE SPEAKS ABOUT THE CREATION OF PROPHECY NOT THE CREATION
OF THE WORLD which may be found at URL
http://www.Rashiyomi.com/gen-1.htm We call this the Rashi
method of SYMBOLISM / symbolism.

As pointed out in the above essay, Rav Hirsch emphasized
that one cannot whimsically apply symbolic methods. Rather
the Biblical text must demand or require the use of symbolism.

EXAMPLE Lv17-11a
----------------
The Biblical text at Lv17-11a states
----------------------------------------------------
- Because the soul of all flesh is in its blood
- and I have given it to you on the altar for atonement
- therefore you should not eat blood
----------------------------------------------------

Rashi paraphrased comments
-----------------------------------------------------
- the FUNCTION of blood is to sustain the SOUL
- therefore BLOOD symbolizes the SOUL
- Here we use the rule that FUNCTION determines
  SYMBOLIC content
-----------------------------------------------------

LIST975o below indicates other symbols named by function

EXAMPLE Lv14-04c Lv14-04d
-------------------------
The biblical text at lv14-01:04 states
------------------------------------------------------
this is the atonement procedure for the Lepor when
he purifies himself from the leprosy....and he
takes a CEDAR HYSSOP and WOOL DIED IN WORM
------------------------------------------------------

Rashi explains the symbolic meaning of the items
----------------------------------------------------
-CEDAR, a lofty of trees=haugtiness
-HYSSOP, a lowly plant=humility

- WOOL from LAMB, = high animal rank
- WORM = low animal rank

Hence the symbolism is clear: To atone for his
sins of haughtiness the lepor must seek out
a humble existence [Alternatively I would supplement
Rashi by suggesting that to atone for leprosy and
isolation the lepor must renew his committment
to society as a whole--all aspects of society from
the lowly to the highest]
----------------------------------------------------

LIST975p lists similar biblical symbols of plants/animals
====================================================================
ITEM                     DETAIL
======================== ===========================================
RASHI RULE CLASS:        SYMBOLISM
RASHI SUBRULE CLASS      SYMBOLISM
RASHI WORKBOOK PRINCIPLE #29
SEE BELOW                LIST975o
List of                  Items whose symbolic meaning is by function
-----------------------  ----------------------------------------
SEE BELOW                LIST975p
List of                  Plant/animal symbols in bible
====================================================================

========================= LIST975o =================================
List of                  Items whose symbolic meaning is by function
====================================================================
ITEM          ITS FUNCTION      SYMBOLIZES    VERSE USING SYMBOL
============= ================= ============= ======================
blood         sustain soul      soul          Lv17-11a
windows       enable sight      eyes          Ex12-03
grinders      grind             teeth         Ec12-03
doors shut    let things out    constipation  Ec12-04
house beams   support house     major bones   Ec12-03
====================================================================

======================== LIST975p =========================
List of                  Plant/animal symbols in bible
===========================================================
VERSE      Plant-animal   SYMBOLIZES
========== ============== =================================
Ju09-15    Cedar-thorn    Haughty-meek
Lv14-04c   Cedar-hyssop   Hauhty-meek
Is05-01:07 Vineyard       Precious nation
Is41-14    Worm           lowest life form
P022-07    Worm           lower life form
Lv14-04d   wool died worm high ranked animal-low life form
===========================================================
---------------------------------------------------
WARNING: The following additional references may be too wordy
However they frequently contain additional information & lists
The hyperlinks only work on the main website

Volume 25 Number 16


#*#*#*#  (C) 2000-2005, RashiYomi Inc. Dr Hendel President #*#*#*#