I am introducing a very methodical younger student to the world of Rashi. He is beginning to notice "patterns" and method in Rashi's approach. For example, he sees reference to French words, midrash, similar words elsewhere in the Tanach, etc. He would enjoy if we had an organizing/classifying scheme. Has anyone created such a chart, or can anyone suggest headings/categories/Rashi "types" for us? http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,20620,20620#msg-20620 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 04:24:25 -0600 Phorum 5.2.19 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,20620,20636#msg-20636 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,20620,20636#msg-20636 www.Rashiyomi.com]. However, the problem with my approach is that it bases classification on the perceived method of explanation of Rashi (Which is not always explicit).

Nevertheless, I have found this classification very useful in adult education classes. I classify a Rashi based on the method of exegesis I think he is using. I use the following 10 major exegetical categories: a) Cross references b) Word Meaning c) Grammar d) Parallelism e) Contradiction f) Rabbi Ishmael Rules g) Formatting h) Database i) Non-Verse j) Symbolism. In "formatting" I include Rashis based on repeated words, paragraph structure, climax etc.

The Lubavitch Rebbe has an elaborate classification scheme and in his writings has emphasized focusing on younger children (This is consistent with the inquirer’s question) The problem with the Rebbe’s approach is that there are too many rules (Various people have summarized some of the Rebbe’s rules and his works always shed great light on Rashi).

Still another problem with classifying Rashis is that any particular Rashi may have several categories. Some authors give lists of such categories but I am not sure if they are intended to be exhaustive and cover all Rashis. Almost any such scheme has much pedagogic value. One recent example is “A philosophical approach to analyzing of linguistic codes in Rashi and Nahmanides” by Weisblum

I point out that a classification scheme can be misleading: For example no one disputes that Rashi sometimes explains Grammar: The hard part however is identifying the varied grammatical rules that Rashi uses which spans a great deal of modern grammar.

Finally I point out that Rashi sometimes explicitly cites a Midrash (as the inquirer noted). But the Midrash itself had a reason and method. Do we then classify this Rashi as a “Midrash” Rashi or a Rashi based on the reason for the Midrash.

There is probably a lot more to discuss here and this is also the reason the Rebbe’s approach is filled with so many principles.

Russell Jay Hendel; Phd ASA
Dept of Mathematics Towson University Towson MD 21244
[www.Rashiyomi.com]]]> Russell Jay Hendel Lookjed List Archive Tue, 12 Jun 2012 00:22:13 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,20620,20631#msg-20631 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,20620,20631#msg-20631
It is very simple and works on just 10 categories such as
1. Unusual Word,
2. Grammar,
3. Excess Detail
4. Something Missing
5. Repetition
6. Repetition with a Difference
7. Ambiguity
8. Unusual Object
9. Names, Places, Dates, Numbers
10. Logic

Rashi typically asks an (unarticulated) question from one of these 10 categories and proceeds to answer it within his commentary. Once you can identify these categories, you have a framework for understanding Rashi.

Within each category there is some specialised expressions which leads on to a Rashi "dictionary" of key terms that I have created and which reference Rashi's commentary by pasuk.

It works well and gives students of every age group and even with a very limited ability the confidence to learn Rashi.

Michelle Sint]]> Michelle Sint Lookjed List Archive Mon, 11 Jun 2012 10:34:47 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,20620,20628#msg-20628 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,20620,20628#msg-20628
Gary Levine,
Jerusalem]]> Gary Levine Lookjed List Archive Sun, 10 Jun 2012 12:56:36 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,20620,20627#msg-20627 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,20620,20627#msg-20627
Eli Handel]]> Eli Handel Lookjed List Archive Sun, 10 Jun 2012 12:00:26 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,20620,20626#msg-20626 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,20620,20626#msg-20626
Here is my slight adaptation:
1. Divide Rashi into complete thoughts and state each complete thought in your own words. Do not add or leave out information. If Rashi uses pronouns, know to what it refers.
2. Look at the one comment and categorize it as
a. Midrash: uses a midrash to make sense of the pasuk
b. Hagdarah: a one or two word answer
c. Makor: you are told to look at another passuk
d. Perush or Hesber: starts with the word "because"
e. Halacha: teaches you a Halacha
3. Ask yourself why Rashi felt compelled to comment. If Rashi adds extra information, ask yourself why.There must be something that he wants you to add or avoid.
4. Reread the pasuk using Rashi's answer.
5. If Rachi provided more than one answer, ask yourself why one was not sufficient.

Daniel Weinreb, MJEd]]> Daniel Weinreb Lookjed List Archive Sun, 10 Jun 2012 11:58:37 -0600 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,20620,20620#msg-20620 http://lookstein.org/lookjed/read.php?1,20620,20620#msg-20620 Howard Blas Lookjed List Archive Fri, 08 Jun 2012 07:36:27 -0600