Words From Rabbi White

We are all familiar with the midrashim that appear in Rashi's commentary. Yet, I personally have always been fascinated by Rashi's knowledge of the Hebrew language. A wonderful example appears at the beginning of this week's parasha. The word `aharei is followed by the word derech (in the 5^th verse of the parashah, verse 11:30) Rashi shows that the Torah reader must pause between the 2 words, since the cantillation mark over the 1^st word is a pashta', which requires a stop. (He gives 2 other proofs, which I shall not go into now.) (Actually, the 19^th century Italian/Jewish commentator Shadal wrote a critique of this Rashi, but I was not swayed!)

At verse 11:29, Rashi quotes the Aramiac translation to show that the "blessing" in this verse means "the ones who give the blessing."

At verse 12:3, he explains the difference between the Hebrew words mizbeah and matseivah, which you might think are synonymous.

If we can turn back to parashat kedoshim in Viqra', we can be astounded by his knowledge of language. In his commentary on verse 19:16, he notes how certain letters, that are produced in the same place in the mouth, can be interchanged. Thus, the letters kaf and gimel, which are both pronounced in the back of the mouth (gutturals) can sometimes be interchanged.  Likewise, a nun and a lamed can be interchanged, for if you think about it, they are both pronounced by placing the tongue against the front teeth (dentals.) 

I am fascinated by Rashi's quoting of verses from the Tanach. For example, in this week's parasha, on verse 13:7, he explains a word by quoting from Ezekiel chapter 43.  I used to tell my students that it was easy for Rashi, because he had a computer, or at least a concordance. In the 11^th century?  Yes, his computer was his brain!

And, of course, Rashi's greatness was in in his ability to anthologize from the Talmud, midrash, and grammarians. Just in this week's parasha, he quotes from the midrash Sifrei, from the Talmud tractate Avoda Zarah, the Talmud tractate Zevachim, the Talmud tractate Keritot; the Talmud Menachot. 

He often translates difficult words into French and is considered by scholars to be one of the most important sources of ancient French. 

We could write volumes analyzing the brilliance of Rashi (and people already have!) Yet, at least, I hope I have given you here a taste. 

Shabbat shalom