The Definition of the Jewish Day

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1. Peshat and Midrash Halakha

   Part 2 - Midrashei Halakha that Contradict the Peshat

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   In instances where there is a blatant contradiction between the peshat and midrash halakha, Ibn Ezra systematically interprets the verses in accordance with the midrash. However, other commentators, including the Rashbam and the Vilna Gaon, maintain the distinction between peshat and derash – even in matters of halakha.

   Rashbam maintained that the principle of polysemy, of multiple valid interpretations of the text, is relevant even in these instances. He emphasizes that the laws derived from seeming superfluities in the text are the “essence” – and by this he would seem to be saying that the midrashic teaching is binding, in practical, halakhic terms, but nevertheless the plain sense of the verse still has its value and role.

2. Rashbam

   Part 2

   Dr. Avigail Rock

   Foreshadowing

   One of the most important ideas that the Rashbam develops is the principle of foreshadowing. According to this principle, when the Torah notes details that appear to be disconnected, extraneous, or anachronistic, it actually provides them in order to explain an event that comes afterwards.

   It is possible to apply the principle of foreshadowing, not only to verses or fragments, but even to larger segments. For example, in the Rashbam’s introduction to Bereishit, he declares that the story of Creation interests us solely because it helps us understand the Ten Commandments.

   From explanations similar to this, it arises that the essence of the Torah is the mitzvot, while the narratives are secondary; the stories appear in order to explain the mitzvot.

   Peshat and Halakha

   In his explanations of the halakhic portion of the Torah, the Rashbam employs the same method which he applies to the narrative portion of the Torah: the explanation of the verses without any reliance on Midrashic literature. This approach is difficult to apply to mitzvot because the binding halakha is not the simple meaning of the verse, but the interpretation of the verses as the Sages explain it. The Rashbam believes that one should adopt the views of the Sages for everything that relates to practical Halakha; however, the interpretation of the peshat and the halakhic midrashim can live under the same roof. What worth does peshat have when it does not fit with Halakha? One possibility is that the peshat reflects the ideal, while the derash deals with the real.

3. And There was Evening and There was Morning- The dispute between Rashbam and ibn Ezra about Shabbat

   Rabbi Dr. Martin Lockshin | Hour and 3 minutes

   This lecture discusses Rashbam’s controversial comment on the phrase “vayehi erev vayehi boker” [“and there was evening, and there was morning”] and Ibn Ezra’s vehement opposition to this commentary. Through a close textual analysis we explore the concept of a day in the Bible and in Judaism, and also reach a deeper perspective of the significance of interpreting a biblical text.

   Click here for a downloadable audio version of this lecture