Everyone knows at least a little bit of Rashi’s commentary on the Torah. That knowledge, however, is often very superficial. Even scholars who are masters of Gemara and halacha often use Rashi’s Torah commentary as little more than a convenient reference, rather than as a profound work in its own right.
Layers of Meaning is a book that introduces the reader to the world of serious exploration of Rashi’s commentary. The reader will be introduced to some of the following questions, and will learn some of the methods that great scholars throughout the generations have used to answer them:
*What are the true sources of Rashi’s comments?
*What were some of the “rules” that guided Rashi, and how can we understand why sometimes Rashi seems to have ignored those rules?
*How can we understand the inner dynamics of some of Rashi’s longer comments?
*What can we legitimately conclude from Rashi’s silence about some verses?
*How did Rashi decide where to place his comment if it was relevant to two different verses?
*When did Rashi limit himself to the absolute simple meaning of the verse in front of him, and when–and why–did he go beyond this boundary?
*How can we explore the ethical-philosophical-spiritual ramifications of Rashi’s comments–while staying true to a straightforward interpretation of his words?
These are just some of the layers of meaning that are uncovered in my new book, Layers of Meaning: Exploring the Roots and Ramifications of Rashi’s Commentary on the Torah.
My book has been accepted by a major Jewish publisher, but I need your assistance. The cost of publication is over $20,000.
PLEASE TAKE PART IN THIS MITZVA OF UNCOVERING DEEPER LAYERS OF RASHI’S TORAH!
FUNDRAISING UPDATE:
Donated so far: $8,513 Thanks to all donors!
Still needed: Almost $15,000
Days left: 55
Please help this project spreading Torah succeed!