9812 —גישתו של רש"י לפשוטו של מקרא והסתמכות על מקורות קודמים

B"H, 4th of Shevat, 5730.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In the farbrengen—it was explained that Rashi’s approach (for a five-year-old learning Chumash) is defined by Rashi himself as explaining the plain meaning of the verse. This excludes all explanations that: 1) Rely on Mishnah or similar sources; 2) Depend on another commentary in Shas or even on a later comment by Rashi himself after this verse; 3) Are based on reasoning—if such reasoning is not simple enough for a five-year-old to understand, then Rashi does not need to mention it explicitly.

According to these principles—which are clear and compelling with straightforward logic—if we say that Rashi’s approach is what he himself testifies and defines (see Bereishis 3:8 and elsewhere), then there is no place for the answer that Rashi relies: 1) On Mishnah... in the chapter HaChovel! 2) On the reasoning of "greater is one who is commanded..."—since even for a fifteen-year-old learning Gemara this logic is not at all simple, especially when it is a matter of dispute.

Incidentally: This was already discussed at length the first time this particular Rashi was addressed. In conclusion—Rashi relies on Mishnah only in his commentary before Parshas HaMila (Noach 9:5). Therefore, there is also no room for questions on Rashi from the sugya of HaChovel and so forth. Surely this was also noted in your response as well. In any case, thank you for your comment and analysis.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that Rashi’s commentary focuses strictly on the plain meaning accessible to a young child, without relying on advanced sources or complex reasoning. This clarity helps avoid misunderstandings about how to learn and teach Chumash with Rashi.