[Avodah] Did RSRH Write LH about Shimon and Levi

[Saul Mashbaum]

RTK

>>
It was already established back from the time of Rivkah ("Nish'alah es
pi hana'arah") that Jews do not marry off a daughter or a sister
without her consent.
>>
RSM

>>It is a common misconception that the cited phrase indicates that
Rivkah's consent was necessary for the proposed marriage. As is clear
from the Biblical text, the cited phrase relates to something else:
the proposal that Rivkah leave her father's house immediately <<


>>>>>

RTK
>>
Well if it is a common misconception, it is one shared by Rashi, so I'm in
good company.  Ber. 24:57 on the words, -- Rashi there says, "Mikan she'ein
masi'in es ha'isha elah mida'atah."
>>

This point is well taken. OTOH, my comment is accurate on the simple pshat
level of the Biblical narrative. Chazal in the midrash Rashi quotes
(Bereshit Rabbah 60) *extend * Rivka's consent, as recorded in the Torah,
 to a previous matter. As RJWaxman pointed out, the midrash there
specifically relates to Rivka's status as an orphan, based on the midrash
that B'tuel died upon Eliezer's arrival. I do not know why Rashi writes
"isha" in place of the "y'toma"
in the midrash which is apparently his source.

In any event, this matter nicely illustrates the point mentioned by
RETurkel, that there is a tendency to relate to comments by Rashi as if they
were written explicitly in the Torah.

If one believes that the words "Nish'ala es pi hana'arah" in the literal
words of the Torah refer to the proposed marriage, he is laboring under a
misconception. If he maintains that chazal midrashicly apply them to the
proposed marriage, he is completely correct.

Saul Mashbaum.
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