Open and Known That...

It is known that…; it is not hidden that…

("And what shall we speak about in Shimon, and how shall we justify in Benjamin, if it is said to you 'We have sinned' - it is open and known that we did not sin, and if it is said to you that God found the iniquity of Your servants" - Bereishit Rabbah (Vilna) Parashat Miketz, parashah 92. And similarly: "It is open and known that the pure beast is few compared to the impure beast; therefore the support of the written [law] is the separation near the pure, and likewise it is open and known that impure birds are fewer than the pure" - Chizkuni Vayikra 20, an aggadah on Nicodemus and the rain. And also: "All this is open and known, and because of this understanding it is known - therefore we do not come with contention against them" - Byalik / Our Young Song.)

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