The tale of a young girl who challenges conventions to engage in Jewish learning
Set in 11th-century Troyes, France, Rashi's Daughter, Secret Scholar tells the story of Joheved, eldest daughter of Salomon ben Isaac (known as Rashi), one of the great medieval Jewish Bible commentators. At a time when women traditionally were barred from studying Jewish texts, Rashi secretly teaches first Joheved, then her sister Miriam. By day, Joheved helps in running the household and the family winemaking business, and by night she studies Talmud with her father.
As she nears marriageable age, Joheved finds her mind and spirit awakened by religious study, but she must keep her passion for learning and prayer hidden. When she becomes betrothed to Meir ben Samuel, she is forced to choose between marital happiness and being true to her love of the Talmud. Will she fulfill the expected role of a Jewish woman or pursue a path of Jewish learning?
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
A great book for Children...unless:
Having read the first two volumes of Rashi's Daughter's I ordered this immediately upon Amazon making it available, March 28, 2008.I didn't know it was for readers "ten and up." I assumed (always a bad idea) that it would be about the third daughter, Rachel. Silly me. It is a re-telling of the story of Jocheved for younger readers...unless they have read the first two volumes. I will give the book to a young girl, a friend's daughter. I am sure she will find it fascinating.
My disappointment is more... more info
