Rashi's Daughters, Book III: Rachel

The historical fiction series about Rashi - one of the most famous rabbis of all time - by Maggie Anton concludes with Rashi's Daughters Book III: Rachel.

Beginning in 1091, this third volume continues the story of Rashi - a French rabbi who taught his daughters Talmud. His youngest daughter, Rachel, is married to Elizer.

Elizer wants to move his family to Spain where he spend much of the year on business. Rachel wants to stay in France with the rest of her family. She is working on a business plan that will allow Elizer to remain in Troyes all year. After the Crusades begin and much most of the yeshivas in Europe are ruined, Rachel is more convinced to stay with her father and help him on his commentary of the Mishnah - a commentary that will help Judaism survive and become what is it today.

Anton captures the feel of his historic time and weaves the lives of all of her characters seamlessly into a compelling story, including adventure, romance, and Torah study. This series is a must-read for anyone interested in Judaism, Torah or history. I only wish Rashi had had more daughters so the series could continue!

Anton, Maggie. (2009). Rashi's Daughters, Book III: Rachel. New York: Plume Books.