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.

Rashi's Daughters, Book II: Miriam

Rashi's Daughters, Book II: Miriam by Maggie Anton is just as compelling as the first installment - Joheved. This book begins where the first book ended but changes focus to the second of Rashi's daughters.

Miriam is engaged to Benjamin and cannot wait to marry him and start a life together. His is going home for the holidays and will return for the wedding soon. Unfortunately, while he is away he has an accident and dies. Miraim is devastated and cannot imagine marrying someone else.

She focuses all of her attention on being a midwife as her aunt has been teaching her to do. But eventually she will have to start looking at suitors. She is too young to stay single.

Judah ben Natan is a scholar in Mayence - at the yeshiva that Rashi used to attend. He has never been interested in getting married. His only passion is the study of Torah. However, as time passes he starts becoming attracted to his study partner and realises that he must get married to control his yeter hara (evil inclination). But he will not marry just any woman. She must know Talmud.

Where on earth would he find such a woman?

Anton, Maggie. (2007). Rashi's Daughters, Book II: Miriam. New York: Plume.

Rashi's Daughters, Book One: Joheved

Maggie Anton writes books that not only read like historical fiction, they teach the reader Torah and Talmud. The first book - Rashi's Daughters, Book I: Joheved - is an informative and engaging read.

Salomon ben Isaac, known as Rashi, is one of the most studied Talmud scholars of all time. His commentary changed the way Talmud is studied.

In the year 1068, Salomon had to return to Troyes, France to take over the family winemaking business. He was heartbroken to be away from the yeshiva and his students and teachers. So he began to teach Torah and Talmud to his daughters - secretly. Women were not taught Talmud in those days (and even now in many places). It was thought to be dangerous knowledge.

His oldest daughter, Joheved proves to be a dutiful and serious student. She keeps her knowledge a secret to save her father's reputation. He is starting a yeshiva in Troyes. She doesn't even tell her betrothed, Meir ben Samuel, until the young couple faces it first crisis and she must decide between marital happiness and her true self.

Anton, Maggie. (2005). Rashi's Daughter, Book I: Joheved. Glendale, CA: Benot Press.