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Rashi & the Jews of Ashkenaz
Abstract
Trying to read the Torah or Talmud before the 11th century would be like trying to read a poem written in Shakespearean English. Amidst the violent First Crusade, a Jewish scholar known as Rashi illuminated a path for the Jews of Ashkenaz, which Jews throughout the world still learn today.This resource explores Rashi’s ground breaking approach to analyzing Biblical texts as well as highlighting Rashi’s passion for and prioritization of Israel as the Jewish homeland. Thought provoking discussion triggers and creative learning activities are incorporated as well.
The learners will:
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understand how approaching Jewish texts with Rashi’s “critical thinking” approach deepens one’s connection to Judaism
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know more about Rashi’s life work, how he revolutionized learning classical Jewish texts, and his position on the centrality of the land of Israel to the Jewish people
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be able to
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explain, with an example learned in class, “what is bothering Rashi” and how does Rashi resolve his difficulty.
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demonstrate via some specific examples what Rashi’s stance was regarding the Jewish homeland.
Unpacked for Educators materials include:
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An educator’s guide that contains many rich components. These are organized under the following titles:
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review (questions that relate to the video)
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discussion
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activities
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reflection
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further learning
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A video designed to spark interest in the topic.
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A lesson plan (link in the attachment above) that incorporates additional building blocks for the construction of an engaging and interactive lesson.
Computer, Projector, Student Handout
The website link includes a “further learning” section in the educator’s guide.