Curricular Unit in Honor of Rashi’s 900^th Yahrzeit            

Rashi, the great teacher of all Israel, passed away 900 years ago, on the 29^th day of Tammuz, 1105 CE (4865 AM). His historic yahrzeit was recently commemorated by Jews and gentiles alike, in his native country of France and throughout the world. This unit is designed to help students in grade 5 and above and their teachers (limudei kodesh and Jewish history) explore the life, times and accomplishments of Rashi at this monumental point in Jewish history.

By studying the material contained within this unit, students will be able to:

1.      Place Rashi’s life in the appropriate historical timeframe and perspective

2.      Display an awareness of key aspects of Rashi’s personal life including his

a.       Place and year of birth

b.      Personal education

c.       Primary descendants and their accomplishments (“House of Rashi”)

3.      Appreciate his extensive writings and commentaries, in terms of scope and their unique contributions to Jewish scholarship

4.      Identify Rashi script, its origins, and the purpose for the inclusion of Old French (La’az) within his commentaries

5.      Explain the idea behind a yahrzeit and the importance in commemorating the 900^th anniversary of Rashi’s passing

The curriculum contains the following:

   7 page unit reading for teachers and students

   15 page detailed Word Outline including:

   Introduction

   Unit goals

   Specific lesson goals

   7 lessons, beginning with the history of French Jewry, including Rashi’s life and manifold accomplishments

   Suggested discussion topics

   Recommended additional readings and video viewings

   Approximately 30 web resources

   PowerPoint slideshow

   Group oriented Webquest - For schools using the internet

Please contact me to obtain a copy of the curriculum. I am also available to present to your faculty and / or student body on this important topic.

Presentation about Rashi and the integration of this curriculum was previously presented for:

    Associated Talmud Torahs, Chicago, IL                                                                                 12/2005

   BJE of New York, New York City                                                                                             12/2005