The Rashi challenge

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What inspired you to write the Rashi Challenge and what is in it?

To create a fun and stimulating alternative way of teaching and learning Rashi’s commentary on the Torah. The book is filled with questions and answers on Rashi’s Torah commentary. The questions are separated into the portions of the week and are followed by the answers.

Who was Rashi and why is his commentary so important?

Rashi is the acronym for the mediaeval French rabbi, Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki. Rashi’s commentary on the Torah is widely accepted as the most important and illuminating explanation of the word of Hashem. Knowledge of Rashi’s commentary has become the goal of millions of Jews over the last thousand years.

How does one use the book?

• *By merely browsing through the questions and answers, beginners can start to build their knowledge of Torah and Rashi.
• * By searching for the answers in Rashi’s commentary, one can learn the entire commentary in an interactive and stimulating way.
• * Students can use the questions to test their knowledge of Rashi.
• * Teachers can use the questions to test their students.
• *Parents can use the questions and answers to create a fun and interesting atmosphere at the Shabbos table.

Who did you do the Rashi questions and answers for?  

I originally compiled them for Torah learners. By searching for the answers in Rashi, one is forced to read and understand both the Chumash and Rashi. The question and answer format makes it fun and interesting. 

Where were the original questions and answers published? 

In the Glenhazel Shul newsletter weekly for over two years. They were also used as part of the Torah syllabus at the Yeshiva College High School. 

Who read them and what was their response?  

Community members and learners at Yeshiva College. Readers and learners have enjoyed the challenge of testing their own knowledge, searching for the answers and simply having an easy way of learning Rashi through Q & A. 

 What does Rashi mean to you? 

Rashi is a hero of mine and so many others. He takes the learners by the hand and guides them through the Torah (and Talmud) by explaining difficult words, lines and chapters in a meaningful yet extremely simple way. 

How has his work impacted on your life?  

It has literally opened up the Torah and the Talmud, making it possible to understand and access the wisdom of G-d and our Talmudic sages. 

The Rashi Challenge can be bought at the Kollel Bookshop and 15 per cent of the sales of the book goes to the Chevrah Kadisha.