Avraham Grossman is a Professor of Jewish History at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a member of the Israeli Academy of Sciences. He was awarded the Bialik Prize in 1997 and the Israel Prize in 2003. His research interests focus on the Jewish rabbis and scholars of the early Middle Ages in Ashkenaz and France, Jewish family, and Jewish society.

• Translator’s Note Note on Transliteration1 The Social and Cultural Background of Rashi’s Work The Jews’ Political, Economic, and Social Status • The Troyes Community and the Jewish Centre in Champagne • The Twelfth-Century Renaissance • The Jews’ Social Ties to their Surroundings • Jewish--Christian Religious Polemics 2 Rashi: A Biographical Sketch Rashi’s Life • Character Traits • Standing and Fame 3 Rashi’s Beit MidrashGrowth of the Beit Midrash • ‘The Great Rabbi’ • Library and Sources 4 Literary Works: Commentary on the Torah The Text of Rashi’s Commentary on the Torah • Rashi’s Interpretative Method • Rashi’s Profound Affection for Midrash • General Characteristics of the Commentary 5 Literary Works: Commentaries on the Prophets and the Writings (Nakh) Language, Grammar, and References to Daily Life • Style of the Commentaries • General Characteristics of the Commentaries 6 Literary Works: Commentary on the Talmud For Whom Did Rashi Write his Commentary on the Talmud? • Extent of the Commentary • Interpretative Characteristics • Connections with Other Interpretative Traditions • Versions and Editions of the Commentary • Changes and Contradictions • Halakhic Rulings in Rashi’s Commentary on the Talmud 7 Literary Works: Rulings, Responsa, Liturgical Poems, and Commentaries on Liturgical Poems Rulings • Responsa • Liturgical Poems • Commentaries on Liturgical Poems 8 Rashi’s World-View: The Uniqueness of the Jewish People Methodological Introduction • The Election of Israel • The Land of Israel • Miracles • Exile and Redemption • The Nations of the World 9 Rashi’s World-View: Values Torah and Torah Study • Reasons for the Commandments • Prayer • Truth and Humility • Human Dignity • Peace and Factionalism 10 Rashi’s World-View: Society Scholars • Community Leaders • Forced and Voluntary Converts from Judaism • The Status of Women and their Place in Society and the Family 11 Postscript: Between Innovation and Conservatism Innovation and Mission • How Did Rashi Attain his Historic Status? Bibliography Index

‘An amazing volume that gives the reader a thorough understanding of who Rashi was through his many writings... Grossman’s book is an impressive one... very readable, accessible, and fascinating.’ Ben Rothke, Times of Israel