Rashi's Daughter, Secret Scholar

Set in 11th-century Troyes, France, "Rashi's Daughter" tells the story of Joheved, eldest daughter of Salomon ben Isaac, who is known as Rashi - one of the great medieval Jewish Bible commentators. At a time when women traditionally were barred from studying Jewish texts, Rashi secretly teaches first Joheved, then her sister Miriam. By day, Joheved helps in running the household and the family winemaking business, and by night she studies Talmud with her father. As she nears marriageable age, Joheved finds her mind and spirit awakened by religious study, but she must keep her passion for learning and prayer hidden. When she becomes betrothed to Meir ben Samuel, she is forced to choose between marital happiness and being true to her love of the Talmud.Note: This JPS YA title is adapted from the author's adult title, "Rashi's Daughters, Book I: Joheved".