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Reading Group Guide - Prequel:
SECRET SCHOLAR
Discussion Questions
1. Joheved and Salomon begin the novel as strangers.
* How does the bond between them develop and change with time?
* What do they have in common?
2. Since Talmudic times, women have been excluded from
Talmud study.
* Why does Joheved want to study Talmud?
* Did the novel's Talmudic quotes aid your understanding of the Jewish
religion and its laws?
* Did any of these surprise you? Intrigue you?
* Why don't more Jews study Talmud today?
3. Joheved's world is filled with demons.
* Were you surprised that an educated man such as Salomon believed in
them?
* What about the other superstitions her family accepted?
* Do you recognize any that are practiced today?
4. Rashi's Daughter: Secret Scholar is filled with
carefully researched historical anecdotes that the author uses as
inspiration for her imagined scenes.
* Did you wonder what was fact and what was fiction?
* How could you find out?
5. Rivka is upset with her daughters learning Talmud.
* Are her objections reasonable?
* Why would men not want women in a position of knowledge?
* Do women today still try to hide their intelligence? Why?
6. Joheved and Meir have an arranged marriage, as do
Salomon and Rivka.
* How does Joheved and Meir's relationship compare to Salomon and
Rivka's?
* To Miriam and Benjamin's?
* Could you imagine an arranged marriage vs. marrying for love?
7. Relations between French Jews and Christians were
fairly tolerant during the 11th Century.
* Was this lack of overt anti-Semitism surprising?
* What other myths about medieval times did this book debunk?
8. Religion was a powerful force for both Jews and
Christians in medieval times.
* Is religion as powerful now?
* How does your religion, or lack of one, influence your life?
9. The author includes a glossary of terms at the end of
her novel.
* Was it necessary for your understanding and enjoyment?
* Why do you think she weaves the Hebrew and French words into her
characters' dialogue?
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