Elie Wiesel has brought illumination to the reader, once again, in his biography on the life of Rabbi Solomon ben Isaac, known as Rashi. Although it is short on pages (107 pages including a glossary), it is nonetheless strong in spiritual content and compelling in its message.

From the Preface of his book on Rashi, and also from the back of the jacket, is this blurb regarding Wiesel’s thoughts and feelings on Rashi.

“Ever since childhood, Rashi has accompanied me with his insights and charm. Ever since my first Bible lessons in the Heder, I have turned to him in order to grasp the meaning of a verse or word that seemed obscure.”

And, Wiesel has also written with great insight as to Rashi’s feelings on the Jewish community as a whole, and what brings life into the community. Wiesel’s words are lovely, well-articulated and speak to the mind as well as the soul. Illumination fills each page, through Torah stories, Biblical references, commentary and Medieval history. Rashi’s work has appeared in every Talmud printing since as far back as the fifteenth century.

Rashi studied devoutly. He was constantly searching, searching for deep meanings and inspiration in the Torah, searching for a new interpretation of a Biblical verse, in order to clarify its meaning. His life was devoted to the truth, and he searched for it until his dying day. He believed in being honest and truthful, even when he had no concise answer. If he didn’t have the answer, he would say so, unlike other scholars. When he could no longer write, he gave oral dictation to his grandson, Shmuel ben Meir, who completed Rashi’s “commentary on several tractates of the Talmud“.

“He is my first destination. My first aid. The first friend whose assistance is invaluable to us, not to say indispensable, if we’ve set our heart on pursuing a thought through unfamiliar subterranean passageways, to its distant origins. A veiled reference from him, like a smile, and everything lights up and becomes clearer.” From the Preface, and also the back of the jacket.

Wiesel brings us a look at Rashi’s life and his works. From commentary to interpretations of Midrash, the reader is enlightened on Rashi’s journey through the Torah, and his deep love of his fellow Jews. Rashi’s concern for humanity is clear, and his writing speaks of such, almost to heartbreaking proportions. He watched the Jews suffer through the Medieval superstitions and religious hatred, and his heart ached for what once was, and for the individuals who suffered during the tumultuous Crusades, unnecessarily, in the name of religious sanctions.

Rashi, by Elie Wiesel, is gift to the modern world. Each page is a reflection of not only Rashi’s life and work, but of his Talmudic brilliance. The book is a tribute not only to the perseverance of Rabbi Solomon ben Isaac’s (Rashi’s) work, but a tribute to the magnificent and heartfelt writing of Wiesel, himself. The book is written with sensitivity, admiration and deep respect for the man that Wiesel considered to be not only a great Master and French Talmudic Scholar, but also a person he could turn to in time of duress and need, a person who offered “first aid“, when it was necessary for healing.

For many in this modern day, Elie Wiesel represents a person who offers “first aid”, and a person who has helped others gain spiritual insight and healing. His writings are numerous, and his messages are always thought-provoking. He is masterful and brilliant, and his word imagery is lasting. The book, Rashi, is no exception, and is brilliantly written with vivid word images that will leave their mark in your mind and in your spiritual heart. In my opinion, it belongs in every personal library, and every public and educational library. I highly recommend it to everyone.
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Tuesday August 18, 2009 – 28th of Av, 5769