Translator?s Note Note on Transliteration 1 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 Midrash Growth 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.