VERO BEACH — Author Maggie Anton, will be the Scholar in Residence at 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 17 at Temple Beth Shalom in Vero Beach. She will be discussing her well-received trilogy of books entitled Rashi’s Daughters. The entire Vero Beach community is invited to attend. The presentation of Rashi’s Daughters is suitable for men and women, Jews and non-Jews alike.
Previously a clinical chemist in Kaiser Permanente’s Biochemical Genetics Laboratory, Anton’s commitment to Jewish education and study of the Talmud, synagogue involvement and ritual observance, mobilized her into becoming a full time writer.
Stumbling on the scholar Rabbi Salomon ben Isaac (Rashi), one of the greatest Jewish scholars dating back to1068, Anton became intrigued by his life and began to research his family and the time in which they lived. Much was written about Rashi, but almost nothing of his three daughters except their names and the names of their husbands.
Legend has it that Rashi’s daughters were taught in a time when women were traditionally forbidden to study the sacred texts. These forgotten women seemed ripe for rediscovery by Anton, and the idea of a book about each of them was born. Rashi’s Daughters is a richly detailed evocation of a family, a place, and a way of life. Anton paints a picture of Jewish life in medieval France that is compelling and relevant.
All of the books will be available for purchase on the day of the event, and an author signing period will be held immediately following her presentation.
Book I, JOHEVED is the book that started it all. Daughter Joheved, her mind and spirit awakened by education, knows the risk and keeps her learning hidden. When she weds, must she choose between marital happiness and her love of Talmud? This is a forceful novel of the power of learning, faith, and the two sides of love.
Book II, MIRIAM continues the engrossing historical series. Miriam, a midwife and a mohel (one who performs circumcisions), was tested after meeting a handsome and learned suitor who struggles with the secret that, if revealed, would expose them both to ruin.
Book III, RACHEL is the dramatic final book in the epic trilogy. Rachel is Rashi’s favorite daughter and adored by her husband, Eliezer. But everything she holds dear is threatened during the First Crusade massacre of the Jews of Germany.
General admission tickets are $10 and include the 5 p.m. presentation and book sale in the Temple’s Synagogue.
Sponsorship packages are available from $25 to $200 including VIP reserved seating, autographed books, and an author Meet & Greet from 4 to 5 p.m., complete with wine and cheese.
Reservations: Call 772-569-4700.
