Regarding the goal of learning Rashi script:
Today there are numerous editions available with modern block type. Is there a purpose in making learning Rashi type an initial goal?
I hesitate to say that students no longer need to learn Rashi type altogether because this will in the future limit their access to parts of the traditional Jewish canon (not every text is available in block type). But from a pedagogical perspective, isn't it enough to be bombarded with with a new mode of logic (this is the student's first exposure to formalized commentary/exegesis) and a new language (this is the student's first introduction to rabbinic Hebrew) without complicating matters more with a new type?
Maybe it makes more sense to wait until a child is more comfortable/confident learning Rashi before adding yet another frustrating and complicating element? It doesn't have to wait years, but can't it wait? Just wondering.
Kol tuv,
Ari Kinsberg
