Targum Onkelos

In this first lesson of the series Targum Onkelos is examined. There is no doubt that Targum Onkelos succeeded, for over a millennium, in maintaining its honored place in the Jewish community as the authoritative translation of the Torah.  In every publication of the Torah with commentaries, Targum Onkelos maintains its place of honor, and throughout the Jewish world, the weekly study of the Targum is a halakhic obligation.

The challenges, difficulties and limitations of any translation of the Bible are visited as well as the specific overarching principles of Targum Onkelos that include:

• Simple translation of the text without details from the Midrash
• Avoids the anthropomorphization of God
• Explanation – not translation – of metaphors
• Explanation – not translation – of biblical poetry
• Varying translations of similar terms in different contexts in order to avoid the desecration of God’s name
• Maintain the dignity of the leaders of the Jewish nation, often concealing questionable actions
• In accordance with Halakha