NEWS: Globalization of Orthodox Judaism and the Art Scroll Talmud Project

Since its compilation in 5th century Babylon, Talmud has become the main source of law for Judaism. While Orthodox Jews are asked to dedicate their lifetime to the rigorous study of Talmud, its archaic Aramaic language, replete with allusions and linguistic intricacies, makes it virtually inaccessible to lay Jews. Even the scholarly commentary of the 11th century French rabbi, Rashi, has done little to help the situation in this regard, which makes the pioneering Art Scroll Talmud Project all the more important. A collaborative effort of more than 50 scholars in Israel and the United States, this 20-year old project has now rendered accessible translations in English and Modern Hebrew, with the French and Russian editions in the making. As sales of some 50,000 copies in each of the two languages indicate, the Art Scroll Talmud Project has played a significant role in the recent rise of Talmudic studies among Jews, particularly those of Orthodox inclinations, around the world. Read full story in Economist

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