This article discusses the translation of the Torah into Ukrainian for the first time, a significant undertaking for the Jewish community in Ukraine. The translators consulted rabbinical commentaries and other languages to ensure the accuracy and original meaning of the text.
Key points from the article:
1. Translating the Torah has less wiggle room than translating secular texts due to its sacred nature.
2. A team of around 10 people, led by Zerkal, worked on the translation project, consulting rabbis for guidance.
3. The translators chose to start from the original Hebrew text rather than converting a Russian version into Ukrainian to ensure closer adherence to the original meaning.
4. Shaul Melamed, an editor on the project, volunteered his time and consulted rabbinical commentaries and other translations to make decisions.
5. The translation of the Torah into Ukrainian marks a significant shift for the Jewish community in Ukraine, which has historically used Russian as its main language.
Historical context:
1. Prior to the 20th century, many Ukrainian Jews spoke Yiddish and Ukrainian, but over time, Russian became the dominant language due to urbanization and Soviet Russification pressure.
2. The Holocaust devastated the Jewish population in Ukraine, with estimates suggesting that up to 1.6 million Jews were killed.
3. During Soviet rule, antisemitic discrimination and religious suppression further reduced the number of Jews in Ukraine.
4. Today, estimates suggest there are tens of thousands of Jews living in Ukraine.
Personal stories:
1. Rabbi Mayer Stambler shares his personal experience with learning Ukrainian as an adult and highlights its importance for the community’s future.
2. The article mentions Shaul Melamed’s efforts to stay connected to his motherland through volunteering on the translation project despite being in Hungary after fleeing the war.
Overall, the article highlights the significance of translating the Torah into Ukrainian for the first time and the challenges faced by the Jewish community in Ukraine due to historical circumstances.