Onkelos on the Torah: Understanding the Biblical Text: Exodus - Drazin, Israel, and Stanley M. Wagner. Gefen, 2006. 408p. $35.00, hardcover. ISBN-10: 965-229-341-5. ISBN-13: 978-965-229-341-1. www.israelbooks.com 221 Hebrew Bible. Traditional commentary. Biblical translation. Bible. O.T. Pentateuch. Aramaic. Onkelos—Commentaries

This is a beautiful, intelligent book. The Onkelos Targum is an Aramaic translation of the Torah, dating from roughly the fifth century. It accompanies the Hebrew text in many Jewish Bibles, offering a translation and explanation of the Hebrew text, but it often goes unnoticed by contemporary readers.

This book presents a clear English translation of the Onkelos Targum for Exodus, highlighting the additions of the Targum’s author. Accompanying notes explain the import and provenance of the additions. Each chapter includes notes describing the impact of the Targum in that section. Additional notes, called “Beyond the Text,” bring in other biblical topics that connect the ancient discussion with contemporary themes. This book presents a remarkably clear guide to understanding this traditional commentary and translation.

The book also includes the traditional haftarot, the readings from the prophetic writers that accompany the weekly reading of the Torah in the synagogue. A scholarly appendix allows the student to delve more deeply into the method and message of the Targum, often citing other sources that add to one’s understanding.

Eventually the authors will publish the Targum for the entire Torah. Currently only this volume and one on Genesis are available. I hope that this series will be available in every synagogue where it will enhance the community’s Torah study. I hope also that churches will consider this a unique addition to their collection, expanding their understanding of the Jewish tradition’s approach to our common text.

Rabbi Louis A. Rieser