Torgumim

Torgumim, also known as Targumim or Targums, are Aramaic translations of the Hebrew Bible. They were created during the Second Temple period, between the 2nd century BCE and the 2nd century CE, to help Jewish communities understand the biblical text in their native language. The term "Targum" means "translation" in Aramaic.

There are several Targumim, each associated with a specific book of the Hebrew Bible. The most well-known is the Targum Onkelos, which is a translation of the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible). Other notable Targumim include the Targum Jonathan, which is a translation of the Prophets, and the Targum Pseudo-Jonathan, which is a translation of the Writings.

The Targumim serve several purposes. They explain difficult words and phrases in the Hebrew text, provide additional context, and sometimes offer alternative interpretations. They were particularly important for Jewish communities that spoke Aramaic but read and studied the Hebrew Bible.

The Targumim were not considered authoritative texts in and of themselves, but rather supplementary aids to the study of the Hebrew Bible. They were used in synagogues, study halls, and private settings, and were often memorized and recited.

Today, the Targumim are studied by scholars of Jewish literature and biblical studies. They provide valuable insights into the development of the Hebrew Bible and the cultural context of the Second Temple period. They are also used in some Jewish liturgical settings, such as the reading of the Torah on festivals.